Author: y688s553@wichita.edu

Check out issue 20 of the myShockerHealth newsletter. Monthly, the Student Health Services newsletter provides relevant health information and wellness tips for WSU students and staff.

For this issue, learn more about:

• The 100th anniversary and open house during Shocktoberfest
• Allergies and how to handle them
• Thinning hair
• Types of headaches and their causes
• Heatstroke
• Employee Corner

You can find all previous issues on the Student Health newsletter website.

Looking for practical ways to navigate stress and stay connected to what matters most? Join Braeden Miller, SGA director of health and wellness, for “Cultivating Joy: Building Value-Driven Life Skills,” an interactive workshop grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The workshop will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room.

Participants will learn strategies for managing difficult thoughts, practicing mindfulness, building resilience and taking meaningful action aligned with their personal values. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of what matters most to them and practical tools they can use to support their wellbeing throughout the semester.

Presented by HOPE Services.

Since 1926, Student Health Services has evolved alongside Wichita State, providing generations of students with access to healthcare, health promotion, resources and support throughout their academic journeys. As the department marks its 100th anniversary, the campus and community are invited to reflect on a century of impact, learn about all the services offered to Shockers on campus and celebrate the future of student well-being.

Join SHS during Shocktoberfest for a 100th anniversary open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA, and then look for the team in the parade later that day at 4 p.m.

In your free time, explore a special historical archive exhibit on display in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Cadman Art Gallery from Sept. 24 through Oct. 13.

For a full schedule of events and activities during Shocktoberfest, visit wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Services is offering a free two-hour Suspenders4Hope® Promoting Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide training at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Student Wellness Center Hope Hub in the Steve Clark YMCA designed to help participants identify, understand and respond to the warning signs of suicide.

Through this evidence-informed course, attendees will learn how to recognize when someone may be struggling, intervene with confidence and compassion, and connect individuals to appropriate support and resources.

Whether you are a student, employee, family member or community member, this training provides practical skills that can help create a safer and more supportive campus and community.

Join HOPE Services, Student Engagement and Belonging, Student Health Services, and other campus and community resources from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, for a wellness and social services fair.

Visit tables along the first floor of the RSC to get information, resources and freebies. By attending and participating, you could win an espresso machine, ice cream machine or countertop ice maker.

Join HOPE Fest 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Rhatigan Student Center courtyard. Connect with fellow students, faculty, staff and community members while supporting mental health, suicide prevention and recovery.

Participate in a campus walk at 10:30 a.m., build your own Hope Kit by collecting wellness resources from participating organizations and explore the Recovery Roots Market featuring handcrafted items from vendors with lived recovery experience. HOPE Fest is free and open to everyone.

Together, everyone can build connections, share hope and strengthen the community’s commitment to mental wellness.

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Wear your Suspender4Hope® shirts on Fridays to support mental health awareness and join in normalizing the practice of prioritizing mental health care without guilt or shame.

WSU employees and students can get their free shirt by completing a Suspender4Hope WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide training either in-person or online.

Free, online mental health and wellness screenings are available to all at wichita.edu/freescreen.

Check out issue 18 of the myShockerHealth newsletter. Monthly, the Student Health Services newsletter provides relevant health information and wellness tips for WSU students and staff.

For this issue, learn more about:

• Adult vaccines
• Sun fatigue, heat safety
• Coffee and heart health
• Tick awareness
• Employee Corner

You can find all previous issues on the Student Health website.

Faculty and staff are invited to join a weekly mindful meditation group hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Human Resources and Staff Senate. Through guided meditation, mindful breathing and moments of quiet reflection, participants can reduce stress, improve focus and cultivate a greater sense of balance and well-being. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to slow down and be present.

The group will meet at the Rhatigan Student Center patio from 10:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, June 2-July 28. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or blanket.

For more information, email Ben Flowers at benjamin.flowers@wichita.edu.

Student Health Services provides annual HealthQuest physical exams and lab work. If you are WSU staff and faculty, do not have a primary care provider and currently have private insurance through WSU, you can schedule yours today. Call to schedule your appointment at 316-978-4792.