At Northwest, employee wellness (mind, body and spirit) is of the utmost importance.
This fall, we are focusing on immune support. You can still find content related to the three-part mental health support series.
Northwest Missouri State University is reminding students and employees that fall is the time of year when viral infections are present, and Wellness Services offers ways to help prevent illness.
While the Northwest community may be experiencing symptoms of the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or another viral infection, Wellness Services notes that viral infections can impact individuals with a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, a sore throat, headaches, nausea and diarrhea.
Anyone presenting a positive COVID-19 test or symptoms should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and the instructions of a healthcare provider.
Ways to help prevent illness include washing your hands frequently, boosting your immune system by eating healthy foods, getting seven to nine hours of sleep nightly and exercising daily for 30 minutes.
“Antibiotics are not effective against a viral infection,” Dr. Tyler Tapps, Northwest’s assistant vice president of student affairs for health and well-being, said. “Treating symptoms with over-the-counter medication is the best course of action. It is best to get plenty of rest while avoiding others when you are running a fever or feeling ill.”
The CDC also recommends getting a flu shot.
Wellness Services offers free flu shots to Northwest students and employees at the Wellness Center.
Northwest Wellness Services does not offer COVID-19 vaccinations at this time and encourages students and employees to seek the vaccine through their local health care provider. Click here for updated CDC recommendations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a flu vaccination, contact Wellness Services at 660.562.1348 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/wellness/.
“I am excited to be a part of the Bearcat family and to support employees with their personal health goals. This employee wellness website is updated regularly based on the season and the health initiative Northwest is encouraging. A holiday fitness challenge will start Nov. 20; more details will be announced on the exercise webpage. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding your specific health goals or your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan. Let me help you become the healthiest version of yourself possible in mind, body and spirit.”
Employee Assistance ProgramAbility Assist Counseling Services
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Includes up to three face-to-face counseling sessions per occurrence per year. Call 800.964.3577 |
Mindful By Blue KC |
Available 24/7 |
Therapy Assistance Online / TAO |
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Emergency/Crisis |
On-call 24/7 Holly McMillen (embedded crisis counselor) |
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
Available 24/7 |
Nodaway County Health Center |
Personal Finance Statistics. (2021). Accessed September 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.debt.com/statistics/.