Well-Being
“Health Promotion requires a positive, proactive approach, moving beyond a focus on individual behavior towards a wide range of social and environmental interventions that create and enhance health in settings, organizations, and systems (Okanagan Charter).
Hamilton students can take advantage of many resources designed to build a strong foundation of well-being that supports the flourishing of people, communities, and our planet. Hamilton aims to enhance the campus environment as a living laboratory, where students can identify opportunities to study and support health and well-being, while practicing sustainability in their built organizational and learning environments. As a member of the International Health Promoting Universities and Colleges Network, Hamilton supports the goals of the Okanagan Charter. The Sustainability office aims to integrate sustainable practices that promote health into every sector of campus.
Sustainable Wellness
The health and well-being of students at Hamilton relies on the life-supporting ecosystems of the planet, made possible by clean water, food, a healthy environment, natural aesthetics, and recreation. Sustainable initiatives aim to promote the collaborative well-being of students and their environment.
Water Filling Stations
Hamilton has over 50 water filling stations around campus, encouraging students to use reusable water bottles and stay hydrated! The Sustainability office works to find ways students can eliminate single-use waste products tangibly. Hamilton will continue to add filling stations to various academic buildings and dorms.
The summer 2023 sustainability interns created an interactive map to locate all on-campus hydration stations.
Headspace
Headspace aims to improve the happiness of communities and the health of the natural world. The National Park Foundation, in collaboration with Headspace, allows participants to virtually immerse themselves in various national parks while practicing mindfulness. Hamilton students can enroll for free!
Open Air Academics
Operating academic work outside the classroom offers students and faculty to study while promoting their health and well-being. The design of the campus allows classes to hold meetings and lectures outside; The amphitheater, outside of Kirner Johnson, various outdoor tables near Fojo Beans, tables outside Commons, and scattered picnic tables facilitate academic work outside. Hamilton encourages professors to take their lectures and seminars outside and hold walking meetings. Lab courses often utilize Hamilton’s three glens for research activities.
Events
Staff Monday Mile
After Heart Health Month, The Health and Wellness center encourages staff to complete a mile each Monday during the semester. The event aims to instill a small, attainable habit into one’s workweek, bettering the collective health of employees, staff, and students. The Monday Mile loop is flat, well-lit and accessible for all mobility types.
Ham&Legs
Ham&Legs is an annual 5K fun run/walk on Hamilton’s campus. Participants have the option of running a 5k or participating in a 1+ mile wellness walk around the track. This event inspires the Hamilton community to engage in physical activity, while also supporting sponsored local businesses.
February Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Month? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every February, the Hamilton Health & Wellness center offers a variety of available informational sessions, on-campus training, and wellness initiatives to manage the community’s heart health.
HamTrek
HamTrek is Hamilton’s annual sprint triathlon. Students and employees are encouraged to participate as individuals or members of a relay team. The annual event offers a positive gathering of the Hamilton community, encouraging the community to participate in wellness activities.
Contact
Contact Name
Brian Hansen
Director of Environmental Protection, Safety and Sustainability
