Shakir Saud is a graduate of Aviation High School and received his BS degree in biology from CCNY. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Biology at CCNY and is an active advocate of health on campus as a peer health educator of the CCNY Wellness Center. Here he shares his views with us about the struggles of being a college student who is trying to keep up a healthy lifestyle. 

Q: What are CCNY students' most common health issues?

A: Some common health issues for CCNY students are diet and exercise. Students at CCNY lack nutritional knowledge and we find that they do not know what makes a healthy diet. Also, the food choices offered around school and in the Harlem neighborhood surrounding CCNY aren't the healthiest. On top of this, since CCNY is a commuter school, people travel up to two hours each day; people leave home very early and get home late. Some students may work after class also. With a heavy course load, work, or long commute, students cannot find the time to go to the gym even though there is free gym offered on campus. The main health challenges for CCNY college students are usually money and time.

Q: How can students who have super busy lives find ways to be healthier?

A: I sincerely believe that students who have super busy lives, like myself, can find ways to be healthier. Setting short-term goals and making small changes can help people stay healthy. Short-term goals can include things like "today, I'll add one serving of fruit to my diet," and the next day, "today, I'll add two servings of vegetables to my diet." Other easy small changes can be eating whole wheat bread instead of white when given the choice at restaurants or when you buy it at the grocery store. It's easy to ask for no mayonnaise on sandwiches, use lighter dressing (like oil and vinegar) instead of creamy ones, and drink water instead of soda. I don't cook and eat all of my meals out, but I still find ways to be healthy by staying conscious of my choices and making small changes like these.

Q: What health issues would you like to see addressed at CCNY?

A: One is stress management. If you take care of your mental health, your physical health will follow. There is a strong link between a person's mental health and physical health. When people are stressed they tend to miss meals or overeat and not exercise. In order to be stay healthy people must think about both the mental and physical.

Q: What health programs do you find CCNY students need most?

A: The CCNY hunger program was found to be the most needed health program at CCNY. The aim of the program is to help students who may not have enough to eat. The program helps students fill out forms to apply for food stamps, as well as screens students for food stamps, and if eligible the students will receive a meal voucher at the CCNY cafeteria. During tough economic times and a period of high unemployment, many students do not to have enough to eat. It is one thing to not eat healthy; it is a bigger problem when students are not eating at all. Helping with this type of program brought to light other factors that play a role in the quest to be healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to your fellow students about health and wellness?

A: It would be to put a greater effort into becoming more aware of the benefits of living a more health-conscious lifestyle. Starting to follow a healthy lifestyle at a young age can lead to better health in the future. I suggest people take advantage of the services offered at CCNY and not to wait around until it is too late. Practicing good habits earlier as opposed to later will prevent future health complications

Harlem Word is a series of interviews with Harlem health experts, written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.