Happy Wellness Week!
“I can sober up more quickly by drinking coffee or taking a cold shower”
MYTH: It takes about 2 hours for the adult body to eliminate the alcohol content of a single drink, depending on your weight. Nothing can speed up this process – not even coffee or cold showers
“Beer doesn’t have as much alcohol as hard liquor”
MYTH - The amount of alcohol is the same when measured as a standard drink. 12oz of beer (5%) = 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40%) = 5oz of wine (12%)
“Mixing Alcohol and Cannabis has no negative effects”
MYTH - Mixing alcohol and cannabis can negatively impact you. Choose your substance and stick to that for the night. Make sure you track what you are consuming and how much.
“Everyone in University Drinks Alcohol”
MYTH – Approximately 1 in 5 students choose not to consume alcohol and in a recent survey of Western residence students, 85% reported they drink alcohol once a week or not at all.
“It is safe to drink more and more alcohol over time, because your body develops a tolerance to the alcohol”
MYTH – Tolerance is a warning sign. If your body develops a tolerance, this means your body is being physically affected by alcohol. The more you drink, the more damage it causes to your body.
If you are looking for additional strategies or information, go here. We want to ensure you are taking care of yourselves and others this Halloween Season. If you or a friend need any support – please feel free to call Front Desk if you are in a Residence Building.
If you need Emergency Services, you can connect with Campus Safety and Emergency Services at 519.661.3300
As part of our commitment to student wellness, we are happy to introduce our Wellness Week! This will be an event that will happen over on our Instagram Stories @westernuhousing! The following London community partners will be highlighted and showcased:
Foot Patrol
Western Foot Patrol is a volunteer driven service that provides safe escorts, walking you to your destination at night; deters crime through patrols; and promotes safety awareness on the main and affiliate college campuses.
Connect with them at 519-661-3650
Active Minds at Western
Active Minds’ mission is to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and to create an open environment for the discussion of mental health issues. Their aim is to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about mental health. By fighting the stigma that surrounds mental illness, their hope is that individuals will become better educated and more comfortable with their own mental health. Through a variety of events and advocacy initiatives they build a community of passionate individuals within the club and collectively raise awareness among Western University students.
Check out their Link Tree for more info as to how to get involved! https://linktr.ee/ActiveMindsWestern
Indigenous Student Centre
Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), a part of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Western University, is committed to supporting Indigenous students in reaching their highest potential through a culturally-responsive space, programs, and services that honour Indigenous cultures and languages, foster Indigenous presence and inclusion, and increase Indigenous access, engage Indigenous communities, and facilitate transition, retention, graduation and advancement of Indigenous students at Western. ISC staff members provide assistance through services and counselling by drop-in and appointment. Specialized resources focusing on Indigenous issues in areas concerning academic, cultural and social needs are available; including career and employment opportunities and training/workshops. ISC also offers study space, quiet areas, gathering space, a computer lab, printing services, and kitchen facilities; with afterhours access for registered students.
Check out their Link Tree for more info as to how to get involved! https://linktr.ee/westernu_indigenous
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA Middlesex is here to encourage you along your mental health journey. Their goals are to promote good mental health, prevent further illness, offer treatment, support recovery and provide mental health education in the communities of London, Middlesex, Exeter and Goderich. Their vision is an inclusive community with mental health and well-being for all.
FRESH
FRESH stands for Food Resources and Education for Student Health. It is a research-based, multi-strategy nutrition education program designed to increase awareness, build skills, reward healthy eating and influence the campus the healthiest foodservice environment.
Their vision is to help make Western University campus in Canada! For more on FRESH, please visit https://www.freshu.ca.
Western Sustainability
Western's Office of Sustainability is dedicated to embedding and amplifying sustainability in operations, student engagement, outreach and academia at Western. The team provides assistance and guidance, and works with various groups across campus to help achieve mutual sustainability goals.
They also run various initiatives on campus, including the Western Sustainability Leaders Program, WISE and Green Awards, WWF-Canada's Living Planet @ Campus, campus waste management and carbon and energy reduction programs. Through work with students, staff and faculty, Western Sustainability develops and supports projects, policies and initiatives that reduce the consumption of resources and waste outputs, while also contributing towards the betterment of society.
Email: sustainability@uwo.ca Twitter: @westernuSustain Instagram: @westernuSustain Facebook: Western Sustainability
Middlesex London Health Unit - Sexual Health Clinic
At the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic in London and Strathroy, you'll find a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere where you can have an open discussion about your sexual health.
To book an appointment at the STI Clinic in London or Strathroy, please call the Health Unit during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 519-663-5317 and press “0” to speak with a Client Service Representative.
Free testing for sexually transmitted infections
Free treatment of sexually transmitted infections
Free pregnancy testing (*based on assessment)
Emergency contraception (the morning after pill)
STI counselling
Free condoms