Your Health and Wellness: Helpful Hints

Jeanette Altarriba, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

University at Albany, SUNY

Welcome to Graduate “Life” Graduate School as a Lifestyle Sets the path for years to come Teaches you about a profession Learn from the successes of others Observe, observe, observe

Staying Healthy – U.S. Style

Seek Guidance

Develop a relationship with mentors and teachers

Let’s Reduce Stress:

Have a clear idea of what tasks need to be done

Set up a written schedule for yourself Have a location in which to study that is

exclusively for that purpose Study similar materials in slightly different

locations or different times Plan ahead!

Let’s Reduce Stress:

Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge

Consider your final career goals and “think backwards” from those goals

Work with other students in your program particularly with coursework—the formation of study groups

Make a prioritized “to do” list

The Result:

Clearly—time management = stress management!

That is, the best way to reduce or eliminate stress is to be organized, focused, and have “a plan”!

Find Time for Relaxation

Enjoy the company of newfound friends

Take a short trip when time allowsEnjoy a meal together and the

preparation of that mealKnow and respect your limits and the

limits of others

4 Levels of Primary Health Care

Things to know before you go:Where are they located?What are their hours?Do you need an appointment?Do they take your insurance?What fees are there?

Health Insurance Familiarize yourself with your benefits as soon as possible. Carry your insurance card with you.

Things to know: – Insurance Providers:

• New York and New Jersey: Beech Street PPO Network

• All other states: ChoiceCare PPO Network

– WEBSITE: www.usdos.sevencorners.com

– Ongoing prescriptions must be mail-ordered.

– Preferred Providers: $15 Co-pay each visit– Will cost more if using someone not covered by your insurance plan.

– Does not cover:• Non-emergency dental care

• Personal leave

• Travel outside of the country (without pre-approval)

– Need to notify insurance if you are hospitalized for an emergency

– Need to notify beforehand for:• Non-emergency hospitalization

• Surgery

• Any dental treatment

Medications (Meds, Drugs)

Accessing Mental Health Care

Web Resources University Health and Counseling Center Websites Your Health Insurance

www.usdos.sevencorners.com Health Education Sites

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html Planned Parenthood

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Blood Alcohol Level Calculator

http://www.albanysbi.com/bac/ The Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection

http://www.dr-bob.org/vpc/virtulets.html Suicide Prevention Resource Center

http://www.sprc.org/

Finally . . . .

Attend to your surroundings and figure out just what makes things “tick”! Things will start to fall into place in only a matter of time . . . . .

Thank you and Good Luck!