1. PERSONAL WELLNESS: Taking Charge of Your Health and Well-being

2. What Is Wellness? Good health has traditionally been viewed as freedom from disease; thus, if you were not sick, you were considered healthy. While the absence of illness is one part of being healthy, it doesn't indicate whether you are at an optimal level of physical and psychological health.

3. What Is Wellness? Your overall state of health is closely associated with your lifestyle choices, and includes such health essentials as good nutrition, proper weight control, exercise, stress management, and controlling risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and drug use.

4. Major Causes of Death National Wellness Institute

5. What Is Wellness? Research shows that Americans who take care of themselves and manage their lifestyles are healthier, more productive, have fewer absences from work, and make fewer demands for medical services. The “secret” is not in medical care, but consistent self ‑ care in which you adopt habits and behaviors that promote better health and an improved quality of life.

6. What Is Wellness? Wellness is not the mere absence of disease. It is a proactive, preventive approach designed to achieve optimum levels of functioning. A wellness oriented lifestyle also involves the recognition that you have physical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs, with each dimension being necessary for optimal levels of functioning.

7. Wellness Continuum Traditional Approach █ Wellness Approach Problem Health Promotion/ Disability Identification Education Wellness ▐═════╩════╦════╩═════█═════╩═════╦════╩════▌ Treatment Risk of Disease Reduction

8. Traditional VS Wellness Approaches To Health Care Traditional Model Primary Goal: Identify and correct problems Dominant Message: Be responsible; have regular check-ups Wellness Model Primary Goal: Risk reduction and health promotion Dominant Message: Reduce risks; you are responsible for your quality of life

9. Traditional VS Wellness Approaches To Health Care Traditional Model Change Method: Treatment of health problems Change Agent: Health care providers Wellness Model Change Method: Information, education, and lifestyle change Change Agent: You; seek appropriate health care providers for treatment

10. Traditional VS Wellness Approaches To Health Care Traditional Model Target: Health problems Duration of Intervention: Until the problem is corrected Wellness Model Target: Lifestyle changes Duration of Intervention: Part of daily lifestyle

11. Wellness Dimensions The National Wellness Institute, located at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, divides wellness into six dimensions:

12. Wellness Dimensions Social This emphasizes the interdependence with others, making friends and having meaningful relationships. Happier, satisfying and stable relationships with others and a stronger community are some potential results.

13. Wellness Dimensions Physical This measures both how one maintains cardiovascular fitness and strength, and behaviors that help one to prevent or detect early illnesses. Also measures the degree to which one chooses foods which are nourishing and balanced. Exercise, nutrition and safety encourage not only freedom from illness but also feelings of vitality, energy and enthusiasm.

14. Wellness Dimensions Intellectual This measures the degree that one engages in creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand his/her knowledge to improve skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. Benefits include improved job performance, better problem solving, more knowledge and a better chance at being successful in life.

15. Wellness Dimensions Occupational This measures the satisfaction gained from one's work and the degree to which one is enriched by the work. The satisfaction gained is related to individual attitudes about work, a sense of direction and goals, and a feeling of achievement.

16. Wellness Dimensions Emotional This measures the degree of awareness and the acceptance that one has of one's feelings. This includes the extent to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about one's self and life. It measures the capacity to appropriately control one's feelings and related behaviors, including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, and the capacity to cope with stress.

17. Wellness Dimensions Spiritual This measures one's ongoing involvement in seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe.

18. Personal Wellness Wellness, a positive approach to life and health, maximizes the individual's potential. It involves the “whole” person - physically, emotionally, and on a psychological basis. A personal wellness lifestyle is associated with good physical health, emotional stability, improved personal relationships, as well as increased career satisfaction.

19. Campus Recreation Counseling Center Student Health Services Division of Student Affairs Personal Wellness