Many students are probably relieved that they have made it over the hump now that mid-terms are behind them. But the price they pay for skipping meals, then later downing a hamburger and fries, popping M&Ms and washing them down with their favorite Starbucks flavor until wee hours in the morning while studying can really take its toll on the human body.

If you find this scenario difficult to believe, walk in to any classroom at 7 p.m. and look around the room.

You might think you would find a group of alert, ambitious students, but instead you will find that a large majority of students are glassy-eyed, caffeine junkies propped up at their desk, threatening to fall asleep if the instructor goes into one more 15 minute spiel on his view of the upcoming elections.

If you are one of those students guilty of popping M&Ms to get that needed sugar surge that will get you through the next chapter. The good news is that there is help for you. There are many things you can do to nurture your body while feeding your brain with those sacred bits of wisdom. Most of these health-enhancing solutions are found right on here on campus or close by.

The Wellness Program

If you are serious about getting your body back to the optimum level of health, a good place to start is with the Wellness Program at theHealth Center on campus. A student can participate in the Wellness Program at no cost and receive a health assessment and individual counseling to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Heather Johnson, Wellness Program Manager, explained that students should first complete a health history and lifestyle habits questionnaire, then their responses are interpreted by computer analysis identifying lifestyle habits which may pose a threat to their health.

“It doesn?t take long to go through the program and it is well worth it,” Johnson said.

Massage

If residual tension from midterms has left your neck and shoulders tight and achy, consider a massage for maintenance.

“We maintain our car, we maintain our hair, etc., why not maintain our bodies? A massage is like a maintenance check for you body,” said Krishna Cauntay, professional massage therapist and health educator.

Krishna, a recent graduate from Sacramento State and a certified massage therapist, said that a massage has so many beneficial effects on the body that it should not be considered a luxury. It’s more of a necessity for maintaining a healthy body.

“A massage helps to speed the removal of metabolic waste products, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells and tissues,” Cauntay said.

It also helps circulation, increases flexibility and can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body?s natural painkillers, into the brain and the nervous system, she added.

Results felt from massage:

Physical Level, Deep relaxation and stress reduction, Relief of muscle tension and stiffness, Increased ease and efficiency of movement, Promotes deeper and easier breathing, Better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids, Healthier, better nourished skin, Improved posture, Health maintenance, Improved efficiency of the immune and digestive systems

Mental Level

Relaxed state of alertness, Reduced mental stress; calmer mind, Greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately, Increased capacity for clearer thinking

Emotional Level

Satisfying the need for caring and nurturing touch Feeling of well being

Cauntay does several types of massage including deep tissue, Swedish, sports, Shitsu and rock therapy.

She also uses rock therapy, which is done by placing warm rocks on top of a blanket over your body to help relax the muscles.

A discounted price of $30 is offered to Sac State Students for a one-hour massage. The regular price for a massage with Cauntay is $50, while the initial visit is $40. Her office is located at 900 57th Street. For more information or an appointment, call (916) 396-7777.

Aroma Therapy

Aroma therapy is another popular way to sooth a tired and stressed body. The term aromatherapy was coined by French cosmetic chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Ph.D., in the early 1900s. He was one of the first modern-day scientists to research the healing properties of essential oils, writes Dr. Gary Young in his book, “An Introduction to Essential Oils.”

The benefits of using essential oils are so broad that some people even carry an essential oil first-aid kit. Oils such as lavender and chamomile can be used for calming. Eugenol, found in cinnamon and clove, is antiseptic and stimulating. Ketones, found in lavender, stimulate cell regeneration. Phenols, found in oregano and thyme oil, are highly antimicrobial. Essential oils can be used in massage, in the bath or shower, diffused, or directly inhaled. For more information on how to use and where to get essential oils or literature, call KC Getchel at Biomechanic Chiropractic at (916) 624-4553.

Exercise ? A Must

Exercise is another area students forget about when they are striving to achieve a perfect GPA, yet it is a vitally important component for maintaining fitness and health throughout your natural life.

There are many sports offered on campus where students can get involved just for fun and exercise.

Recreational Sports offers weight training, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, aerobics and even yoga. For more information, call (916) 278-6321.

Peak Adventures offers fabulous excursions like backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and yes, even wine tasting, although there may not be much exercise involved in that one!

Jael Barnoske, director of Peak Adventures, recommends the Fall Color Day Hike, scheduled for Nov. 11.

“While your legs do the walking, your eyes will absorb the vibrant yellow, orange and red hues of the changing season,” said Barnoske.

For more information on these excursions guaranteed to reduce stress, call (916) 278-6321.