Physical Wellness - University of Houston
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Physical Wellness

A physically well person actively makes healthy decisions. They know how to maintain a helahty body through nutrition, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits.

Tips to help Cougars with Physical Wellness

  1. Exercise and Stretch
    Recommended exercise
    2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent mix of moderate and vigorous intensity activity along with 2 or more days a week that works all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.

    Stretch before and after exercise to warm up and cool down muscles.
    If you want to know more about different options for exercise visit the recreation center. You can also go online to look up more information about fitness and exercise and what Campus Recreation offers.

  2. Walk/cycle to work and school
    If your job or school is close enough, you can walk or cycle to incorporate morning and afternoon exercise in your daily life. Taking the stairs is another good way to be active when you can.

  3. Practice good personal hygiene
    Brush your teeth twice a day, wash your face and take baths/ showers daily, groom facial hair, deodorize daily and wash hands after using the restroom.

  4. Incorporate healthy nutrition habits in your daily diet

    Eat more of these foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nonfat or low fat products, also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts in your daily diet

    Eat less of these foods: sugary snacks, soda, fatty meats, saturated fats such as lard, and highly processed snacks,

    University of Houston dietitian Lauren Ross is a resource to students and guests for all nutrition and dietary questions.   Her office is located in the Cougar Woods Dining Commons 103

  5. Know your Numbers: cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, etc.
    You should visit a doctor and dentist annually for physicals and dental exams. Board certified physicians are located in the health center. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol when you visit. If you are unable to visit the doctor, you can use simple at home kits to check your numbers on regular basis. Ask your doctor what kits are best for you. Visit the UH Health Center for more information.

  6. Get adequate sleep
    Adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep. If you do not get the recommend sleep your body will eventually be deprived of rest. It is necessary to get enough sleep to maintain good physical health. If you find that you are having sleep problems you should contact your doctor or you can go see sleep experts on campus.

    You can also visit the Sleep Anxiety Center of Houston on campus.

  7. Make healthy sexual decisions
    Have an open line of communication about STI prevention, birth control methods and sexual history. Be open and honest on the type of sexual activities you want to be involved in. If considering engaging in those sexual activities, go take an HIV test at the student health center or SMART Cougars located in the UH Wellness.

    You can also go talk to the Sexual Health and Violence Prevention program manager about any questions you have regarding sexual health.