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MyShockerHealth Newsletter: Issue #9

In this issue:

  • The freshman 15 weight gain, real or myth?
  • Meningitis vaccinations - why is it required in housing?
  • Prevent mosquito bites and get free mosquito dunks
  • ADHD medication management at Student Health
  • Lipid Panel explanations: What is an LDL? 
  • Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita - Amazing Resource!

MyShockerHealth Newsletter • Issue 9 • August 27, 2025

Back to school illustration with school supplies including a globe, ruler, scissors, glue, backpack, apple, pencil, pen, and paintbrush on a yellow background.

Welcome to the myShockerHealth newsletter!

Welcome to the new 2025-2026 academic year! At Student Health, we are having fun meeting new students and saying "How you doing?" and checking-in with our returning students. The myShockerhealth Newsletter August 2025 edition is packed with information and resources. We hope you have a great year and GO SHOCKERS! 

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

The Freshman 15 weight gain, real or myth?

While a weight gain of 15 lbs gets the headline, actual weight gain during a first year of college is more like 3.5-4.5 lbs or 7-8 lbs over their college career. Check out this informative video from the Mayo Clinic. 

Infographic titled 'Beating the Freshman 15' by Cara Auty, offering health and fitness tips for college students. Includes advice to break a sweat daily, keep smart snacks close, join intramural sports/clubs, avoid drinking calories, stay accountable, skip delivery/takeout, and stay hydrated. Includes relevant icons and is presented by University Visitors Network.

Mayo Clinic Minute: 4 Ideas for Avoiding the 'Freshman 15'

Meningitis vaccination requirements

Why does WSU on-campus housing require a meningitis vaccination for housing students? Kansas Statute 76-761a specifically requires meningitis vaccination for students living in dormitories or other university-owned housing at the six state universities, including Wichita State University. The law includes mechanisms for students to opt out of the vaccination requirement through a waiver process. Bacterial meningitis is taken very seriously!

Mosquito Prevention

Close-up image of a mosquito feeding on human skin, showing detailed features including wings, legs, antennae, and compound eyes against a blurred green background

Sedgwick county has had a good amount of rain this year and what comes with rain? Mosquito's! Prevent mosquito bites by remembering the three D's: Drain, Dress, Deet. Drain standing water, dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquito repellent with Deet. Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) monitors the mosquito population in the county and provides health education and prevention ideas. SCHD provides information on appropriate Deet products, clothing options, and offers no-cost mosquito dunks (larvicides) to control mosquito's in standing water. Call 316-660-7300 for more information. (SCHD)

Have you ever wondered if you have ADHD?

  1. Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, staying on task, or being organized
  2. Hyperactivity: Excessive activity or restlessness, even at inappropriate times, and difficulty engaging in quiet activities
  3. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having trouble with self-control (CHAAD)

Infographic illustrating Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) concepts with icons and labels for symptoms including being easily distracted, difficulty maintaining focus, failing to complete tasks, forgetting daily activities, talking too much, appearing not to be listening, inappropriate reactions, aggression management issues, and interrupting others' conversations.

Student Health can evaluate and prescribe ADHD medications appropriate for your situation. Formal testing is not required, but recommended. Bring documentation from your high school or any IEP paperwork that you have describing your diagnosis of ADHD. Don't wait until the middle or end of semester and you are already struggling with your coursework. Call today for an appointment! (316) 978-4792.

Have you had your Lipid Profile checked recently and you're not sure what you're reading?

Talk to your doctor about your numbers because not everybody is put on medication first. Remembering that the lab result numbers are not the only part of your cholesterol story and that other risk factors like family history, diet and exercise are just as responsible. 

Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita

Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita is a fantastic wellness-focused organization that provides numerous engaging events that promote health. There are also opportunities to volunteer and participate in community wellness. Check out their events page to find cooking classes, chronic illness support and more!

Wichita Health and Wellness Coalition Logo

Employee Corner

Just a friendly reminder that Healthquest points are due by December.

Informational flyer for WSU employees encouraging them to complete annual exams and lab work at Student Health by December 1st, while appointments last. Includes contact number 316-978-4792 to make appointments. Features sunflower imagery and Wichita State University Student Health Services branding and contact info

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