Health and GPA: Is there a Connection?
Barbara Bloomer, PHN, RN
Director of Health and Wellness Services 

Stress has the greatest negative impact on students’ academic success, according to the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment Survey. St. Norbert College students participated in this survey in 2003 and 2006, which showed stress as the number one impediment to academic success here, as well. Sleeping difficulties, concern for a friend for family member, colds and flu, depression and relationship difficulties rounded out the top five reasons for academic difficulty for students at St. Norbert College.

Most of these concerns are inter-connected and impact many aspects of a student’s life, making it difficult to sort through all of the demands on their time, energy and resources to meet their most pressing academic concerns. Sleeping difficulties can create stress because the student is tired and has reduced ability to concentrate. A physical illness can zap strength, reduce reading or problem-solving abilities, and decrease nutritional intake, which can reduce alertness and energy. Developing relationships and re-evaluating existing relationships can be stressful and time-consuming, and any combination of these concerns can accentuate stress reactions making it difficult to know how best to address these challenges.

In June of 2008, the St. Norbert College Health and Wellness Services became an integrated holistic model of care that assists students in all areas of their health needs, including physical, emotional and psychological. This collaborative partnership provides health care that incorporates all aspects of a student’s life when treating a physical or psychological concern. Through this multidisciplinary team model, we review with students the connection between mind and body, and how choices in one area can profoundly affect responses in another. Students are encouraged to view their health through a more holistic lens. By doing so, they will find the interconnectedness of emotions, nutrition and physical activity, and learn prevention strategies that assist in relieving stresses, prevent illness and help them to focus on the academic rigors of college.

The relationship between health factors and grade point average (GPA) has been correlated in a study done by the University of Minnesota, Boynton Health Services. The study “Health, Behavior and College GPA” urges students to …“care not just about the brain, but about the brain inside the body. The message is that there are simple things—not necessarily easy things, but simple things—that you could do to positively impact your GPA, like turning off the computer and getting to bed,” according to Ed Ehlinger, Director of Boynton Health Service, University of Minnesota. What are some prevention strategies that can assist students in maintaining health? Managing stress can be a significant determinant in a positive health outcome. Finding time each day to relax by walking or listening to relaxing music, meditating, yoga or other active relaxation methods will help to reduce stress. Sleeping difficulties can be reduced by going to bed and rising at the same time each day. This routine will keep the circadian rhythm in balance and reduce sleeping disruptions. Napping can be helpful, but only after seven or more hours of sleep the night before. A power nap can give the extra boost needed for extensive studying, but should not be use to substitute for a good night’s sleep. Nutritional intake is equally important and breakfast is indeed an essential meal. Daily intake of whole grains and fruits and vegetables help to supply the needed nutrients to fuel the mind and body. Our goal is to partner with students to provide strategies to maintain health and develop skills to live a healthy lifestyle. Our web site is www.snc.edu/health and provides links to numerous avenues to assist students with methods to assess their health.