When it comes to the well-being of students, Elizabethtown College has made it a top priority. Whatever your health-related issue may be, the College probably offers at least one program or service on campus to assist you. Whether you are suffering from some kind of illness or just trying to stay healthy through fitness, you can find all the help you need.
Even if you rarely get sick, it is still nice to know that the school will take care of you if a situation occurs. For minor problems, plentiful resources are available at the Well. Located in BSC 248, the Well is meant to function much like a school nurse’s office. They offer health related tips, over-the-counter medicine, band-aids, cough drops, ice packs and even condoms, all for free. Student helpers at the Well have the training necessary to take your temperature or your blood pressure if you are feeling a bit under the weather. And for those who want to stay fit, you can go to learn your height, weight and body mass index.
The Well is great place to go for most health needs, but its hours are less than convenient. It is unavailable on the weekends and only open for up to six hours during the day. Also, the first four hours on the weekdays that it is open are the main hours that most students have class.
If your health issue is more serious, however, there is an office of Penn State Hershey Medical Center located just down the street from campus where you can get advice from more expert sources. Doctors and nurses are always on hand to help you out, and, even if you are having problems late at night, Campus Security can direct you or even drive you to someone who can help.
There are also programs to help those struggling with mental health issues. Counseling services are available on campus, for those who need or want help. I believe this is one of the most important programs offered on campus because it can help not only an individual person, but a whole group of people struggling with an issue. Counseling is confidential, which means you are free to share anything you want without worrying about others finding out. More information about counseling can be found at www.etown.edu/offices/counseling.
Fitness-wise, you can find many programs, initiatives and events on campus that help promote a healthy lifestyle. The Iron Jay challenge is a great way for you and some friends to stay in shape and have fun doing it. For those who have not seen the signs all over campus, you can sign up for the Iron Jay through the school website, where you pledge to run either 140.6 miles or 70.3 miles throughout the course of the semester. You can track your progress by either running, biking, playing a sport or any of a range of other activities. A certain amount of time in one sport equals to a certain number of miles in your Iron Jay challenge. To add incentive, students who complete the challenge are awarded a prize at the end of the semester.
If running is not your cup of tea, then do not worry; there are a number of other ways to live a healthy lifestyle on campus. Right in between the Jay’s Nest and the Blue Bean there is the ever-popular Body Shop. Here, one can get in shape using a number of workout machines and free-weights, which are available to everyone. Unlike a normal gym, the Body Shop is an excellent place for those who are not used to working out on a daily basis, or even those who have never worked out a day in their lives. Upon entering, you will notice positive posters plastering the walls. These posters help guests understand how lifting and other exercises can help your body, along with instructions to show you what kinds of workouts are best for certain body parts.
Also free for students to get involved in are exercise programs such as Pound class, Zumba, ab classes and the Etown fitness club. You can check your monthly OSA calendar for these opportunities. These classes usually meet at night in either the KAV or the basement of Royer. They are fun ways for groups of friends to exercise together.
All in all, Etown does everything it can to make sure students live healthy lifestyles and are well cared for during times of illness. We should all be thankful for the opportunities Etown gives us. For more information on health services or how to get involved with healthy lifestyle clubs, visit www.etown.edu/offices/wellness.
