DU has higher risk behavior due to alcohol than many other schools, according to Chris Miller of health promotions for DU.

“Risky behavior associated with alcohol is our main concern,” said Miller.

Miller is focusing his time and energy on studying the culture of the DU student body in order to find the root cause of this behavior.

Alcohol is one part of the Health and Counseling Center’s harm reduction campaign. Other topics include safety and sexual health.

“Stress, sleep and tobacco use are other issues which are of top concern regarding student’s health at DU,” said Miller.

Stress is a factor which every student is affected by from attempting to balance school, life and social activities. Stress can also lead to imbalances in sleep patterns.

Students attempting to balance these top priorities have a tendency to not sleep enough or one may even sleep too much which complicates one’s usual sleep pattern.

Another issue which was addressed through a campaign last year is the use of tobacco. A current trend among DU students is smoking hookah.

This type of tobacco is legal but does cause health problems.

Several new hookah bars opened last year around the DU campus which led to an increase in usage.

A lot has been done to inform students of the harm it causes but it still remains a concern on campus.

The “Freshman 15” weight gain is a health issue which is known nationally to students entering college.

Neal Boulton of Men’s Fitness magazine said that 35 percent of college freshman gain the “Freshman 15.”

This percentage is quite high but gaining weight may not be as much of a health factor as alcohol consumption.

“Statistically, there is no need to worry about the ‘freshman 15’ on the DU campus,” said Miller. He believes the other issues like safety, alcohol, sleep and stress are of much greater concern.

The Health and Counseling Center at DU does offer programs and services to students regarding the harm reduction topics as well as body image, nutrition and healthy relationships.

Throughout the year the Health Promotion Department conducts events related to specific health issues for educational purposes.

During the first quarter the freshmen who reside in the residence halls have different health related themed weeks which provide them with information.

Student health is a topic of grave concern and the DU Health and Counseling Center is constantly looking for ways to improve the health of the DU student body.