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The dangers of drink-driving, the benefits of cycling instead of using a car, mental health and a smoke-free campus are some of the topics to be promoted at The University of Western Australia's annual Health Day (TODAY).

Organised by UWA fourth-year Health Science students, the day's message of a healthy lifestyle is fostered through fun activities and good food.

Groups of students taking a Health Promotion unit adopt different campaigns on which to work during first semester.

Student Alexis Kapoulitsas said if students thought ahead and planned how to get home after a night out, they would not be faced with the option of driving home drunk.  "Alcohol is related to more than 30 per cent of deaths on WA roads and is a major problem among young adults," she said.

A bike doctor and a display of ‘radical' retro bikes will spruik the use of bicycles as a fashionable, practical and healthy way to travel to class.  "With the impact carbon emissions are having on the environment, as well as obesity and other health problems, we need to take action by encouraging people to change their behaviour," said student Ayushi Jain.  "We're killing two birds with one stone as people will get their daily dose of exercise and save the environment."

While physical activity was important for remaining physically healthy and preventing disease later in life, it was also important to take time out every day to consider mental health, said student James Berich.  "Most people affected by mental illness are aged between 18 and 24," he said.  "Given the spike in diagnosed mental health problems in Australia recently, we believe staying mentally healthy is important not only for university students, but for the wider population as well."

Information about UWA's decision to be a smoke-free campus in 2012 will also be given on the day. "And we'll be providing new and interactive ways of engaging young people in making healthier choices about smoking," said student Kate Ryan.

Health Day will be held on the Oak Lawn today from 12 noon to 2pm

Media references

Professor Fiona Bull (Unit Coordinator, Health Promotion)  (+61 8)  6488 1249
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716