Healthy: enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, and spirit; prosperous, flourishing
Healthy Mind
A healthy mind includes intellectual curiosity and a sense of fostering creativity and critical thinking. It is awareness and acceptance of feelings and includes the degree to which a person feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and one’s purpose, value, and meaning in life. It includes managing feelings and behaviors and effectively coping with stress.
- Emotional: the ability to cope with stress and manage the full range of emotions in a constructive way
- Intellectual: engaging in creative and stimulating mental activities to expand your knowledge and use information effectively
- Spiritual: finding purpose, value, and meaning in your life
Healthy Body
A healthy body includes recognizing the need for regular physical activity, good eating habits, and adequate sleep while discouraging the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption. It is having a sense of personal responsibility and care for minor illnesses with an understanding of when professional medical attention is needed.
- Physical: taking an active role in caring for your body by getting enough sleep, eating well, being active, recognizing the signs of disease, and refraining from the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol
Healthy Habits
A healthy habit is a behavior that benefits physical or mental health. It is a routine of behavior(s) repeated regularly and tends to occur unconsciously.
- Financial: managing your money effectively, living within your means, and making wise financial decisions
- Social: the ability to positively interact with people and to develop close and sustaining relationships
Healthy Environment
A healthy environment inspires us to live in harmony with Earth by being aware of how our behavior impacts our surroundings. It includes the ability to promote measures that improve the standard of living and quality of health in our environment.
- Environmental: an awareness of how your behavior impacts your surroundings, how the physical world impacts you, and how you can contribute to a healthy environment
- Occupational: developing a sense of your strengths, skills, and interests to prepare for a career in which you will gain personal satisfaction
Tobacco Free USCA
The Tobacco-free policy applies to everyone at USCA – students, staff, faculty, visitors, vendors, contractors, etc. The use of any tobacco product is prohibited on all university property. This includes all tobacco-derived or containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cloves, bidis, e-cigarettes (also known as vaping), cigars and cigarillos, pipes, water pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco (chew, snus, etc.).
Why does this policy prohibit e-cigarettes (also referred to as vaping)?
E-cigarettes/vaping contain nicotine, which is a derivative of tobacco. The policy prohibits tobacco and all tobacco-derived products.
Why is smokeless tobacco prohibited by this policy?
Smokeless tobacco is a tobacco product. Prohibiting the use of smokeless tobacco reduces the unintended consequence of smokers turning to smokeless tobacco use on campus.
Where can I use tobacco?
The use of tobacco products is prohibited on all university grounds, including the Convocation Center and University Housing structures.
Do students, faculty and staff have to quit using tobacco products?
No, the university only requires people to refrain from using tobacco on campus. For those who are ready to quit, resources are available, including personalized counseling, electronic messaging, and web-based programs.
Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff
- The USCA Psychology Clinic can create an individualized tobacco cessation plan for students, faculty, and staff.
- Quit for Life for State Health Plan members (Medication & Coaching) - Call 1-866- QUIT4LIFE - SC State Quitline for Uninsured and Underinsured 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)
- The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (S.C. DHEC) offers treatment and resources to all residents of South Carolina, as well as links to helpful tools for anyone, regardless of residence. www.scdhec.gov/health/chcdp/tobacco/quit-for-keeps
- The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) offers tips and resources to help smokers end their habit. http://www.aacvpr.org/smoking-cessation
What can people do to manage their cravings while on campus?
Nicotine replacement therapy products, such as gum and lozenges, are available at nearby pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
Is help available to those who aren’t affiliated with the university?
Yes. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (S.C. DHEC) offers treatment and resources to all residents of South Carolina, as well as links to helpful tools for anyone, regardless of residence. www.scdhec.gov/health/chcdp/tobacco/quit-for-keeps
Who will enforce the tobacco-free policy?
Enforcement is everyone’s business as members of the USCA community, students, faculty, and staff are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment. Students and employees are encouraged to politely and compassionately address violators using the university’s scripting guide. If you feel there is a repeat offender who is not complying with reminders, you can report them by sending an email to Mila Padgett at [email protected]. Please include the location of the offense, times and dates observed, and the type of tobacco product being used.
If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
Mila Padgett, Brian Enter, and Dr. Brian Parr are co-chairs of the Healthy 4 Life committee.