Schools Give Backrubs to Help Prevent H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
Innovative College Program Simultaneously Promotes Hand Hygiene, Immunization
Information and Virus Fighting Ability
NEW YORK, NY—October 29—St. John’s University, Harvard and other schools are pressing their students into action against the H1N1 flu virus with Stressbusters, a program that train students to be wellness coaches and backrub providers at campus events.
Stressbusters supports campus flu prevention efforts by modeling and teaching hand hygiene before each backrub, giving backrub recipients flu and immunization updates, providing greater access to healthcare providers, and reducing stress that weakens the body’s flu fighting ability.
“Stressbusters is positive and popular because of the free backrubs, so that makes it much easier to get students’ attention and let them know the latest about the flu epidemic,” said Kathryn T. Hutchinson, Executive Director of Student Wellness at St. John’s University in New York City. “We launched our Stressbusters program before H1N1 was even in the news, but it turns out that it’s a great asset in our efforts to inform the community about flu prevention and resources,” Hutchinson added. “We also plan to hold Stressbusters events at immunization locations around campus to reduce the stress of waiting for and getting a flu shot,” said Hutchinson.
According to the American College Health Association, students at more than 70% of colleges nationwide have reported influenza-like illness since mid-August. Among their recommended H1N1 prevention guidelines to institutions of higher education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends proper hand washing and distribution of prevention information
Stressbusters dispatches teams of trained students to provide free and mini-backrubs and health information at libraries, residence halls and other public spaces throughout the year. Jordan Friedman, a health educator specializing in stress management and program development, conceived Stressbusters when he directed Columbia University’s health education program. As an education consultant, he now installs the program nationwide. “Stressbusters was originally created to reduce stress on campus, and its mobility and visibility also make it the perfect vehicle for talking about wellness concerns as they develop, “ said Friedman.”
Stressbusters is also operating at NYU, Johns Hopkins, Washington University in St. Louis, and will launch at the University of Missouri in February 2010. More information about Stressbusters is at www.stressbusterscentral.com
Interview Contact: Jordan Friedman, Stressbusters and Kathryn T. Hutchinson, St. John’s University
Email: info@stressbusterscentral.com
Phone: 917-885-2940
