Kansas State University

WellCAT Coach program at Lafene Health Center launches today

Submitted by Megan Katt

WellCAT Coach is a one-on-one peer well-being education program at Lafene Health Center. Coaches are K-State students, WellCAT Ambassadors, and Certified Peer Educators trained on health and social issues pertinent to the college-aged population. Students may consider making an appointment with a WellCAT Coach if you have questions or concerns about the following:

Nutrition

• Implementing a general nutritious diet.
• Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into diet.
• Increasing water intake.
• Eating healthy on campus.
• Reading nutrition labels.
• International students learning American foods.
• Mindful/intuitive eating.
• Resources — food, housing, transportation — insecurity.
• Nutrition to improve recovery — after illness, surgery, etc.
• Eating healthy on a budget.
• Eating healthy with no time.

Stress

• Time management.
• Managing stress.
• Balancing life/school/work/social life.

Alcohol

• Risky alcohol/drug use.
• Alcohol awareness.
• Drinking for the first time.

Physical activity

• Exploring exercise/activity options in the Manhattan community.
• Benefits of physical activity.
• Physical activity recommendations.
• Incorporating physical activity into lifestyle.

Sleep

• Sleep recommendations.
• Healthy sleep habits.
• Sleep to improve recovery — after illness, surgery, etc.

Relationships

• Healthy romantic/intimate relationships.
• Healthy roommate/friend/family member relationships.
• Social isolation: Getting to know people/involved on campus.

Body image

• Body image concerns.
• Eating disorder prevention.
• Mindful/intuitive eating.
• How to talk to friends with eating disorders.
• Influence of the media in the development of body image issues and eating disorders.

Sexual health

• Planning to become sexually active in the near future.
• Engaging in "risky" sexual activity.
• Preparing for first well-(wo)man exam.
• STI testing information.
• Contraception information.
• Relationships.

Smoking/tobacco/vaping (Coaches are FreshStart certified and can work through cessation program through the American Cancer Society)

• Switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping.
• Decreasing use or quitting smoking or vaping.
• Exploration of the risks of smoking/vaping.

Students may make an appointment with a coach via the MyLafene+ patient portal or by calling 785-532-6544. Appointments are available from noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For questions or more information, call Megan at 785-532-5226.