Features

Leeds University Union (LUU) took part in the University of Leeds' Healthy Week 2008 from Monday 28 January to Sunday 3 February. With more than 100 different activities on offer, Leeds University Union promoted what they saw as a real opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lifestyles.

The main focus was the controversial ban of the sales of cigarettes in the Union's shops and bars for the week. This was received with really mixed views from the student body; some strongly for and some strongly against.

Of the feedback received, many questioned why it was only cigarettes banned and not alcohol or unhealthy food. LUU believes there is a clear difference - reckoning that every single cigarette smoked has a negative impact on health, whereas alcohol and unhealthy food are fine if consumed in moderation.

No ciggies for a week in the union.

During Healthy Week, LUU's shops and bars offered fruit and healthy snacks, recipe ideas for healthy eating, and deals on food and drinks. There was also free chlamydia testing as part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about sexual health and has information and advice was available for both staff and students thinking of quitting smoking.

However, it doesn’t stop there! Many of the different activities that ran during the week are continuing as part of the Give It A Go programme, and students who attended received information about how they can stay involved. The main message that Leeds University Union wanted to promote was that 'it doesn't just have to be for a week!'

Andrew Greer, LUU's Activities Officer: "I just want to say how pleased we are with the week and have hopefully made students and staff more aware of not only their physical health, but also their sexual and mental health."

For more help and information, contact Lizzie Fellows, Welfare Officer:

What do you think? Whether you're a student or not, do you agree with stopping the sale of cigarettes at the Union? Should more be done to encourage healthy lifestyles or is it the thin end of the wedge and will lead to us being told what we can put into our bodies?: