Stair Walking Campaign

Taking the stairs is one way to be more physically active. Since most stair use promotion interventions have been shown to be effective, we created the "Stairway to Health" Campaign at HSPH (which was launched late February 2008). The goal of the campaign is to promote stair use as the norm, not the exception and the slogan for the campaign is "Take the Stair." Specific campaign elements include: motivational signs near the elevators and stairs (with messages such as  "Stay healthy, save time, use the stairs" and "Do some reps. ...take the steps"); directional stair signs around the school; stair promotion messages on computer screen pop-ups; and distribution of free pedometers. Count the amount of calories you burn from stair walking at http://stairway.hc-sc.gc.ca/calcalc.aro

Ping Pong

In the afternoon during the Fall and Spring semesters, we set up a ping pong table. Each semester culminates in a ping pong tournament. The top winners receive gift certificates to local grocery stores. 

Fruit Smoothies

In an effort to promote create ways of healthy eating, we sponsored a two-day free fruit smoothie event in the cafeteria each February. The three smoothie options included: 1) Strawberry/ Banana; 2) Mango/ Pineapple; and 3) Blueberry/ Raspberry. Special thanks for Sebastian's Cafe and Catering for making the smoothies!

Healthy Breakfast

We co-sponsored a two-day healthful breakfast with the Office of Student Affairs to members of the HSPH community at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters to promote healthful eating (including delicious pancakes, strawberries, orange juice and coffee) and eating breakfast, which is associated with positive health outcomes and academic achievement.

Cardiovascular Risk Screening

We conduct blood pressure and BMI screenings for the HSPH community annually, with asssistance from nurses from the Harvard University Health Services.

Stress Management Talk

The Center for Wellness of the Harvard University Health Services comes to HSPH annually to provide stress reduction tips, including simple ways to incorporate stress reduction into one's daily life (e.g. stretching while at the copy machine and stretching at one's desk).

10-Minute Chair Massages

We co-sponsored 10-minute chair massages with the Office of Student Affairs to help members of the HSPH community relax and reduce stress at the end of each semester. The massages were performed by licensed massage therapists at Harvard University Health Services. 

Nicotine Patches

Smoking is a major risk factor chronic disease. In an effort to reduce smoking, we provide free nicotine patches. This is a timely program, as the Harvard Longwood Campus - including HMS, HSDM and HSPH - are completely smoke free.

Condoms

STDs (including HIV) are largely preventable. Condoms are a powerful HIV/STD prevention method. In an effort to promote positive sexual health practices, condoms are placed in strategic locations at HSPH (these are places where someone will feel comfortable obtaining condoms with anonymity).