Students are encouraged to come “Be A Part of A Social Revolution”

STATE COLLEGE, PA, Mar. 26, 2008 – The HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Advisory Council invites students to join them and “Be A Part of A Social Revolution”. The goal of the "Social Revolution" is to empower Penn State students to become sexual health activists.
 The training event on Saturday, April 5 will provide students with the leadership and communication skills required to encourage their friends to make healthy decisions. Kick-off of the Social Revolution will be held at 2:00 in 302 HUB. Free Food and safer sex kits will be provided.  
 For more information or questions about the Revolution, contact Susan Kennedy at slk5@sa.psu.edu or Spring Cooper at spring@psu.edu.
 To join the “Social Revolution”, register by emailing promotinghealth@sa.psu.edu.  
Advanced registration is recommended for planning purposes, but not required for attendance.

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Assistant Director Position Vacancy

Penn State’s University Health Services is seeking a senior health promotion professional to provide creative, energetic and strategic leadership for all prevention and wellness services, including community development, public health promotion and wellness and advocacy.

 The associate director will have the exciting opportunity to assume this key role in a newly constructed (May 2008) state-of-the-art 64,000 sq. ft. student health center.  Building on a long history of health promotion excellence, she/he will have the opportunity for innovative program and service development and strategic, campus-wide health planning at the University Park campus, home to 42,000 students, in the bucolic “Happy Valley” of central Pennsylvania.
 
The associate director oversees the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness and serves on UHS senior leadership team. The Health Promotion and Wellness Department is staffed by four health educators, a part-time dietitian, several graduate students, two administrative support staff and over 100 student volunteers She/he will be responsible for establishing and maintaining high standards for educational and prevention practice within parameters set by relevant professional groups, state and federal agencies and accreditation bodies.  Additionally, the Associate Director provides health promotion and education leadership, consultation and support to the 23 Penn State campuses throughout the state and provides oversight for UHS staff professional development.

We are seeking a professional with a record of accomplishment who is creative and values innovation along with excellence.  Knowledge of and experience with evaluation, assessment and outcomes measurement is important as is commitment to and experience working with college students and diverse populations.  Experience with technology is essential, as is outstanding interpersonal communication and dynamic leadership abilities. Interest in alternative/complementary prevention approaches with novel ideas about service and program delivery strategies is a plus.

A Master’s degree in health promotion, public health or equivalent knowledge plus a minimum of three years experience as a college health promotion director/manager is required.  CHES recommended.  A PhD or equivalent terminal degree is desirable.

Position available effective July 1, 2008.

Electronically submit a cover letter, salary requirements and resume at www.psu.jobs or mail to The Pennsylvania State University, Employment and Compensation Division, Job #D-26923, Fifth Floor, James M. Elliott Building, University Park, PA 16802 or fax to 814-865-3750. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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UHS Urges Students to Take Precautions for Flu

University Health Services (UHS) is reporting an unusually high number of flu cases at University Park this spring. Shelley Haffner, Nurse Manager for Infection Control at UHS, urges students to consider the following precautions to avoid infection.

For individuals who are experiencing flu symptoms, she offers the following advice: stay home in bed, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Restrict your activity and avoid contact with others to decrease the spread of the virus. Consider making an appointment with your health care provider. If you are seen within the first 48 hours of developing symptoms, antiviral medication may be effective in lessening the severity of your illness.

Frequent handwashing, proper nutrition and adequate rest can reduce your susceptibility to influenza and other infectious disease. Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing can also decrease the chance of infecting others. Be sure to dispose of facial tissues properly and avoid sharing personal items (such as toothbrushes or drinks).

Immunization against the flu can also lessen the chances of infection. Flu season can extend into May so it's not too late to get the flu vaccine.UHS recently received additional doses from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Students who did not receive a flu shot in the fall can receive one now by scheduling an appointment online through the UHS website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or by calling University Health Services at 863-0774.

Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, body aches. Most cases of symptomatic flu do not require hospitalization but can last for 5-7 days.  Full recovery can take 2-4 weeks. While weakened by the flu, susceptibility to viral or bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus trouble, or ear infections is increased. Frequently, these secondary infections are more severe than the original flu and may require additional treatment. Any new, prolonged, or more severe symptoms should be reported to a health care professional.

For additional information about avoiding the flu this season, visit the UHS website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/flu. Additional information and resources on good hand hygiene are available at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/ohpe/handwashing.cfm.

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