End of semester, additional responsibilities can affect health

As the semester winds down, students feel the stress of the final weeks of school, anticipating the first day of winter break. Students often take on the role of superman or superwoman, enrolling in several classes while working part-time jobs or being active in campus clubs. 
Some students are mothers or fathers, or perhaps take care of their own mothers and fathers. Students are so good at taking care of everyone and everything around them that they forget to take care of themselves. 
 It is difficult to worry about our own wellbeing because we find it so easy to put ourselves on the bottom of our priority list. What students may not be aware of is that our well-being contributes to how successful we are in school. 
One of the keys to becoming successful as a student is to make sure you are mentally, physically, and emotionally well. The good news is that we have the Laney Wellness Centers on campus with nurse practitioners, counselors, and health interns to help students live stronger, healthier, and comfortable lives. 
 A great introductory way to familiarize yourself with the Wellness Center II located in the Student Center, 4th floor, 410 and is open 9 am-5 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, closed for lunch 1 pm-2 pm. 510 464–3134. 
Please get your flu shot especially as we enter the winter season. Instead of struggling through class sniffling and coughing, students can get their flu shot to prevent themselves from getting the flu. 
If you aren’t comfortable with needles, students can still protect themselves and loved ones by educating themselves on the ways to prevent the flu. This is easy as walking into the Wellness Center to talk with the counselors and interns or grabbing some pamphlets to read on your way to class. 
There are also health interns available in the cafeteria that students can check in with to learn about the new ways to prevent the flu while picking up a few cough drops or tissues to get you through the day.
 This is just one of the many services that are available to you as a student. Instructors and faculty may also visit the Wellness Center to make sure they are in good health and well enough to teach and inspire students about the subjects they are taking classes in. Teachers are also encouraged to reach out to any of the health workers or interns to possibly do class presentations so students can be better informed about the services available to them. 
 We forget that we come to campus to be successful in classes to eventually get that degree or certificate to pursue our dreams. The first step in being successful is to make sure that we are well enough to perform at the best of our ability and to also be well enough to take care of our families, friends, and community around us. 
The services offered at the Wellness Center are designed to help you be the student you can be. The key is to really listen to what your body is telling you and acting on it by finding ways to take of yourself.

Laney College Wellness Center II is located in the Student Center, 4th floor, room #410.
Hours: 9 am-5 pm Tues/Thurs. Closed for lunch from 1–2 pm. 
Info: (510) 464–3134