When children visit the doctor, they typically get a shot in the arm, shed a few tears and receive a much-needed lollipop. As adults, seeing a physician involves a drafty smock, medical bills and the slim chance of an after-dinner mint.
To help avoid these tedious visits, students can register for the Web-based complementary medicine program, DesktopSpa, offered free through Wellness Education Services.
The program is available 24/7 and boasts over 100 brief exercises led by 22 world-renowned practitioners to help with a variety of health issues.
Exercises are normally audio or video clips and take less than five minutes to complete, making them accessible and easy to repeat. These treatments include self massages, yoga, meditations, breathing techniques and acupressure.
Complementary medicine is not intended to replace conventional methods, but does help to improve prevention and general wellness.
A main focus of the program is relaxation techniques. Through the relief of stress and tension, many health concerns can be subdued or even averted.
In order to feel the benefits of DesktopSpa, students need to register for the program and create a profile. This process takes only a few minutes and allows for instant access.
Registrants are required to give their name, e-mail address and create a username and password. In the Corporate Code section students can simply type in "Buffalo" for quick entrance.
Afterwards, users will need to complete a survey entitled "My Health Issues," based on how often they address common health issues.
Some of the topics include anxiety and stress, depression, immune system, headache health and confidence and self-esteem.
Based on the information from the survey, DesktopSpa automatically generates a list of recommended daily desktop treatments called "My Treatments." Students can begin using these regimens right away or look for other topics through a simple search tool.
There is also a calendar application available to schedule treatments for specific times and dates. E-mail reminders are included in the calendar function and students can select an exact time frame, before a scheduled treatment, to receive them.
If new health issues surface after creating a DesktopSpa account, the My Health Issues survey can be revised at any time and changes are immediately reflected in My Treatments.
Also included in DesktopSpa is the Well-O-Gram program and access to Health Journeys' online product catalog.
Well-O-Gram makes it easy to send any treatments to an ailing friend through e-mail and users can even attach a personal message. Recipients will be able to access the treatment right away and re-use it over and over again.
The Health Journeys catalog sells a vast array of complementary medicine products, including items pertaining to relationships, smoking and kids and teens.
It may be difficult for students to find time to take a break during their busy schedules, but DesktopSpa offers an easy solution to a quick stretch. Computers are always available and the program is accessible every hour of the day.
To register or find out more about the program, students can visit www.desktopspa.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
