October 2004

Briefly speaking: Healthy students

Raychel Adler, center, who runs the new Wellness Center, guides students Joan Silva and Ronnie Silva, no relation, through some abdominal exercises. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

Students have been quick to seek out Raychel Adler in the new Activities and Recreation Center at UC Davis. They bring with them dozens of questions and concerns about their workout routine, their diet, the stress of a new school year and a range of other health matters.

Adler is helping students pursue a healthy lifestyle, and her newly created role of wellness manager represents a movement on the campus and a trend among universities to take a more holistic view of student health.

"Creating healthy habits"

The services of the Wellness Center, which she runs, are designed to serve students dealing with the stresses of university life, Adler says, and to help them establish a healthy lifestyle for the years ahead.

Wellness Manager Raychel Adler, right, takes student Joan Silva through some exercises. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

"Creating healthy habits is something they're looking to do," she says. "If we can help them create healthy habits, it will take them into a life of wellness."

On the job since August, Adler holds a master's degree in public health and is certified as both a health education specialist and personal trainer. She is available for personal consultations about a range of health matters and can make referrals to other resources on the campus and in the community.

Programs and Services

Through the Wellness Center, students will be able to consult for free with a registered dietitian and to book appointments for massage for a fee.

Adler says she'll be working with other units on campus to address all aspects of students' lives including the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social and environmental areas. Offerings this fall include a speaker series on health-related topics, a weekly discussion group on food and exercise, and a smoking cessation program.

The Wellness Center is presenting health-related demonstrations and testing as part of the grand opening of the ARC Oct. 14 and 15. The $46.5 million facility, opened for use in April, houses state-of-the-art recreation and fitness areas, conference facilities, work space for student organizations, a computer lounge, a gallery, a pro shop and a juice bar.

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