The UA was recently ranked by the Greatist Team from www.greatist.com as one of the top 25 healthiest colleges.

“I think [health] is a big part of our identity,” said David Salafsky, director of Health Promotion & Preventive Services at the UA. “I think people look at the U of A and know that this is a place where you can thrive both academically and socially, in terms of health and wellness.”

The UA was also recognized for the programs offered by Health Promotion & Preventative Services. There are a variety of available programs, including those on sexual health, drug and alcohol use, and nutrition.

“It’s nice to be recognized, especially when someone is looking internationally for things that set this campus apart,” Salafsky said.

Counseling and Psych Services at the UA promotes healthy and balanced living by making programs and group workshops available to students. Some of these include the Gender Spectrum support group Stress and Anxiety Management, and Healthy Mind, Healthy Body.

“Whether it’s a suicide prevention program, a program with alcohol, something on nutrition or sexual health,” Salafsky said, “we want to make sure that the programs we deliver are ones that students enjoy.”

Students campus-wide also have the convenience of Campus Health Service.

“You can access it whenever you need,” said Jesse Lee, a pre-business sophomore. “You can just walk right in and give them your insurance and your name, and they’ll hook you up.”

Campus Health provides medical counseling and health promotion services.

“Last year, 99 percent of our patients said that they would recommend Campus Health to a friend,” Salafsky said.

Salafsky also added that Tucson’s weather contributes to the overall health ranking of the university.

“Tucson has an amazing climate,” he said. “Our campus is perfectly suited to walk, run, bike or skate year-round, and when you put those things together, you wind up with a special place that allows people to thrive.”

The UA provides a variety of food choices for students at the Arizona Student Unions. This includes healthy alternatives for students to take advantage of.

“I think our food options are pretty diverse,” Lee said. “Sure, there is junk food available, but there always will be no matter where you go.”

In recent years, there has been a stronger push, from both students and faculty members, for healthy food alternatives on campus.

Brandon Freidhof, a student lead worker at Park Avenue Market , said the market began selling more produce last semester in response to the push for healthier alternatives.

“We do try to keep a variety of nutritional options available,” Freidhof said.

Through numerous fitness programs at Campus Recreation , educated and experienced medical staff at Campus Health and recently implemented healthy food options at the Arizona Student Unions on campus, the UA is living up to its recent ranking as one of the healthiest colleges in the nation.

—Follow Brandi Walker @itsbrandibb