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UEL puts health and wellbeing on the curriculum

Monday 27 April 2009

Students and staff at the University of East London (UEL) have been getting a thorough health-check, as part of an initiative to raise health awareness and promote healthy living.

On Friday 24 April, health experts were on hand to measure body mass index and blood pressure. Fair Trade representatives and Health life coaches were also on hand to offer helpful advice on a range of topics covering organic food and getting motivated towards a healthy lifestyle.

The wide range of exhibitors also included complementary therapists offering free shoulder and neck massages, Reiki, reflexology and relaxation, and advice agencies such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, Asian Women’s project and advice on sexual health and exercise.

Rute Soares, Head of student health and wellbeing said: “We are trying to raise awareness about health and wellbeing so that people are aware of the services we provide. This is a great chance for students to discuss their problems with anyone our team, we can help with anything from financial worries, exam stress and emotional and physical well being.”

Rute is working with the School of Psychology on two projects, these are smoking cessation and student hydration, which is with UEL researcher, Dr Caroline Edmunds. Dr Edmunds research into children drinking water before exam results and how this can affect their ability to think clearly has received national and international media coverage.

Kate Beaven-Marks, Assistant Health and Safety Manager at UEL said: “This event was a pilot with Student Health services and the Occupational Health and Safety Unit and I’m pleased to say that it was a big success. We’ve had lots of interest from students and staff and it’s good that people are becoming aware of health and safety issues.”

Ends.

UEL Press office contact: 0208 223 6239 or 07595 056245

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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