A recent health survey in Self magazine which rated urban centers throughout the United States found some troubling news for Washington University students-St. Louis is very unhealthy.

In fact, the city was rated the eighth unhealthiest city in the country based upon a wide field of factors spanning the environment, health of the population, crime, unemployment, weather, and social services.

“Honestly, I don’t feel that it is an issue; rather, it is merely a statistic,” said freshman Adam Ralko. “Health depends on the person. Take me for example. I get eight hours of sleep per night; shower twice daily; take multiple vitamins; eat a low-fat, high protein diet; enjoy a blueberry muffin and fruit smoothie breakfast; and believe in balancing the different aspects of my day. I clean my room regularly, and even go so far as to disinfect my doorknob. Health is individual, and I laugh at the word ‘unhealthy.’”

Individuals and perspective can shape how this information affects students at WU. For the most part, students on campus say they feel isolated from the problems, and instead focus on the positives of the community and the services that WU provides to help maintain students’ health.

“I was definitely not aware of these statistics concerning St. Louis, but when I think of St. Louis, I tend to think of the place I know best-WU,” said junior Lois Hanshaw. “It is probably much more healthy in comparison to St. Louis just because we do not face many of the factors that make a city unhealthy. WU really does a lot to make sure its students are healthy, both physically and mentally.”

The health resources WU offers students and the easy access that students have to those resources can make this campus a very healthy environment-if the individual is willing to make the effort. Student Health Services and the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness can take care of students’ day-to-day health.

Also, students can take advantage of workout centers at the Wohl Center, the Athletic Complex, and one of the nation’s largest recreational areas, Forest Park, to get exercise.

Dr. Laurie Reitman, the director of WU’s Student Health and Counseling Service, has a simple plan for students when it comes to their health and how they could better manage it. Reitman believes that despite the findings, St. Louis has many things about which to be positive.

“There are many healthy aspects in St. Louis,” said Reitman. “In my opinion it’s a city that is continuing to improve, and as for WU, the structures are there for every student to be healthy too. In terms of administering health advice to students, I would elaborate on three simple concepts: balance, priority, and lowering risk.”

Reitman emphasized learning healthy habits now, in college.

“Balance your day with some work and some fun; prioritize your health because if you can establish healthy habits now, they can be with you for a lifetime; and work on lowering your risk to illness by doing simple things like getting plenty of sleep, eating right, and taking basic precautions,” said Reitman.

Throughout the year, Bon Appetit has offered students weekly menus with nutritional information, and during Parents Weekend, on Oct. 25, there will be a health fair with more information on the subject.

Students say transportation, a key factor in the survey when it comes to air quality and motor vehicle deaths, also sets WU apart. They say that with the shuttle service, transportation is centralized and more efficient, and since freshman cannot have cars, they usually remain on campus in a safer environment.

“Since I don’t have a car, I’m forced to stay around campus most of the time, and because of that, I feel pretty sheltered and safe,” said freshman Ryan Shen.

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