Toronto, Aug. 26, 2013 – York University experts are available to offer helpful tips and suggestions on various back on campus related topics — from how to manage anxiety and stress as a student, to how parents can deal with empty nest syndrome after their brood leaves to pursue postsecondary education:
Story idea: Is ‘freshman 15’ a myth or a real issue? First-year students putting on extra pounds is indeed a common trend, but this undesirable weight gain can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, such as including physical activities into one’s daily routine.
York U Expert: Associate Professor Chris Ardern, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health
Story idea: Life will not be the same for students leaving high school to enter postsecondary education. One of the biggest challenges can be to break up with a high school sweetheart, as there is a difference in adolescent relationships from high school to university.
Other possible topics:
- Healthy ways for teens to deal with the break-up of a relationship
- Dealing with teens in problematic relationships, as their family members and friends
- Building healthy romantic relationships as teens and young adults
York U Expert: Professor Jennifer Connolly, Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Health, and research author of Adolescent Romantic Relationships, Beginnings, Endings, and Psychological Challenges
Story idea: While transition into the postsecondary school system is a new experience to first-year students, it is often the same for their parents. It is important that parents let go of their university-bound children and cope with their anxiety as empty nesters.
Other possible topics:
- How creating an uncluttered mental space is as important for students as creating a physical space conducive to learning
- Students calming their anxiety by not putting too much pressure on themselves to be more productive
York U Expert: Professor Gordon Flett, Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Health
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
NOTE: York U media studio is available for double-ended broadcast interviews.
Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
