Supporting Your Well-being

Dear community,

This marks the final edition of this newsletter for the semester. (We made it! All of us!) Many are still in the final push of the semester, and we wish you the best as you wrap up. We hope you can take some time to reflect on how you have persevered and what you have accomplished in unusual and trying circumstances.

In this newsletter you will find a virtual fireworks celebration, an exploration of the beauty of tulips, the health benefits of cats (including a video of purring kittens), information about support services available over the summer, a visual of the reach of this newsletter over the semester, some good news, and a reflection on creating a new normal as we move forward. Watch your inbox for a newsletter or two from us over the summer months-- in the meantime, we wish you the opportunity to replenish yourself, enjoy some time in nature, and have a great summer!

Wishing you wellness,

The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health

The Earth, too, celebrates at this time of year, through abundant flowers.

Tulips have been cultivated for hundreds of years for their beauty and powerful symbolism. Illustrative outdoor books displayed in the Young Flower Garden share the legends and lore of tulips when over 60 varieties are in bloom.

This six-page booklet traces how the tulip’s symbolism and meaning evolved as it spread from its wild origin in Central Asia through the Middle East, Europe and beyond to become one of the most greatly cherished plants in the world.

Did you know that there are proven health benefits -- to humans-- of having cats? Their purring helps to heal bones, muscles and tendons, they lower your stress levels which leads to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and they improve sleep. Good news to those with allergies-- simply watching cat videos boosts viewers' energy and mood and decreases negative feelings.

The semester may be ending, but students can continue to get support from Cornell Health through the summer months, wherever you are located (graduating students may access services through July 31). Medical care, counseling, and consultation are available through telehealth video and phone appointments, provided with no copay. Cornell Health also offers 24/7 phone consultation with licensed therapists and medical providers. More resources to support your health and well-being can be found on Cornell Health’s Coping During COVID-19 webpage. Staff and faculty members can access support through telehealth services offered by the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).

We have been thrilled by the readership of this newsletter, and thank everyone who has recommended or forwarded it to others. Below you can see the locations-- in the US and the world-- where recipients have opened this newsletter. We hope the information and opportunities we have provided have increased your well-being wherever you may be.

John Krasinski reminds us that there is always good in the world.

We can create a new 'normal' if we take time to reflect.

If you find yourself struggling or in need of someone to talk to, know that you are not alone.

The following resources are here to support you:

Cornell Resources

• Cornell Health phone consultation (24/7): 607-255-5155

Ithaca Resources (24/7)

• Ithaca Crisisline: 800-273-8255

• Advocacy Center (sexual/domestic violence): 607-277-5000

National Talk-Lines (24/7)

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

• Trevor Project hotline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386

• LGBT+ National Hotline: 888-843-4564

• TransLifeline: 877-565-8860

National Text/Chat Services

• National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741

• Steve Fund crisis text line: Text STEVE to 741741 (connects you to a crisis counselor of color)

• Trevor Project text line (LGBTQ+): Text START to 678678

• National Suicide Prevention "Lifeline CHAT" service: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
  

• Contact Catherine Thrasher-Carroll, Mental Health Promotion Program Director, at ct265@cornell.edu.

• Contact Laura Weiss, Sexual Violence Prevention Program Coordinator, at lbw26@cornell.edu.

• All Cornell students, regardless of location, can access medical and mental health services through FREE telehealth appointments with Cornell Health. Please CALL US (607-255-5155) to schedule all visits and appointments. Our in-person services are currently limited to pre-screened COVID-19 testing and care. As always, please refer to the Cornell Health website for the most up-to-date information regarding our services.
  

Website: https://health.cornell.edu/
Location: Cornell Health At Cornell University, Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY, USA
Phone: 607-255-5155
Twitter: @CornellHealth