MyShockerHealth Newsletter • Issue 2 • November 2026
Welcome to the myShockerHealth newsletter!
Where is the time going??!! It is November and that means the next 6 weeks will go
fast until finals! I was wondering where the pretty leaf colors were, but they are
here....just a little late, just like me! November has quite a bit of health promotion
awareness days. Men's Health Awareness Month, Great American Smokeout, Transgender
Awareness and more!
Students: Don't forget to get all of your medications refilled before you go home for the holidays!
Staff/Faculty: Don't forget to get your Healthquest annual physical exams and labwork done before
December 1.
Enjoy are articles this month! Links to the most current newsletter will be posted
through WSU newsletters, social media, and our website, wichita.edu/shs.
For content requests: student.health@wichita.edu
Men's Health Awareness Month
Why is Men's Health Awareness Month important? It is time to remember to focus on
early detection and regular self exams for testicular cancer.
It is also the time to remember other preventative health efforts like colonoscopies,
eye and dental exams, and appropriate bloodwork for your age, such as cholesterol,
prostrate health, and hormone and kidney functions. Student Health can evaluate and
test you for many of these illnesses. View the MHN - Men's Health Network to see more health conditions that effect the men in our lives.
Screenings you can do to stay healthy!
- Self exams for testicular cancer
- Eye and dental exams
- Bloodwork for your age like cholesterol, prostrate health, hormone and kidney functions
- Colonoscopies starting at 45 or earlier if your doctor recommends it
Great American Smokeout
What is the Great American Smokeout? For almost 50 years, the American Cancer Society
has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity
for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives – not just for a day,
but year round. But, it is hard!!!! And Student Health can help work with you to curb
cravings and prescribe you medications to help, along with nicotine replacement products! KanQuit is another resource that has free help online and can provide quit medications to
those who qualify.
Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is November 13 - 19, followed by Day of Remembrance on November 20. These recognition
days are to help increase understanding about transgender people and the issues members
of this community face. Find out more about Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender
people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Student Health
Services continues to support the transgender community with gender affirming healthcare
for WSU students ages 19 and older.
Join Student Health in the RSC Nov. 13-19 to learn more about the convenient and affordable
LGBTQ+ healthcare we provide.
Flu season is here!
Student Health still has flu vaccines! Come to the SWC to get yours while supplies
last!
The vaccine is a prevention aid, but what if you get sick with the flu later on this
winter? Tamiflu prescriptions can help shorten your illness...but treatment has to be fast and timely.
In order for Tamiflu to work, you must start it within 48 hours of symptoms!
Some people prefer supplements and vitamins. So, what about zinc and vitamin C to prevent or shorten cold or flu?
Student Health Services can help you get better, don't wait to call us at 316-978-4792
or schedule online in the myShockerHealth portal.
Employee Corner
Are you new to Wichita? Want to learn about a fun way to meet new people and friends?
Try out the Wichita Life Dinner Club. It is almost like a dating app. Take a personality quiz and match up with 5 other
compatible people. I know people who have done this and had a great time! In a time
when people are reporting high rates of loneliness, this is an opportunity to find
like-minded people like yourself.
While you are reading the above, subscribe to the Wichita Life Update! They do an excellent job of posting new events, guides, jobs and more in our lovely
city.
Don't forget to check out the WSU Events Calendar. A lot is happening around our great campus to enjoy!
Finally a little bragging on our clinic physician, Dr. Delane Phillips. On October
22nd, Dr. Phillips and myself (Heather Stafford) participated in a panel for "The
Art of Immunity: Seeing Protection Through a Different Lens" with the Ascension via
Christi - WSU School of Nursing and Ulrich Museum. There is a display in Ahlberg Hall
of artist Linda Altersitz's work of using thermal imaging to photograph arms after
vaccinations. The images are fascinating and so was the conversation!
Get your annual physical and bloodwork done before Dec. 1 for HealthQuest points!
