Family E-News: Health & Well-being - April 2021

A message from Hokie Wellness Associate Director, David Andrews: 

For the first time in a long time we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. While we do not yet know exactly how long it will take to get there, vaccine distribution is happening faster and faster and conversations around returning to “normal life” are becoming more common. As we slowly begin to allow ourselves to feel excitement and hope for the future, we also want to acknowledge that a return to a more normal life will not erase the difficulties and loss experienced by so many over the last year. We also want to acknowledge that there will likely not simply be a switch that restarts life the way we knew it.

I am writing to share a message of gratitude to you and your students. Gratitude for adapting to online learning, for wearing masks, for checking in on neighbors, for volunteering at testing/vaccination sites, for finding new ways to put a smile on someone’s face, for rising above missed opportunities, and for so many more sacrifices to help keep one another safe. Students were asked accept a loss of independence at a point in their lives when they are wanting to explore the world in whatever way they choose. I offer a sincere “Thank You” but I know that does not do it justice. 

As we begin this new era of vaccinations we are asking you, the families of our students, yet again for assistance. Things are getting better, but we are not at the end of the tunnel yet. Help us to remind your students to keep their vigilance just a little while longer. We are so close, and the longer we can keep practicing distancing measures, consistently wearing our masks, and following the guidelines, the better off we will be as a community.

Again, please accept my sincere appreciation for all that you have done and will continue do on behalf of Hokie Wellness and the entire Virginia Tech community.         

Additional Program Opportunity:

As the end of the semester approaches for students and their families, a lot of emotions can rise to the surface. Some of these feelings can be due to thinking about future financial considerations that need to be made, which is especially true for seniors.

Last month’s issue contained some recommendations for families as graduation approaches, but even more broadly it is important to think about what you can do now to set yourself up for success later.

If your student is returning, have they filed their FAFSA yet for next year? How much money is your student planning to earn this summer, and how much of that will be used to finance their lifestyle next semester? Is your student ready for a credit card and/or using it responsibly? What adjustments can you make to ensure your student has increased confidence in making wise financial decisions? These are only a few of the many questions families are having during this time and we are here to support students in managing their economic life effectively.

Hokie Wellness facilitates individual financial coaching appointments with students that want to learn more about topics such as budgeting and credit in addition to answering questions related to paying back their federal student loans. Students can sign up for a financial coaching appointment here.

There are still lots of ways to get involved with Rec Sports' offerings to increase physical, mental, and social well-being: 

2021 Virtual Run in Remembrance

From April 16th-18th, a virtual run in remembrance will be hosted as the Virginia Tech community reflects on the vibrant lives of the 32 students and faculty who were tragically taken from us on April 16, 2007. Click here to learn more about registration and t-shirt options.

Venture Out's new Bouldering Wall!

Venture Out hosts a variety of outdoor trips and clinics, a gear rental program, and a challenge course on campus.

New to this year - The Venture Out Center has opened a new building that includes a bouldering wall - now open for climbing!

Fitness Offerings

Ways students can get involved with our fitness programs include:

• Group Exercise
• Small Group Training - Session 3 of Small Group Training kicks off this month!
• Personal Training
• Hokie Fit - Free Online Training Program 

Health and Safety Certification Courses

Does your student need a health and safety certification for their summer job? Rec Sports offers a handful of certification courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid, lifeguard certification, and lifeguard recertification cources. See Rec Sports' website for information. 

Spring Health Tips

Allergies

The emergence of tree and flower buds means spring is finally here, and so is allergy season. With the release of pollens in the air comes sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, water eyes for many individuals. April showers can also promote mold growth. As your student spends more time outdoors enjoying the weather, they may find their eyes and nasal passages irritated by the amount of pollen in the air even if they are not allergic.

There are many over-the-counter medicine options to combat seasonal allergies. Many allergy medications work best when they are in your system before you’re exposed to allergens like pollen. It’s recommended you begin taking allergy medicines two weeks before you expect symptoms. When choosing an allergy medicine, ensure your student is aware that some may cause drowsiness while others do not. Additionally, some allergy medications can be used in combination, such a nasal sprays and oral medications. Encourage your student to talk with a doctor or pharmacist about how to properly use these medications. Schiffert Health Center has over-the-counter chloeopheniramine, an antihistamine, available from the self-care cold clinic free of charge.

Students can also utilize at home measures to minimize their exposer to pollen and therefore prevent allergy symptoms. Try these actions recommended by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Sports & Recreational Injuries

As temperatures warm-up and days get longer, campus buzzes with students exercising, playing sports, and taking part in outdoor adventures. Along with all this activity, also comes an increase in injuries ranging from minor scrapes to major sprains. Unless they’ve been training all winter, remind your student to ease into any physical activity to reduce the likelihood of injuries. Recommendations for ankle injuries, knee injury, blister care and prevention, and other topics can be found in our A-Z resources. Schiffert Health Center also staffs an orthopedic physician for follow-up consultation of musculoskeletal injuries.

Students can take advantage of Schiffert Health Center’s wound care clinic for treatment of abrasions (scrapes or lacerations), punctures, bite wounds, or blisters. Wound care certified and trained nursing staff will provide your student with wound cleaning, dressing changes, and consultation with a doctor as needed. The clinic is also fully equipped for minor surgical procedures, such as placement of sutures, and students can conveniently return to have their stitches removed. All students are offered follow-up dressing change appointments and educated on proper care for their wound. For specific questions about wound care services, feel free to call us at (540)231-6444.

Questions about accessibility? Be sure to check out vt.edu/accessibility for up-to-date resources on campus accessibility. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to discuss any questions about access. SSD provides:

• Resources on campus accessibility​
• Modifications to the living and learning environments​
• Academic Coaching​
• Academic assistance​
• Financial Assistance​
• Assistance with life transitions​
• Assistance using service/ assistance animals on campus