Self-help information can be very helpful to people, and can be a valuable addition to professional care. Keep in mind, however, that self-help information should not be used as a substitute for professional care, particularly in cases of significant or serious physical or mental health concerns. If self-help information leads to questions or concerns, seek professional assistance.

Wellness Watch:

Throughout the semester, the Health and Counseling Center promotes Wellness awareness through e-mails, informational displays, flyers, brochures, etc.

The Health and Counseling Center offers brochures on a wide range of physical and mental health topics. Students are welcome to stop by the Center to browse or obtain information.

Bi-weekly on Wednesday throughout the semester, the Health and Counseling Center promotes "Wellness Wednesday". This day focuses on a different physical or mental health topic such as depression and anxiety, stress, or alcohol use. A display table of information is set up in the Todd Wehr Center. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and gather information.

Alcohol and Drug Issues:

AA [Alocoholics Anonymous], Al-Anon [friends/family of alcoholics] and additional 12-step meetings are held weekly in the Kenosha area.

For information, contact the Alano club at 262-654-8246 [AA and Al-Anon] or Club Breakaway at 262-653-9800 [Narcotics Anonymous].

Websites:

A wide variety of physical and mental health websites exist. The following links are provided for information only. The Health and Counseling Center cannot affirm the accuracy of all the information, and does not specifically endorse any service or information.

To evaluate websites, check the following items:

a) Currency - Is there a date on the page? When was the information posted?

b) Accuracy - Is there a reference source for the information? How credible in the source? Can you verify the information elsewhere? If an author is listed, what is his/her background or expertise?

Physical and Mental Health

1. Go Ask Alice - www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/index.html
This website is a health question and answer service produced by Columbia University's Health Education Program. It provides information about relationships; sexuality; sexual health; emotional health; fitness and nutrition; alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs; and general health.

Physical Health

1. American Medical Association - www.ama-assn.org
This website has several useful features including health information for patients (with links to other health and medical resources) and a directory of physicians nationwide.

2. National Institutes of Health - www.nih.gov/health
This website provides several links to health information, provides NIH publications, describes clinical trials, and lists health information hotlines.

3. Healthfinder - www.healthfinder.gov
This website includes a health library covering a wide range of topics, and health care information such as doctors, dentists, clinics, and insurance.

4. Ask Dr. Weil - www.drweil.com
This website is an interactive health site with a physician who answers questions. It also provides a database of information.

Mental Health

1. American Psychological Association Help Center - www.helping.apa.org/sitemap.html
This website provides information on a variety of topics including family and relationships, mind and body, work, stress, and sexual orientation. It also addresses how therapy helps, when and why to seek therapy, and how to find a therapist.

2. National Institute of Mental Health - www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm
This website offers information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of many mental illnesses. It includes problems such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and eating disorders. It also discusses medications and mental disorders.

3. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - www.nami.org/illness/index.html
This website provides information about serious or persistent mental illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and sleep disorders. It also discusses medications used to treat mental illnesses.

4. Psych Central: Dr. John Grohol's Mental Health Page - www.psychcentral.com
This website features articles on many mental health topics, answers questions, offers online quizzes, and provides a mental health resources directory.