Wichita State University
MyShockerHealth Newsletter • Issue 16 • April 20, 2026
Welcome to the myShockerHealth newsletter!
April has MANY awareness month topics! And, we have done sexually transmitted illnesses, stress, and many other awareness topics usually recognized in April. But, we choose to celebrate National Internship Month, just so we can brag about our SHS applied learning opportunities through our clinical student assistant employees and clinicals/practicums for health profession students. We also have topics on when to take your vitamins, Hand-Only CPR, health and wellbeing of Native communities, stress, declining influenza rates, and a great article by Maggie Fisher, PA-C one of our SHS physician associate staff members!
Links to the most current newsletter will be posted through WSU newsletters, social media, and our website, wichita.edu/shs. Enjoy!
For content requests: student.health@wichita.edu
Student Employee Appreciation Week
The week of April 13 - 17, we celebrated our Student Health Services and SWC Business Operations clinical student assistant employees. We hire 10-12 student employees annually in applied learning positions. Experiences in patient registration and discharge procedures, laboratory specimen collection and processing, revenue cycle management, patient evaluation and treatment, emergency response, time management, effective communication, conflict resolution and leadership are all essential learning objectives that are students receive in their daily work at SHS. We also have an excellent history of our student employees being accepted into medical school, undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, physical therapy and physician assistant programs, audiology, epidemiology and many other specialty post-graduate degrees! Beyond our student employee experiences, we also accept over 40 WSU clinical and practicum students through their required primary care, psychiatric, urgent care or general med rotations. We learn so much from students in our clinic and they make our work every more enjoyable! Thank you to all of our SHS student employees!
We completed this week with the nomination of our clinical student employee, Janna Wagner, for Student Affairs Student Employee of the Year! She may not have won, but she is the winner at SHS! Thank you for all you do for our patients, Janna!
When to Take Your Vitamins
I have recently started taking a magnesium supplement, menopause has made me rethink the use of non-prescription ways to treat symptoms. But, did you know that there are specific ways to take your supplements for the best absorption by your body? WebMD has provided a guide for what time to take your supplement, if you need food or water with it, and if you need to take supplements together! By the way, taking mineral supplements, like magnesium, together will cause a competition for absorption so you may not be feeling the entire benefits! Now you Know.
Health & Wellness of Native Communities
Check out the Kansas Urban Native Health Summit at the WSU Metroplex on April 30, 2026! This summit will bring together tribal leaders, health professionals, community members, students, and partners to share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen community-driven action. Come together to uplift the health and wellness of Native communities in urban areas.
Stress Awareness Month
College students frequently experience a peak in mental health crises during April, driven by the convergence of intense academic pressure, the end of the spring semester, and the accumulation of stress from the entire academic year. And don't forget the stress within our faculty and staff that engage and educate the students. Mental Health America has a free, online mental health screening.
Understanding GLP-1 Medication
By Maggie Fisher, PA-C, ATC
What are GLP-1 Medications? GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are a class of drugs originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. They have also been approved to support weight management in certain individuals. These medications work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and increase feelings of fullness. Common GLP-1 medications are: GoodRx has a good comparison of GLP-1 medications.
Why are they getting attention? GLP-1 medications have gained popularity because they can: Lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, improve long-term health conditions and outcomes for some individuals. However, they are not a quick fix or appropriate for everyone.
Important Considerations! Before considering GLP-1 medications, it's important to know:
- Prescription required: These medications must be prescribed by a healthcare provider
- Medical eligibility matters: They are typically recommended for people with specific health conditions (like type 2 diabetes or obesity with related health risks)
- Accessibility: These medications, if not covered by your insurance, can be expensive
- Side effects can occur: May include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite
- Long-term commitment: Benefits often depend on continued use and lifestyle changes.
Social Media and GLP-1s- You may see influencers promoting these medications for weight loss. Keep in mind:
- Not all information online is accurate or safe
- Using prescription medications without medical supervision can be harmful
- Your health needs are unique- what works for someone else may not work for you
Healthy alternatives and support- Student Health encourages a balanced approach to wellness:
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical activity
- Mental health support
- Medical evaluation for personalized care
When to talk to a Provider? Consider scheduling an appointment if:
- You have concerns about weight or blood sugar
- Are curious whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate for you
- Want guidance on safe and effective health strategies
We're here for YOU! Student Health is a safe place to ask questions and get evidence-based care. If you're unsure about something you've seen online or heard from friends, reach out- we're happy to help you make informed decisions.
Empowering students to make healthy, informed choices every day.
Have You Heard of Hands-Only CPR?
70% of cardiac arrests outside of a hospital happen at HOME! The American Heart Association will teach you a life saving skill in 60 seconds to learn Hands-Only CPR!
Respiratory viruses season
Flu levels are significantly decreasing across the country, good news! But, 93% of the positive Influenza A cases belonged to a new subtype that was not covered in the vaccine this year (CDC). The number of new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases remain the same, but we seem to have gotten past the worst of this spring. Finally, meet Cicada(time.com), the new Covid variant. To reassure you, it is still part of the Omicron family of COVID viruses so current 2025-2026 COVID vaccines are still effective! Find your Covid vaccine today!
