Everything you need to know about Swine Flu
by Catherine Basham, beat blogger
(picture courtesy of Boston.com)
Public health emergencies and pandemic disease outbreaks tend to create media frenzies. Reports of swine flu are the latest examples dominating headlines everywhere. There’s no need to barricade yourself in a sterile environment, or walk around campus with a mask on, but here is what you should know:
A strain of swine flu has killed about 149 people in Mexico, and sickened another 2,000. It recently spread to the United States, including Texas, California, and New York. Its symptoms are similar to influenza’s and include fevers over 100 degrees, cough, lethargy, body aches, and in some cases nausea and vomiting. Initial outbreaks occur when people have contact with pigs, but it can then be passed to other humans in the same ways the flu can. It is not spread by eating pork products.
The number of confirmed swine flu cases in the U.S. is presently at 40. Alarmists are encouraged to keep the outbreak in perspective — regular influenza usually causes an estimated 226,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the nation every year.
We’ve compiled these helpful resource to answer the rest of your questions.
Top 10 Tips to protect yourself: from the blog of Dr. Jan Gurley, an internist and Harvard Medical School graduate.
A statement from the World Health Organization’s Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, who raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase three to phase four. Phases five and six represent represent pandemic levels, or widespread human infection rates.
There have been 28 confirmed cases in New York. Read the press release from SU’s Health Services about the threat to the university community.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Ever since the 1960’s when the birth control pill was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration, women have been protecting themselves from unwanted pregnancy. However one third of women stop taking birth control within the first year of going on it. This is often caused by changes in insurance coverage, as well as unwanted side effects do to the hormone pills.
There are a variety of birth control options including the Pill, shots, patches, cervical cap, diaphragm, intrauterine device, male condom, female condom, vaginal ring, tubal ligation, and vasectomy. Tubal ligation and vasectomy are more invasive because they are surgical birth control options.
Although some negative side effects exist depending on each woman’s reaction to the hormones, there are also positive effects that come with some the oral contraceptives. Some lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers and osteoporosis. Other benefits are relief from cramps, mood swings, and migraines, and improved complexion. Some pills include iron supplements which benefits those who suffer from anemia.
There are some contraceptive pills that lesson the period to a few times a year, or not at all. Those who use pills that eliminate bleeding altogether are suggested to take monthly pregnancy tests since it is harder to tell if the user is pregnant without bleeding.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
After a nervous day during which I couldn’t eat and a 30 minute car ride that should’ve been 15 (had I not been shaking so badly I got lost), I picked up my lost-love from the airport. We were giving things a second chance – trying to see if we could put things back together after four years of being broken.
My heart raced as he walked outside the terminal and we awkwardly went in for the kiss on the cheek … slightly uncomfortable…then 5,4,3, 2, 1: full on make-out. It was like our lips had never parted. That’s pretty much how the entire weekend went – blissfully back to the way we were, even minus earlier complications and frustrations. We lay on the quad, went out to eat, and spent time with my friends who loved him just as much.
Then came D-day (departure day that is), when I made my way to the airport, blurry-eyed not with nerves but with tears – sad to see him go after such a great time together and not knowing when we could see each other again. It also meant time for “the talk” when we would figure out the next step for two people seemingly meant for each other but separated by distance.
In the end, we agreed to keep things status quo – talking everyday like we had been for awhile, and visiting each other when possible. We agreed that a time will come when we will have to make a decision to seriously be together, and likely move around the country for it, but that time is not now. Now is when we need to be selfish – he is finishing his current career and will be traveling frequently for another year, and I need to make my Lifetime-dream move to New York City to figure myself out.
But it led me to the question, how long can you wait for love? In The Notebook, probably the sappiest movie of our time, Noah waits for Allie for years, even enduring her engagement to another man. Carrie and Big finally come together after six seasons and a movie deal in Sex and The City. But that’s all on film. Do good things come to those who wait? Or will somebody else come sweep you off your feet in the meantime?
I suppose if you are holding out for someone, you simply cannot dwell on the time that passes by. Thinking too much about it can only make it worse and slow time down, and living your life for yourself in the meantime is the way to speed things up. Perhaps a moment occurs when the timing simply clicks, the puzzle pieces fall into place, and two hopelessly attracted magnets are pulled together for a final time. Until then, lost-love and I will be hovering within each other’s fields waiting for the next attraction.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Several stories caught the attention of health-policy gurus this week.
FDA Ad Crackdown. Last month, the FDA sent letters to 14 pharmaceutical companies that warned ads for prescription drugs on Google could mislead patients because they don’t contain information about the risks the drugs pose to patients. The FDA warned the ads must be changed to include this information or they will be removed. Drug companies say the regulations are unclear, and complying to such a request, given the advertisement’s 95-character limit, is impossible. Read more from The New York Times coverage here (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/business/media/17adco.html).
Health Alert Technology. After September 11, many Americans began to question how quickly they could get important information in the event of an emergency. Being able to efficiently and accurately deliver health information is equally important, and researchers have developed a technology that allows public health officials to electronically alert hospitals and doctors of an immediate public health crisis. The system was developed at the Regenstrief Institute, Inc. in collaboration with the Marion County Health Department in Indianapolis, Indiana. News releases and letters to physicians are still common means of communication, but the need for a rapid messaging system is critical to modern patient care. To read about the system they developed, check out the story from ScienceDaily.com (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403114825.htm).
New HIV drug company. GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, the world’s two biggest drug companies, announced last Thursday that they would come together to form a new enterprise that will develop and market HIV drugs. The companies said that by combining their individual research and the drugs they already have created (HIV is typically treated with a cocktail of medications), they will be able to achieve more and reach more patients. Reports say the combined venture will make up 19 percent of the market for HIV drugs. Via MedicalNewsToday (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146458.php).
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Swimming is a great way to complete a high quality workout with little damage to muscles.It is also a great cross-training workout to change up your usual gym routine.Make some time this week to get over to the Women’s Building on campus, or any pool and try out one of these swim workouts. Feel free to use whatever stroke you would like while completing each workout.
Hold a pace
Complete a warm up of 10x 50m at a slow pace
For 20 minutes, hold your pace at a 70% maximum heart rate and complete either 10x 50m, 10x 25m, 10x 100m.
Take a 10 second rest between each
Complete all of these at the same speed
Cool down with a 10x 50m at the same slow pace as the warm up
Count Down
Warm up with a 10x 50m at a slow pace
First, swim a 900 at a pace that exerts 70% of your maximum heart rate
Take a 15 second break
Complete an 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 with the 15 second break in between each segment
With each segment, increase your speed, so that by the 100 you are exerting full effort
Cool down with a 10x 50m at a slow pace
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
With finals just around the corner, and for many, graduation, it’s not uncommon to find some pretty pessimistic people around campus. Be it complaining about upcoming final projects or the lack of a job, sometimes that negativity can be contagious.
But you don’t have to fall victim to other’s pessimistic ways. By practicing positive thinking, maybe you can be the person that spreads some much-needed optimism. It has even been shown that those who have positive attitudes tend to have less illness, and bounce back faster when they do. Here are a few tips to enhance your mood and positive thinking.
Say “Thank You”: Showing gratitude towards others, even for the smallest of reasons not only makes them feel appreciated, but also makes you a more thankful person. You begin to appreciate the small things in life, which helps when fretting about the big ones.
Find your personal happiness: Every person is unique, which means his or her idea of happiness and personal fulfillment is unique. Trying to make yourself happy based on what some else believes will make you happy, doesn’t usually work. You need to figure out what makes you feel satisfied, what you see as the ultimate goal, and take the necessary steps to fulfilling those goals.
Soak up some sun: The sun has been getting a bad rep recently because of the increase in skin cancer cases in the U.S., but the sun plays a vital role in our body. The sun helps the body produce vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium in our system. Since we cannot produce vitamin D on our own, the sun helps us out.Those who have a vitamin D deficiency, which is most often seen in the winter months, tend to be moody or grumpy, which can also be classified as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).But just a few minutes outside can help brighten your mood instantly.
Smile!: Just by putting a smile on your face, you can feel better about you life. Looking on the bright side of things, and always finding a something to be happy about will chase those negative thoughts right out of town. Bonus? Smiles and laughter are contagious. Use your sunny spirit to brighten someone else’s day.
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
It’s formal season in the Greek community and that means frat boys are on the hunt for dates to sweep off to Canada for a weekend. Watch out! You could be next.
The main purpose behind these border-crossing journeys may be the lower drinking age, but fraternity guys are also checked into passion when they check into a hotel.
For a lot of people, a night away from home at a hotel is a chance to let down all restraints and free inhibitions. Stepping out of your own bedroom and into someone else’s makes you feel like the possibilities are endless from role-playing (business trip turned pleasure perhaps?) to props and sexy lingerie. The “Privacy Please” sign hanging on a doorknob becomes, “Give me privacy even if I’m screaming so loud you think I’m dying, please,” despite the close proximity of hotel neighboring rooms. And ordering in room service is a must when you’re too cozy to go out. After a night of guests in the sack, a hotel’s crisp, clean sheets are left rumpled, as are the towels in the shower … the papers on the desk … the covering on the chairs … you get the idea.
Not saying that this happens in every Canadian-foray, but if hotels make you horny baby, a trip away can be a trip to play. But you don’t have to go out of the country to find a heartbreak hotel, a great way to spice up your relationship in any town is just to check into a room for a night, even if it’s right down the block.
Think about this the next time you have an anniversary, holiday, or are just feeling amorous towards the one you are with. Make a hotel room your gift and you’re sure to get back. When you’re young and don’t have a lot of money, a night at a local hotel is much more feasible option then a whole trip away, so make the room your own paradise.Just make sure to hang your sign on the door so you don’t have to rush under the covers when you hear knock, knock “room service!”
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Everywhere you look, news about blogs, Twitter, and Facebook invades headlines. Americans seem to have an insatiable appetite for social media, and with Facebook doubling its users in the last year, and Twitter experiencing 700 percent in the same time frame, the trend shows no sign of waining. And now physicians and policy makers are looking to see how Web tools can be harnessed to improve health care.
Hello Health, a Brooklyn-based primary care practice is at the forefront of the movement, according to a paper published in the March/April issue of Health Affairs, a health-policy journal. Since its launch in August 2008, 300 patients have signed up for Hello Health, by paying a $35 enrollment fee. IMing or exchanging a quick e-mail with one of the three physicians at the practice comes at no cost; a cyber visit, likely via video or web chat, would be $50-$100, and a home visit could be little as $150. The practice doesn’t accept insurance, but many uninsured clients look at it as a less expensive way to get as-needed, personal care without having to pay expensive health plan premiums. If members do require an office visit, they are promised an appointment within 24 hours, and generic medications and lab tests are offered on-site.
Dr. Ted Etyan, a Washington-based family physician and expert on using technology to promote better, patient-centered care, calls the use of social media by hospitals, physicians and patients “Health 2.0.” He offered a definition in his blog: “Enabled by information, software, and community that we collect or create, we the patients can be effective partners in our own health care, and we the people can participate in reshaping the health system itself.”
E-health isn’t an entirely new to hospitals. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA has been using electronic health records for years, and currently uses portal Patientsite.org, where patients can book appointments, refill prescriptions, communicate with physicians, and see test results online.
For some, getting medical treatment by essentially Facebooking a doctor seems ideal. Patients can save time and money by avoiding long wait times and costly consultations. Others warn that patient privacy is threatened, and one doctor quoted in the report notes that one reason social-media tools are not used more widely is because doctors fear breaking compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which provides regulations for securing personal medical information. Social media is also heavily reliant on community input, and experts want to make sure false information will not be disseminated freely among patients on message boards, chats, or other online communities.
Privacy and accuracy concerns are legitimate, but so are the benefits of e-health. The focus is placed back on the patient, who has more control and input. Also, on-call online doctors are often more accessible than doctors in more traditional private practice or hospital settings.
Want more information? Read the entire report here, or take a look at Google’s efforts to make it easier for patients to organize their own medical information.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Student organization Sex S.Y.M.B.A.L.S. is hosting FREE HIV TESTING tomorrow, Monday, April 13th from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m in Schine Student Center. Yu can just stop by their table in the Schine atrium. They will have three certified counselors to answer any of your questions. They are taking walk-ins but if you want to schedule an appointment e-mail Tasha Brown at tmbrow03@syr.edu.
Pull-ups are a great way to utilize your own body weight
during a workout.Below, are steps
that will show you the proper way to complete a pull-up, and illustrate a few
different exercises to try with them.
Basic Pull Up Exercise
Grab
the bar (you may have to jump to do this) and hold it either overhand or
underhand for a chin up grip. Keep in mind the underhand chin up grip places a greater focus on
the bicep muscles
Your
feet should be off of the floor, if the exercise is difficult at first you
may want to cross or bend your lower legs to provide a more comfortable
body weight balance
Now,
pull body up until your chin is level or nearly level with the line of
your hands on the bar.
Next,
lower yourself down so that your arms are fully extended without touching
the floor
The
amount of time you take between each pull up is up to you, but keep in
mind that moving slowly will increase the work you do
For
beginners start with three to five repetitions, then see how many sets you
can do.As your strength
improves, increase repetitions and build on the number of sets you
complete.
Pull Up With a Focus on the Abs
Grab
the bar, either overhand or underhand
Keep
your legs bent and crossed underneath you
Pull
your body up so that your chin is level or nearly level with the bar, but
while pulling your body up, twist your legs so that your knees rise up to
your waist on your right side
Lower
your body back down so that your arms are fully extended and your legs are
back in starting position
Pull
your body back up so that your chin is level or nearly level with the bar,
this time twist your legs so that your knees rise up to your waist on your
left side
Begin
with four repetitions, two to each side, for three sets.Once your strength increases,
build on the repetitions and the number of sets you complete
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
Ever wonder how you match up to others when it comes to issues concerning the bedroom? Here are some statistics to help you measure your own sexual habits, history and ability.
1. There’s the argument out there that men don’t just engage in sex because they like it, but to continue their legacy. That is to reproduce. The woman recorded for having birthed the most children in her lifetime was an 18th-century woman who had 69 children through 27 pregnancies. Among her births were many twins, triplets and quadruplets. The Guinness Book of World Records records a Moroccan emperor with over 500 children.
2. Guys, ever curious how you measure up to other men? The average man in the United States has a penis length of five to seven inches when fully erect and measures four to six inches in circumference.
3. The average age for men to have intercourse for the first time is just under seventeen years old, while the average woman is just over. However, a new study suggests that different genetic factors may effect when someone has sex for the first time. For example, how impulsive you are and different inherited habits may bring you to have sex earlier than others.
4. Seventy-five percent of men say that have an orgasm every time they have sex. On the other hand, only 29 percent of women experience orgasm every time they have sex. Many women have difficulty reaching orgasm through regular intercourse and benefit more through clitoral stimulation.
5. The good ol’ friends with benefits culture. Two thirds of college students have a relationship with no commitment but have a physical or sexual relationship. The majority of those who have friends with benefits engage in all sexual acts while less than half have only sex, and less than ten percent do everything but have sex.
6. Can you count how many people you’ve slept with on one hand? Maybe two? Well, the average adult woman has four sexual partners in her lifetime. Men have an average of seven sexual partners. Any surprises?
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
LifeStyles Condoms has recently launched its new ad campaign for LifeStyle Skyn, a new type of condom that is “the closest thing to wearing nothing” according to their commercial.
The Skyn Condoms are made from polyisoprene non-latex, as opposed to polyurethane condoms. LifeStyles.com explains that polyisoprene is softer, more flexible and comfortable than polyurethane, which may be stiff and unstrechable. A voiceover in the commercial states: “It’s like nothing now and like nothing ever before because it’s like nothing at all. The Skyn revolution is here and safe sex will never feel the same way again.”
While the new product itself has sparked interest in young, sexually active men and women, the commercial itself is also something to talk about.
BrandRepublic.com reports the Skyn Condoms commercial as the “raciest commercial ever made.” While shocking in material, perhaps the steamy times depicted in this advertisement might be just what young, sexually active people need.
According to LifeStyle, Skyn protects against pregnancy, and if used correctly may protect against HIV (AIDS). The ad currently airs after 8pm on MTV. It is being urged to advertise at earlier hours in the day to perhaps curb teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
Student organizations Black Communications Society and Sex S.Y.M.B.A.L.S. want you to come out to and engage in conversation with MARVELYN BROWN and TERRANCE DEAN about AIDS in America on April 10th, THIS FRIDAY from 5:00-7 p.m.
MARVELYN BROWN is an Emmy award winning HIV consultant and Youth spokesperson and author of “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive,” a memoir about her life before and after her HIV diagnosis at the age of 19.
BROWN has been featured on America’s Next Top Model, MTV, BET, The CBS Early Show, The Tavis Smiley Show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Michael Baisden Show, and The Tyra Banks Show. In addition, she has been featured in Newsweek, U.S. News and Report, Fortune 500, Ebony, Black Beat, Essence, and she appeared on the covers of A&U, POZ and the AVE. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Check out her blog: http://marvelynbrown.blogspot.com/
*Arrangements for the appearance of Marvelyn Brown made through HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, New York, NY.”
TERRANCE DEAN, former MTV executive and author of “Hiding in Hip Hop” and founder/co-creator of Men’s Empowerment, Inc.: “an organization that is dedicated to the transformation of men of color in their communities for their own self-empowerment,” has a tragic personal story behind his advocacy for HIV/ AIDS Awareness. His mother was a heroin addict who died frProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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AIDS who gave it to his baby brother. He died also from AIDS at the age of 19.
Also, on April 15th, Award-winning actress, director and AIDS activist Ms. SHERLY LEE RAPLH (orginal Dreamgirl and “Moesha’s” mom) will be performing her one-woman show: “Sometimes I Cry” on Wednesday, April 15th from 8:00 -10:00 (Doors open at 7:15) in Schine Goldstein Auditorium. TICKETS: $3 for Students/$5 for non-students.
I recently broke up with my boyfriend and became single again for the first time in about nine months. However, the day after my new freedom began, I received a phone call from an even older ex-boyfriend who I’ve kept in contact with over the years.
“I think we should see each other,” he said.
Being the carefree single gal I suddenly was, I said, “Sure thing … what are you up to in two weeks?” A plane ticket later, he’s on his way next Wednesday, and I have to say I’m kind of freaking out. You see, I’ve always had a strict ax-the-ex policy, because I figure if a relationship is broken, it can never be fixed. Obviously, for things to end, they have to have gone wrong in the first place … but can they ever be made right? Is it fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me? Or can a broken love be pieced back together?
My upcoming visitor and I have been broken up for about four years – which leads me to wonder whether or not time in fact, heals all wounds. We originally ended things because we caught each other at a bad time – with years of a LDR looming ahead of us and holding us back from each other. Now, I’m about to graduate and he’ll be finishing up with a travel-heavy job next year. Perhaps his phone call timing was not only perfect, but his relationship timing could be as well.
At the same time, I can’t help but think of those couples you know who break up every third Tuesday just to get back together on Friday. It’s like they are magnets – hopelessly attracted – that are yanked apart and then quickly replaced within range of each other’s fields. But how many times can you separate two magnets before they wear out and lose their pull?
I guess only this visit will tell for my situation, but I confess both you and I should be incredibly cautious before dipping our toes back into water we’ve already found too cold.
A girl can only be hurt so many times…and twice by the same guy might be too much to handle. I suppose the bright side is that a boy is never really second-hand when you were the previous owner, and maybe he’s only improved with age.
I’ll have to fill you in on what happens because if lightening can strike twice, things may be heating up for me soon.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Unhinged: Mental Health Outreach in the Wake of Tragedy
by Catherine Basham, beat blogger
(picture courtesy of OntarioMD groups Web site)
When Congress passed its first Wall Street bailout bill in October, the product of a decades-long fight for better mental health care in the United States was tucked quietly into the legislation. The Mental Health Parity Act promised equal insurance benefits for mental and physical care.
While illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder were given long-awaited legal legitimacy with the act’s passage, the public’s understanding of and attention to mental health care is still sorely lacking. The rash of recent violent shootings calls attention to this, and should remind us all to be more mindful of the health of friends and family.
The government has already taken action. Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health debuted a “Guide to Getting Through Tough Economic Times” and informs readers about the warning signs of the mental and physical health disturbances that might come as a result of job loss or economic anxieties.
News reports suggest the shooter in Binghamton was angry over a recent job loss.The American Foundation for Suicide Preventionadvises journalists against attributing suicides (and presumably other violent acts) to a singular event and consequently undermining the complex underlying factors that also played a role. But the SAMSHA site points out that it is especially important to pay attention to changes in the mood and behavior of family and friends in trying times.
Mental-health stigma and anxieties about making someone uncomfortable often keep people from speaking up if they notice a problem. For more information or advice, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Web site. You can also browse through their recent state-by-state rankings of the country’s mental health services.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Core strength is extremely important to prevent injuries to all parts of the body, especially the back.Your core muscles are also vital to your posture, spinal alignment, support, balance, and the rest of your movements.Here are a few exercises to try that will help your stability as well as tighten your abs.
Abdominal Bracing is where you simply suck in your navel while contracting your abdominal and surrounding muscles.Concentrate on pulling your navel back in toward your spine, but do not hold your breath while doing this technique.
Here is an exercise to try with a friend.Just remember to be careful, and concentrate on helping the other person’s stability without harming other muscles.
1.Stand up facing a friend, and grasp each other’s hands
2.Have your friend stand relaxed while you perform the abdominal bracing exercise and suck in your navel
3.Have your friend try and push you in a random way to see how you are able to resist and remain balanced.Keep the shoves gentle, just a surprise nudge in a surprise direction will be effective
4.Change roles with your friend
5.Repeat five times
Prone Bridge
(picture courtesy of Natalie Johsnon)
1.Find a mat or a slightly soft surface
2.Put your body in push up position on your toes, but instead of balancing on your hands, balance the top of your body on your forearms
3.Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles, keeping your hips flat.Keep your head in alignment with your body by looking down, and keep your abdominal muscles tight in a bracing position
4.Hold the position with your abs tight for a count of 20
5.Take a rest by lying down or sitting up for a count of 20
6.Repeat five times
Side (Lateral) Bridge
(picture courtesy of prevention.com)
1.Once again, find a mat or a slightly soft surface
2.Lie on your side with one foot resting on top of the other, with your lower elbow and forearm on the floor below your shoulder
3.When you are ready, lift your hips off of the floor so that your body forms a straight line form your shoulders to your ankles.
4.Keep your abdominal muscles tight for a count of 10
5.Return to the lying position for a count of 10
6.Repeat five times, then switch to the other side and repeat five times
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
This week’s New England Journal of Medicine says a recent study has determined that men who are circumcised are less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases. Circumcision reportedly decreases men’s likelihood of contracting the STD’s herpes, HIV and HPV. According to MSNBC, circumcision reduced the risk of contracting HPV by 35 percent and herpes by 28 percent. Nearly 80 percent of men in the United States are circumcised. The STD prevention speaks specifically to heterosexual men in the study. Although not specifically proven, it is thought that the cells in the foreskin of the penis, removed through circumcision, is more inclined to contract HPV and herpes.
The researchers of this study believe that circumcision should be a widely accepted form of STD prevention. Of course, safe sex practices are still necessary to avoid the most risks. The test was conducted in Uganda through a program that is part of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The American Academy of Pediatrics had previously stated that there was not enough proof for them to medically recommend circumcision newborns, but the Academy is now reevaluating their stance on the issue.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
It’s a Thursday evening, and you are sitting on your couch, flipping through the channels only to find that there is nothing good on TV. You’ve done all your work, you’ve read every magazine in your apartment and your roommate is gone. You’re bored. So, you head to the fridge, and blankly stare at it’s contents. You grab the first thing that kind of looks good, and mindlessly eat until the entire container is gone.
Welcome to boredom eating. We’ve all fallen victim to these cravings, and have gained a few pounds because of it. But all is not lost, there are ways to curb your boredom hunger pangs, and it doesn’t involve bad TV.
1) Chew gum and drink water: Keeping your mouth busy with gum chewing, and sipping on a glass of water will keep your mind off heading to the fridge because you’re body is going through the motions of eating, but without the added calories.
2) Take a shower/walk/nap: Finding an alternative to your boredom is one of the easiest ways to keep away from the pantry. Jump in the shower, take a late afternoon nap, or, now that the Syracuse weather is bearable, head outside and take a walk. Use your nothing-to-do time productively, it can only benefit you.
3) Healthier Alternatives: If you absolutely can’t stay away from the kitchen, make sure you don’t mindlessly grab the first thing you see, at least make the attempt to eat something healthy. Grab a piece of fruit or a yogurt to satisfy your sweet tooth.
4) Shop healthy: In preparation for future cravings, make sure you stock up on healthy snacks: fruit, graham crackers or 100-calorie packs keep you satisfied, and keeps your waist from expanding.
5) Give in: Completely denying yourself a splurge can only lead to disaster. If you really want that bowl of ice cream, have it. But don’t make a habit out of it. Satisfying your sweet tooth once in a while will help you stay on track the rest of the time.
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
The other day, some of my friends and I got into some dirty talk … airing our dirty laundry about all sexual chatter – from us in bed, to guys in bed, to phone sex in long-distance relationships.
It seemed like a pretty controversial issue, some girls have a strict clean-mouth policy while others go X-rated on a regular basis. I confessed that in my long-distance relationships, phone sex has been one of the staples that can make the separation feel a little bit … closer. Sure it doesn’t compare to the real thing, but it certainly makes for a quick(ie) fix. All the girls in LDRs agreed that their boyfriends would like their phone conversations to be a little less PG, but most felt awkward and unsure about how to get the raciness rolling.
My advice, when you’re feeling on the phone and feeling provocative, start with something simple and sweet like, “I wish you were here so I could kiss you.” Hopefully you’ll get some consensus and can move onto, “And you know what else I wish I could do …” You get the idea. Just make sure you’re guy is somewhere that the conversation won’t be embarrassing if it gets a little hard (wink, wink).
As for dirty talk in bed, that’s up to you and your partner’s preferences. I think some steamy sentences can only heat things up in the bedroom but some people find it embarrassing. If you’re not sure if your hook-up is into it make a move and see what kind of response you get. Just because he doesn’t talk back doesn’t mean he’s not into what you’re saying … this may actually be the one time when the guy’s a great listener.
If it’s reversed and he’s the one doing the chatting, join the conversation if and when you feel comfortable. If you’re not sure what to say, just describe what you’re going to do before it happens, it will build his anticipation. You’ll start to get more creative as the conversations continue.
Just keep the conversation to bedroom-shop talk. One of my friends slept with a guy who made small talk during sex (i.e. I downloaded this great new song today). Let’s just say he didn’t talk her into a round two.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
While the Healthy Affairs column is a stellar source for all of your health policy needs, this week we’d like to try something a little different and point you toward some resources we’ve found and loved.
Tomorrow night’s Frontline features an exposé on America’s fractured health care system. The team traveled from coast to coast to hear the stories of the country’s uninsured and underinsured, who suffer most as health care becomes more expensive, harder to get, and in some ways, less effective. Health care policy is at the forefront of conversation these days, and if you’d like to know more, this show is a can’t miss. (Sick Around America airs locally at 9p.m. on WCNY)
To see how U.S. health systems compare to those around the world, browse through the series NPR completed last summer called “Health Care for All.” In-depth stories about coverage in Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands show how other countries provide top-notch care for patients at much lower costs. A video report moves back stateside to delve into the enterprising efforts at universal coverage in Massachusetts, which could become a model for a nationwide system down the line.
Though this Chicago Tribune blog isn’t policy-focused, Julie’s Health Club is certainly worth a read for anyone interested in health news. Workout tips, warnings about consumer product safety, and news about alternative medicine, healing and exercise dominate the conversation. Check out her recent post on how to incorporate more movement into your day.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
With spring upon us, you may be looking to tone up the legs and lower body for shorts weather.Squats are a quick way to tone your legs, hips, and calves– and can be done after a cardio workout or simply on their own.Alternate between these three different types of squats for great results in a couple of weeks!
Medicine Ball Squat
Hold a medicine ball or a dumbbell with both hands
Tip the front of your body forward with your abs tight, your back straight, and your knees slightly bent
Hold the medicine ball above your head
Squat down so your legs form a 90 degree angle and bring the ball down to your chest, hold for two seconds
Complete 10 repetitions three times
To get better results and raise your heart rate, jump before you squat.
The Floor Squat
Stand with your feet wider than your shoulders and place your hands on an exercise ball
Bend your knees while keeping weight in your heels and lower your butt until it’s parallel to the floor, keeping your abs tight
Straighten your legs, keeping your hands on the exercise ball, complete 10 repetitions three times
Ball Squat
Stand with your feet wide, toes pointed out and place an exercise ball behind your lower back between you and a wall
Bend your knees to lower into a squat, keeping your abs tight and your knees in line with your toes
Lower your body down as far as you are capable of, while still being able to push into your heels to return to the starting position
Complete 10 repetitions three times
To work our your arms while doing this one, feel free to hold weights in your hands at your sides, or propped on your hips.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
With the SU Relay for Life this weekend, it seems like the perfect opportunity to give some tips on cancer prevention. Some of these we’ve heard a million times, but let’s be honest, how many times do you actually reapply your sunscreen when you are out at the beach? These are just some tips to keep your risk of developing cancer a little bit lower. These are tips given and endorsed by the American Cancer Society. For more information about, please visit cancer.org.
1) Do not smoke or chew tobacco
2) Use sunscreen, hats, and other protective clothing when exposed to the sun.
3) Get regular exercise (moderate activity for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week)
· Maintain a healthy weight
· Drink little to no alcohol (less than 1 ounce per day)
· Reduce fat intake (to less than 30 percent of daily calories)
· Reduce cholesterol (to 300 mg per day)
· Increase carbohydrates (to 55 to 65 percent of daily calories)
· Reduce protein (to 15 percent of daily calories)
· Increase dietary fiber intake (to 20 to 30 g per day)
· Eat five fruits/vegetables daily
· Minimize salt intake (less than 6 g per day)
The 2009 Relay for Life for Syracuse University is Saturday, March 28th in the Carrier Dome. If you’d like more information, please visit www.relayforlife.org/syracuseuniversity.
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
It’s Saturday night, and you’ve already downed a few too many beers. The music is pulsating, and you can practically feel the droplets of sweat formulating on your forehead. In between songs, you duck in the bathroom to freshen up. As expected, your face is beet-red. But you may be facing more than a hot, happy buzz.
According to researchers, flushed faces after drinking alcohol may indicate an increased risk for a deadly throat cancer. It’s called squamous cell esophageal cancer, and is also caused by smoking.
Nausea and a rapid heartbeat are also symptoms associated with the inherited deficiency in an enzyme called ALDH2. This is a trait shared by more than a third of people of East Asian descent, including Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans. Just a half a bottle of beer can trigger the reaction.
Studies in Japan and Taiwan show that people who consistently experience red faces after drinking alcohol have increased risks of developing alcohol-related esophageal cancer. In some cases, especially with heavy drinkers, the risk may be up to 18 times greater. Nondrinkers, on the other hand, do not appear to have a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Reducing drinking can significantly reduce the likelihood of this cancer among Asian adults.
Anecdotal evidence proves that some teens ignore the flushing and continue to drink, which is likely to increase the incidence of esophageal cancer. But how do you know if you’ve simply got that healthy post-kegstand glow? Ask yourself whether you flush after drinking a glass of beer. If so, it’s worth seeing a doctor – you may be ALDH2-deficient.
Megan Hess is a sophomore majoring in magazine journalism and international relations. She is the managing editor of Jerk Magazine and also writes for The Daily Orange and 360 Magazine. She was an editorial intern at Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine, where she had several articles published, and a media relations intern at the Office of the Mayor in Syracuse, NY. As a features blogger, she will cover issues ranging from food phenomena to electric cars to Obama’s carbon footprints.
There comes a point in most young relationships when one or both involved parties decide to make a break … for a break-up. It’s either me or it’s not me…it’s actually you or it’s a mutual decision to break free from each other.
But today I started wondering, is there such a thing as a clean break?
Take for example, my freshman year boyfriend. We had a great relationship…for a year.
College changed us, so when things started to go sour we decided to end it – mutually. We even hung out together afterwards as friends. I thought it was my first amicably ended relationship until about a month later, when he decided he wanted to date again. I felt like otherwise I could have gone from girlfriend to friend to foe in a matter of moments.
The guy even wrote a hate-song for his MySpace page so he could musically say how he felt about me. What a rock star.
Or what about my friend who dated this guy for several months until they realized they weren’t compatible…mutually.
She thought it was fantastic how comfortable he was when they saw each other out at the bars. The guy would even introduce himself to her latest love interest, talking her up the whole time.
After a few failed attempts at a rebound, her self-confidence started to wane. Soon after she discovered what was keeping her from her shot – her ex was only introducing himself to her potential hook-ups so he could lie to them that she had a STD! Talk about a love doctor.
Even just this summer, I dated a guy for a mere few months until we figured out we fought too much – mutually. Flash forward to two weeks later when I received an Black(e)mail message in my Facebook inbox – my ex threatened to release racy photos of me on the Internet less I return a gift he gave me during the relationship! Wait jailbait, weren’t we mutual here?
I could be talking to the wrong people, but it seems the breaking news story this week is that there is no such thing as a mutual break. Maybe each time a relationship ends, one person secretly has his or her heart broken, but he or she would rather break – rather than break to pieces. Maybe admitting you’ve been hurt is too much of a tough break and most people just don’t break the silence. Maybe I just can’t catch a lucky break, but can you break the code?
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
A global health controversy erupted last week during Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Africa when he said the distribution of condoms does not remedy the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“On the contrary,” he said. “It increases the problem.”
This came as a blow to public health advocates and experts, who recognize the African continent as home to two-thirds of the world’s AIDS cases and three-fourths of its deaths. The United Nations AIDS task force responded quickly saying, “The male latex condom is the single, most efficient, available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”
The church’s moral stance on condom use is long-standing and appears uncompromising. While Economistreports the pope advised his health council three years ago to consider whether condom use would be a “lesser evil” than allowing the continued spread of a deadly disease, the discussions never materialized into official church rhetoric. The pope’s trip emphasized that Vatican believes sex should only happen within a marriage, without contraceptives.
But in Africa, where 11.6 million children have been orphaned after losing a parent to AIDS, and nearly 2 million additional people are infected each year with HIV, it’s difficult to read the pope’s message as anything but a direct blow to progress and public health. It’s one thing to take a moral stance on sex and contraceptives, and another to disseminate scientifically unsound information that has the potential to ruin or end lives.
It is true that condom promotion has been less successful in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions where HIV/AIDS has spread to the general population. A New York Times op-ed points out that this is likely because too few people use them correctly and consistently. Condom distribution alone will not stop the spread of disease. A combination of many factors, including health education, the delay first sexual encounters, and empowerment of young women with more control over their sex lives is needed to adequately address the epidemic.
We can all understand the pope’s mission to discourage the notions of sexual freedom and promiscuity that are associated with birth control measures. Disapproval of premarital sex and contraception is by-the-book alliance with Christian values. But we should also be forced to acknowledge that modern circumstances require modern approaches. Condoms can stop HIV. Denial of this fact shows an irresponsible disregard for one of the few instruments proven to effectively stop the spread of the most destructive disease of our time.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Jumping rope is a great cardiovascular exercise that can be done in addition to a cardio workout, or simply on its own.Jumping rope can be done anywhere, but it is preferred that it be done on a springy wooden or carpeted floor, an exercise mat will work just fine too.Here is an interval workout that combines jumping rope with toning exercises to get the most out of your workout.
Warm up by jumping rope for three minutes
Stop jumping rope and do as many crunches as you can for the next minute
Jump rope for another three minutes
Stop jumping rope and do as many push-ups as you can for the next minute
Jump rope for three minutes
Continue alternating between three minutes of jumping rope and a minute of crunches or push-ups for 30 minutes, or as long as you can
As you build up your endurance switch up the alternating rounds of crunches or push-ups with squats, lunges, or upper-body exercises with dumbbells.To reduce next day soreness, be sure to properly stretch out your calves post.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
After two injuries due to Brazilian bikini waxes in the state of New Jersey, the state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is looking to ban genital bikini waxing completely. The two women who received injuries were hospitalized after developing infections from the cosmetic waxing.
The New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling has regulations stating what parts of the body are permitted to be waxed within state boarders, which include face, neck, abdomen, legs, and arms. Brazilian bikini waxes were never specifically banned so no rules about the service have been enforced in the past. New Jersey is aiming to ban Brazilian waxes, but regular bikini waxes would still be allowed.
A Brazilian bikini wax removes all hair from the genital region while a bikini wax removes hair further from the genital region and poses less possibility of injury to the area. Possible issues that may arise from bikini waxes include ingrown hairs, tearing of the skin, infections, and rashes.
The New Jersey Board of Cosmetology will meet April 14th to decide if they will move forward with the ban. Most salons in New Jersey have the Brazilian bikini wax service available and many salon owners fear no longer providing the service will cause business to suffer.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
It’s that time of year. The weather is slowly getting better, the days are longer and we all seem to be a little less focused (senioritis, anyone?)
So what can we do to prevent slipping grades and daydreaming in class? Improve our ability to stay focused and improve our concentration. Just a few tweaks in your day can do wonders for your attention span.
1) The rule of five: Setting small, easily obtainable goals can help keep you focused. For example, if you have 30 pages of reading to do, and you’ve only completed 10 pages, tell yourself that once you finish five more pages, you can take a break. It’s easily attainable, and also makes you feel accomplished so that when you return from the break you’ll be more apt to finish up the work that’s left.
2) When doing work, avoid distractions. Turn off your internet (if possible) which keeps you off facebook, and it’s equally distracting cousins. Also, in class, turn off your phone. If you don’t have the distraction of text messaging or games, you can actually pay attention to what your professor is talking about and improve your grade on the next exam!
3) Time management: making a schedule or a to-do and putting EVERYTHING you have to do into it, even the most miniscule things, will help help reduce the tendancy for your mind to wander because you won’t have to try and remember the million things you have to do. Keep the schedule or list with you so that you can add things as they pop into your brain.
4) Do one thing at a time: Some of us are great multi-taskers and can tackle several projects at once. But multitasking can potentially lead to forgetting important information, leaving something out of a project, or doing something completely wrong. When it comes to major projects, focus on them, one at a time.
Remember:
·Attention is among the most important components of our mental life,
cognitive performance and quality of life.
·Reduce your stress to improve concentration and reduce distractions.
·Focus, take breaks, and elaborate in order to remember and focus.
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
What’s in a number? For some of us, it’s a whole lot of names. For others, just a few. But the number of people we have sex with can mean a whole lot.
There are many people who believe that the right number of people to have slept with is one – one person with whom they will share the rest of their life. That’s definitely a special and safe way to go and for some people, but some of us may require a little more … attention. That’s perfectly OK. If you ask me, there’s no right number for everyone and no number is too large or too small. It’s all about what feels right to you.
One of my best friends and closest sexual confidants had only had sex with two guys since losing her virginity in her teens. That number works perfectly for her. She’s the type of girl who enjoys sex best when it’s in an invested long-term relationship and going without that intimate action until something serious comes along is worth the wait. For her, a low number reigns supreme.
Another friend has a number that is significantly higher, ranging in the twenties. Conventional images of women would plague her as easy, but for her, this number is just right. This friend is a sexual woman who enjoys hooking up, and doesn’t have the attachments and anxieties that make casual sex difficult for a lot of girls. For her, a larger number isn’t too high because she’s safe about it mentally and physically. She has sex for her own enjoyment and not because she thinks she’ll catch a guy’s attention that way. She also practices safe sex and has never had an STD or a pregnancy scare.
Single, double or no digits at all, there’s no harm in a number unless you’re not comfortable with the way you’re living your sex life. If you feel guilty about the number of people you’ve slept with, chances are you’re putting yourself out there for the wrong reasons. You may think having sex with a guy is the way for him to notice you or you may be dealing with some self-confidence issues you should talk with your friends about.
If you want to be sleeping with more people but are scared, just remember that sex can only be as safe as you make it and you should protect yourself as well as try to look into a partner’s sexual health before you make any decisions.
No matter what your number, surround yourself with friends you can count on, and count with, and you’ll have someone to bounce your feelings about sex with until you reach the perfect balance.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Unless you are not having sex, or having monogamous sex with a disease free partner, Chlamydia is a difficult disease to avoid. Chlamydia is very common in sexually active men and women under the age of 25.
In addition to being inconvenient and embarrassing, Chlamydia can lead to more serious problems down the road. Within a week of being infected with the STD, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women’s reproductive tracts. PID can then lead to damage of the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from making it to the ovaries. This can result in ectopic pregnancies or infertility. About 100,000 women end up infertile from Chlamydia and PID.
Since Chlamydia has virtually no obvious symptoms, often the damage to the reproductive system is not realized until women attempt to reproduce and cannot. Because of the rarity of symptoms, it is easy to obtain the disease, carry it and transmit it to someone else without even knowing it. Chlamydia in men can lead to sterility.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
So you’ve finally made it halfway through a semester of snowy, sleety Syracuse weather to that beacon of sunny hope, Spring Break. Throw off your Northface and slip into something skimpy, it’s time to hit the beach! But if you are lucky enough to be traveling this break, keep a few things in mind to ensure you make it safely back to campus.
The Spring Break combination of a foreign destination, alcohol, and loads of partying leaves travelers, especially females, vulnerable to unwanted or unsafe sex. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from a scary situation is to look out for your friends.
You’ve heard about the buddy system since you were in elementary school, but in a Spring Break spot it could really save your life. Make a deal with friends to not settle in for the night until everyone is fully accounted for.
Take a tour of your destination with your whole group as soon as you arrive. Identify the best and most well lit routes from various destinations back to your hotel. Write down or program into your phone a list of important numbers including at least one friend, the hotel, and the local police so you’ll have someone to call in case of an emergency.
When in doubt, pour it out. Never accept an open drink from a stranger that you didn’t see poured and never drink something that you’ve left unattended. Try to order bottles when possible, they are more difficult to mess with than open cups.
It’s easy to get stuck in an uncomfortable situation with a stranger when you’re out at a bar. Agree with your friends on a “rescue me” signal and use it to encourage them to butt in when things get a little uneasy.
With everyone looking sexy on the beach, there’s no doubt hook-ups will happen. When you’re drinking your judgment is blurred so think twice or talk with a friend before going back to someone’s hotel room. Spring Break is about having fun with your friends; so don’t feel pressure to hook up. Spend time with the girls instead and always consider the potential consequences before diving into sex.
However, if you do find a hottie that you simply can’t resist, go for it! Some of the best vacation memories are about Spring Break flings, and while they may not lead to lasting love they do leave you with something to smile about.
Just make sure to practice safe sex and look out for your girls over anything else.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Working out on the stairs is one of the best ways to elevate your heart rate and condition your legs and the rest of your body.Working out on a set of stairs is ideal, but with bad weather, the stair climbers available in the gym will provide you with just as good of a workout.
Here is an interval workout to try next time on a stair climber:
Warm up at a pace as if you were casually walking up a set of stairs for five minutes
Increase your pace so that it is above your comfort level and maintain this speed for 10 minutes
Increase your speed to 75-80% your maximum heart rate for 30 seconds
Decrease your speed to 35-40% of your maximum heart rate for one minute
Continue this interval for 10 minutes (Depending on your level of fitness, either lower this interval to five minutes, or increase your speed during the maximum heart rate sprint to get a harder workout)
Cool down at your warm up pace or even a little slower if necessary for five minutes, or until you feel your heart rate has returned to resting pace
Be sure to stretch our your quads and your hamstrings after this workout to prevent soreness for the next few days.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
I may not be hitting the beach, but hopefully venturing in the city to a spa and some R&R, and catch up on a New Year’s resolution: to dance more! You should too!
Franz Ferdinand’s No You Girls is also featured on the iPod commercial and Gossip Girl. Now dance:
Concern among health-care reform advocates was mounting when economic stimulus bills, troop withdrawal deadlines in Iraq, and new deployments to Afghanistan dominated headlines during President Obama’s first few weeks in office. In the face of such a complicated agenda, reformers worried health care would fall by the wayside.
But Obama’s agenda this week should allay those fears. He kicked health-policy reform efforts into high gear on Monday with the nominations of Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Nancy-Ann DeParle as Director of the White House Office for Health Reform.
Sebelius, a Democratic governor of red-leaning Kansas, is known as a staunch advocate for health care reform. As a governor, she tried unsuccessfully for years to persuade lawmakers to raise tobacco taxes to pay for expanded government health coverage. During her previous stint as Kansas’ insurance commissioner, Sibelius oversaw Medicaid and gained a reputation for standing up to lobbyists. She is widely regarded as a safe pick, after Obama’s first choice for Secretary of HHS, former Senator Tom Daschle, withdrew from consideration after a tax scandal last month.
But some confusion surrounds the nomination of DeParle, whose post is not a part of the President’s official cabinet. DeParle’s role will probably involve advising and outreach between the Administration’s agenda and that of Congress. But the Office for Health Care Reform was created specifically for Daschle, whose experience and legislative clout would have allowed him more control over the policy and politics ofhealth-care reform. (DeParle isn’t a health-care neophyte. She served as commissioner of the Department of Human Services in Tennessee and as administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration during the Clinton Administration.)
In yesterday’s press conference, President Obama also announced plans for 126 new health centers to make primary and preventative services more available, particularly to the uninsured. The stimulus bill directs $155 million toward this initiative.
All this comes on the heels of last week’s announcement of a plan to set aside $634 billion over ten years to pay for the Administration’shealth agenda. Taxes for the wealthy and elimination of wasteful spending from programs like Medicare and Medicaid will account for most of the budget.
This Thursday, Obama will hold a White House health-policy forum, similar to last week’s fiscal summit. Reform advocates should take heart, as Obama’s plan has been praised for its marked departure from the failed health-care reform efforts of the Clinton administration in 1993. The Clintons prepared a complete plan, with input from hundreds experts and staff and presented it to Congress, where it was met with strong opposition from both parties.
Obama seems to be asking for money and input first, to make sure the job gets done right this time around.
“The cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough,” Obama told Congress last week. “So let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.”
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
Midterms are upon us, and that means most college students are experiencing added pressure and stress in the daily routine, at least until spring break. But luckily, we don’t all have to fall victim of stress. With are a few tips and tricks, you can ace your exams without causing premature wrinkles.
1)Eat a balanced, nutritious diet: General health and stress resistance can be enhanced by eating well. As difficult as it may seem, you should try to avoid intake of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and junk food.
2) Exercise regularly: Exercise promotes emotional well-being as well as physical fitness.
3) Schedule your time: Using a diary and to-do lists to prioritize activities helps you effectively use you time and realize you can’t do everything.
4) Learn how to say no: Extra burdens and can wreak havoc on your day.
5) Get enough sleep: Pulling all-nighters tend to be synonymous with studying. However, if you get less that five hours of sleep before an exam, you risk losing a lot of the information you gained during studying.
6) Start your studying beforehand: If you wait until the night before an exam, you are very limited in the amount of time you have to store a lot of information in your brain. Starting four or five days ahead of time gives you more time to take in information, and helps you avoid the all-nighter.
7) Avoid interruptions: This seems like a no-brainer, but some of us still find ourselves in situations where we try to study in non-study-friendly environments. Sometimes the library isn’t the best place to head around midterms because everybody else on campus is there. Find another, less-crowded building to study in or, better yet, a quiet coffee shop where you can take a break and grab a cup of herbal tea. Remember, computers can serve as interruptions as well: if you have a computer with you or near you, the temptation to get on facebook/Myspace/twitter becomes unavoidable. If you can, avoid bringing your computer with you when you study or going somewhere where they are easily accessible. If you have to have a computer to write a paper, etc., don’t connect to the internet.
8) Have confidence!: If you freak yourself out about your exams, you are less likely to be successful. Study hard and early, and tell yourself that you know the information and you’ll be fine!
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
The weather outside may be frightful, but your skin doesn’t have to be! Protecting your skin from harsh outdoor conditions is crucial – and easier than you might think.
Follow these steps to help your skin stay moist and healthy throughout the rest of the grueling winter months:
1)Use a heavier cream instead of a light moisturizer.
Constantly switching between warm indoor air and harsh outside winds removes moisture from your skin. Look for moisturizers that are oil-based rather than water-based; the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a regular cream or lotion. For best results, moisturize at night before going to bed. Some lip balms and lipsticks, like Moisture Extreme Lipcolor by Maybelline, have moisturizers built in.
2)Up your H20 intake.
Water not only flushes out toxins, but also helps prevent skin dehydration. Dry, cracked skin is susceptible to infections, and water helps boost your body’s natural defenses. The “8 by 8” rule says to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
3)Turn down the hot water.
A long, hot shower may sound ideal after kicking off your snowy Uggs, but hot water can wreak havoc on your skin. Instead, try taking lukewarm showers. After drying off, immediately apply moisturizer to lock in moisture. Lukewarm baths with oatmeal or baking soda also help relieve dry, itchy skin.
4)Slather on the sunscreen.
SPF isn’t just for spring break in Cancun and summers at the shore. Winter sun and snow glare can also damage your skin, and UV rays still penetrate on cloudy days. Apply some sunscreen to your face and hands about half an hour before going outside. When skiing, UV exposure is even greater, so use a sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB radiation.
5)Grease up your hands and feet.
Vaseline – or other lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerin – helps moisturize brittle nails and dry feet. Exfoliants, which remove dead skin, will help moisturizers sink in faster and deeper. Also try using antibacterial ointments, such as Neosporin, for cracked hands and feet.
6)Harsh peels are a no-no.
Lots of peels, clay-based masks, and alcohol-based toners strip vital oils from your skin. Instead, opt for mild foaming cleansers, alcohol-free toners, and “deeply-hydrating” masks. Some skin conditions like eczema tend to flare up during the winter months, so make sure to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Megan Hess is a sophomore majoring in magazine journalism and international relations. She is the managing editor of Jerk Magazine and also writes for The Daily Orange and 360 Magazine. She was an editorial intern at Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine, where she had several articles published, and a media relations intern at the Office of the Mayor in Syracuse, NY. As a features blogger, she will cover issues ranging from food phenomena to electric cars to Obama’s carbon footprints.
The Backup: I bought St. Ives Apricot Scrub at the Syracuse University bookstore last month, and I expected it to work wonders. After winning an Allure Reader’s Choice Award for best drugstore face scrub in 2008, I had high expectations. St. Ives says that it is dermatologist tested, non-drying, oil-free, Vitamin-A rich and contains apricot extract.
The Verdict: This scrub is affordable and effective. It makes your skin feel smooth immediately after you wash it off. However, I did find it to be very rough. Please do not scrub very hard. You can rub your face very gently with the scrub and it will work.
Quick Tip: Do not use this scrub on a daily basis. Even using it once or twice a week will soften your skin.
Price: $4
What: St. Ives’s Collagen Elastin Body Wash
The Backup: I have used this product for about a year and my skin is softer. You only need a small amount to cleanse and moisturize your body in the shower but I usually use more because it smells and feels so great.
The Verdict: It is a sleeper hit.This body wash is inexpensive and is truly moisturizing. It smells amazing and looks like white silk in your palms. For people with dry skin, this is a must. It also contains collagen and elastin that keeps skin looking youthful and prevents sagging. Overall, with the these two protein ingredients your skin should maintain it’s youthful elasticity and be wrinkle free.
1.A connection or association, usually romantic, in which the involved parties are of or between a long distance from each other.
2.An emotional connection strong enough to tie two people together despite their residence in different cities, states, or countries.
3.A sexual affair characterized by random spurts of activity and long lulls of abstinence.
4.A stressful, emotional, but if it’s right, totally worth it relationship requiring time, money, trust, commitment and ultimately, love.
Many students come to college in a long distance relationship, and many end during the transitional period of freshman year.
For those relationships that last and make it beyond the four years of college and into the real world together, making it work requires a lot of emotional and financial effort. But if you’ve met someone truly special, every moment of being together is worth twice as much as moments of struggle. And the end result (eventually dropping the LD from the R) could be the fairytale ending every storybook follower hopes for.
So if you think you’ve found your prince (or princess) charming and they simply live in a land far, far away, here a few tips to make it to “The End.”
Have patience. Communication is hard in any relationship but even more difficult in a LDR. Give your other half a little leeway when it comes to phone calls – it will be OK if you talk in an hour instead of right away. Remember to be patient when he or she is having a bad day and is cranky with you as a result. Your relationship can be stressful and sometimes an outlet for pent up emotions. As long as a bad day doesn’t turn into a bad week, try to understand your significant other’s point of view.
Work out the times when you will or won’t be able to call each other. Think about each other’s schedules including activities, classes, and even favorite TV shows. Make sure you talk enough during the day to feel like you’re connected and caught up on each other’s lives. Also be sure to consider what you want to do when you’re out for a night of fun. Talking to someone at a party or bar is annoying for both parties – it’s difficult to hear well and takes you away from your good time. Promise that you’ll call each other before you go out and when you get back home, everyone will be happy.
Trust me. If you think your other half is cheating on you every time he or she mentions someone of the opposite sex’s name, calm down. Being constantly suspicious can only add strain to an already difficult relationship and will ultimately lead to a break-up. Use your natural instincts to detect infidelity but promise yourself that you will be faithful and will trust your partner is as well.
Give surprise love. A great way to remind each other just why you’re in this for the long haul is to constantly surprise each other with little acts of love. Be it a racy text message, an unexpected card in the mail, a UPS delivered treat, or an unexpected activity during a visit, make sure you take the time to show you care. A little surprise can make an entire day, week, month, or however long it will be until you see each other, a little easier.
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Walking is a great workout that you can do daily or use as a recovery day between more intense workouts.But do not underestimate the health benefits of a good walk. If done at an intense speed, a walk can still burn a great deal of calories and leave you with the same endorphins (which create natural feelings of happiness—a natural high in other words) as after a run.
Here is a fat burning workout to try either on a treadmill or while walking around campus.Remember to pump your arms back and forth as you walk to get the best full body workout possible.
Warm up at an easy pace for 10 minutes
Increase your pace so that you are walking at 75-80% of your maximum heart rate for 14 minutes (This is a speed above a comfortable pace in which your breathing will be harder than usual)
Increase your speed so that you are walking at a pace that is just under jogging and maintain this speed for one minute
Decrease your speed to warm up pace for one minute
Continue this interval of fast then slow for six minutes
Cool down for five minutes at an easy pace
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
When your planner is filled back to back with papers to write, tests to study for, projects to complete, lines to memorize, and meetings to attend, the desire for a break become essential. Luckily, there are several stress relievers just down the block. Here is a list of ways to cool off and take your mind off work on Marshall Street:
1. The Art of Massage
A massage is an excellent way to relax after a busy and stressful week of work. The massage therapists at the Art of Massage (located in the Marshall Square Mall) can help pinpoint tense areas of the individual customers. Massages can also help relieve pain and physically prepare athletes for a game.
The Art of Massage offers discounts to students. According to their website, “Students will be given $5 off the price of every one hour massage and $2 off the price of every half hour massage.”
2. The Fitness Center
Located in the Marshall Square Mall, a workout can help blow of steam and is a healthy way to relieve tension. A cardio workout on one of the many treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, stair-climbers, bicycles, and rowers can help distract your mind from your work and stretching on the mats provided will help calm your muscles. Plus, physical exercise will help you sleep better, which is a stress reliever in and of itself.
The Hours of the Marshall Square Mall Fitness Center are:
Monday – Thursday → 7:00AM – Midnight
Fridays → 7:00AM – 10:00PM
Saturdays and Sundays → 10:00AM – 8:00PM
3. Funk ‘n Waffles
What better way to take your mind off of studying than to attend a music gig in this quaint, laid back venue that attracts local and touring artists nightly?
Although Funk n’ Waffles is not on Marshall street, it is located just down the block at 727 S. Crouse Avenue.
Coming up this weekend:
Thursday, February 19 – 8:30pm – Thousands of One
Friday, February 20 – 8:00pm – V-Day Fundraiser
Saturday, February 21 – 8:30pm – GPGDS
(find out more about these bands on the Funk n’ Waffles website)
4. Unique Tea House
If bubble tea isn’t your thing, just tell them to hold the tapioca. The Unique teahouse provides a large assortment of teas and mixed beverages that you can enjoy. My personal favorite is hot green tea with honey and lemon, which is great during to cold season to clear a sore throat. If the tea doesn’t calm your nerves, the zen atmosphere will. This is a great place to go with friends even for a quick beverage during the week. In addition to the tea, Unique Tea House had a multitude of toys and trinkets for sale and you can also order sushi with your drink.
5. Insomnia Cookies
Cookies? On a health blog? We understand why this may seem out of place. However, it is better to eat sweets in moderation than to ignore cravings, which can often build up. So treat yourself to that delicious peanut butter chocolate cookie. You deserve it. Just try to limit yourself and keep it as a special treat when satisfying your sweet tooth feels like your greatest ambition. And don’t forget, they will deliver to your dorm until 3am.
A recent study of 21 undergraduate males by Professor Susan Fiske at Princeton University determined that men’s brains receive images of females in bikinis as objects; objects of conquest, that is. The way men process seeing women scantily clad is similar to that of handling tools; they see these images with the intention to perform an action.
Men think of certain first person action verbs such as “push,” “handle,” and “grab” when seeing bare images of women, instead of the idea of the women “pushing,” “handling,” or “grabbing.” The images of women with fewer clothes on give them a feeling of control, while they see images of a woman that is fully clothed as in control of herself.
These mysogenistic tendencies that men have developed are not new concepts. Early male humans saw women as a way to spread their genes, rather than people to bond and share their life with. The purpose of this study was to show how people sometimes use other people as a means to an end, or the beginning (of another human life) depending on how you look at it.
So what did we learn from this research? Men have difficulty interacting with women and getting to know them on a deeper level once they have seen them dressed in a provocative way. (Something to keep in mind during that Spring Break romance). While this is based on scientific research, if men become more aware of this “impersonal sexual longing” and their subconscious depersonalizing of women, they may be able to consciously change their behavior.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
One of the most difficult parts about working out is dealing with injuries. They make your workouts more difficult, and sometimes, completely impossible. However, most injuries that the average gym goer suffers from, are avoidable. There are just a few keys things to keep in mind.
Warm-up before stretching out: It sounds counter intuitive, but think about it. If you take rubber band straight from the freezer and try to stretch it, it will snap. However, if it’s warmed up, it will stretch much easier. The same goes for your muscles. Before you begin stretching, you should partake in 5-10 minutes of mild cardio, such as hoping on an exercise bike. Obviously, don’t over-do it; that defeats the purpose of a warm-up.
Once you’re warmed-up, stretch: clearly, stretching out your muscles before you start an intense work-out is absolutely essential to avoiding injuries. You should never rush your stretching. Some of the most popular injuries, are pulled muscles because people only stretch out the muscles they think they are using, and neglect the ones they think they are not. The truth is, every time you work out, you use muscles that you may not realize, and by not sufficiently preparing those muscles, you are an injury waiting to happen.
Don’t do too much, too fast: If last week was the first time you’ve ever gone to the gym, chances are you aren’t ready to run a marathon. You should start your routines slow, doing enough that you feel your muscles working and your blood pumping, but not overdoing it. Everyone progresses differently, so it may take you two months to be able to complete a three-mile run, while it make only others a few weeks. You should tweak your work outs in response to your body. When you begin feeling too comfortable in your work out, or that it is no longer challenging, it’s time to step it up.
Don’t compete: Everyone is built different, and has different strengths and weaknesses, so trying to compete with the body builder next you to see who you can lift more will only lead you to a potential injury. Trying to do things that your are not able, or ready to do, will have painful consequences.
Take a day off, not a week: Lets be honest, doing an intense workout for one week, and then skipping the gym the next to sit on your couch with a bag of Cheetos, will not lead to results. Such activity, or lack thereof, will keep you running in circles, never really getting you anywhere except back where you started. Make a plan, put it in your planner and stick to it. A longer, healthier life will be your reward.
Watch out for signs: If you start to feel pain of any kind, STOP! The worst think for your potential injury is to keep working out with it, you will only make it worse. If you pull a muscle, or suffer any type of injury, take a day or two off and see your doctor .
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
It’s three weeks until Spring Break, and college women across the country are in a state of frenzy. Dreams of lounging on the beach and dancing in clubs are suddenly replaced with nightmares of unflattering bikinis and cellulite-revealing booty shorts. Crash diets commence while gyms fill to the max.
But as you obsess over every pound and inch, stop to think about who you are really trying to impress. If we’re being honest here, most of us are dropping weight to entice potential hook-ups or show off to our own friends. We’re trying to look good for everyone around us, but how do we feel about ourselves?
One of the best things you can do to improve your sex life isn’t to try unhealthy methods to rapidly lose those extra pounds you think you put on after consuming Valentine’s Day candy…instead, work on improving your body image. OK, so you don’t have the figure of Giselle Bundchen. You’re not alone. Most of us will never look like a supermodel, but that doesn’t mean we’re not damn sexy!
Being comfortable in your own skin = being comfortable in bed. It’s difficult to enjoy sex when you’re wondering if you look thin from this angle or if he can see that part of you that jiggles from that position. The truth is all men are attracted to a particular body type – a different body type – which means what you’re working with is exactly what some guys out there want. But even if you find one of those men, you won’t be able to fully experience amazing sex until you appreciate all your assets, big and small.
Great sex is about focusing on what you feel and not on how you look. The ideal weight for someone of your height and build should be something you are comfortable with and that should, in turn, make you feel beautiful. The way you feel about your body should not revolve around what Brad from Australia thinks when you meet him in Cabo.
So should you eat well and exercise? Of course! Those activities keep you healthy and make you feel good, but while you do that, don’t over-obsess about your weight. Shoot for the body that makes you feel sexy and work it! Draw contentment with your body from how you look and feel, and not what everyone else thinks. You’ll be able to take in that gorgeous view from the beach, dance like a pro on the bar, and have better sex than ever before (maybe even with Brad!)
Taylor Engler is a senior dual magazine journalism and anthropology major. She has written for Jerk magazine, The Daily Orange, and Zipped magazine. She has an invested interest in relationships and sex so she plans to ”Kiss and Tell” every Wednesday with the scoop on sexual and emotional health.
Prescription drug history, like all medical records, is assumed to be confidential. Yet drug companies can contact customers with targeted, promotional information about newer, more expensive drugs when their old prescriptions run out. In Washington State, a new bill sponsored by Rep. Jamie Pedersen, seeks to close this loophole.
Proponents say the bill will protect patients who assume the information is coming from their doctor or pharmacy. Typically, when drug companies contact customers, they send the information in the form of a reminder about a current prescription and a suggestion to move to a different drug.
A 2003 change in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) created the loophole, adding “business associates” to the list of people who could share patient information if it related to patient care. Drug makers could buy lists of prescriptions and use them to send advertisements to selected customers.
States are allowed to pass laws that strengthen privacy protections of HIPAA, and California is the only other state to pass a similar law prohibiting health care professionals from distributing prescription information. The Washington bill was introduced in January, and was reviewed by the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on Feb. 3. To track its progress, check out its page on the Washington State Legislature Web site.
Catherine Basham is a senior magazine journalism and policy studies dual major. She has written for The Daily Orange, The Student Voice, and interned with publications like Boston magazine and Design New England. Her interests are global health and national health policy and legislation. Every Tuesday, she will be covering these topics in her column “Healthy Affairs.” Stay informed, stay healthy.
The stationary bike is a great way to get a low impact workout that provides almost immediate results in toning your legs—which would be beneficial when hiking those hills around campusTo avoid boredom, and to get the most of your workout, incorporate sprints into your bike routine.Here is a 30-minute bike workout that uses sprints to give you the best results.
Start cycling at a low speed for five minutes.
Increase your speed so that you are cycling at medium speed for the next five minutes.
Start cycling at an intensity that is about 90% of your full effort.This will be your sprint pace.Maintain this pace for 30 seconds.
Slow down your pace and cycle at about 40% of your full effort.Maintain this pace for 30 seconds.
Continue this variation for five minutes.
Next, cycle at a pace that is 70% of your full effort for five minutes.
Next, repeat the five-minute sprinting intervals.
Begin your cool down at 40% of your full effort for two minutes, and finish the last three minutes at the low speed used in the warm up.
Be sure to stretch out your quads and calves after this workout to avoid soreness.Also, eating foods with potassium, like bananas, can help to prevent sore muscles the next day.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
Every year I struggle with finding the words to fill my Valentine’s Day cards. If you are sick of the roses being red and violets blue, and all that nonsense, here are some less mainstream, and more original ways to let someone know how you feel.
I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. – When Harry Met Sally
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
- Excerpt from e.e. cummings poem “I Carry Your Heart With Me (I Carry it in my Heart)”
So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What’s it look like? If it’s with him, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I can do it again. If I thought that’s what you really wanted. But don’t you take the easy way out.
-The Notebook (I admit, this is mainstream but I couldn’t resist)
Because tonight you are in my hair and eyes, and every street light that our taxi passes shows me you again, still you, And because tonight all other nights are black, all other hours are cold and far away, and now, this minute, the stars are very near and bright
-Kenneth Fearing
Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies. And, fortunately, when there aren’t any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction. And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and nobler cause. They are here to save our lives. I know the idea seems strange, but I also know that it just so happens to be true.
- Stranger Than Fiction
Stop talking about love. Every asshole in the world says he loves somebody. It means nothing. What you feel only matters to you. It’s what you do to the people you say you love, that’s what matters. It’s the only thing that counts. – The Last Kiss
There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other’s cooking & say it was good. –Brian Andreas
“In a haze, a stormy haze, I’ll round I’ll be loving you always, always, Here I am and I take time, here I am and I wait in line always, always – Coldplay
I’ve been watching your world from afar,
I’ve been trying to be where you are,
And I’ve been secretly falling apart, unseen.
To me, you’re strange and you’re beautiful,
You’d be so perfect with me but you just can’t see,
You turn every head but you don’t see me.
I’ll put a spell on you,
You’ll fall asleep and I’ll put a spell on you.
And when I wake you,
I’ll be the first thing you see,
And you’ll realize that you love me.
- Aqualung
I’d swim across lake Michigan
I’d sell my shoes
I’d give my body to be back again
In the rest of the room
Ever wonder what the purpose of a taking multivitamin is? Believe it or not, a daily multivitamin will provide you will health enhancing vitamins that the average person may not consume in a normal day. Below is a list of vitamins and their uses to enhance your health and prevent disease and infection.
Vitamin A : Promotes healthy bone growth, vision, reproduction, cell division and specialization and helps regulate the immune system.
Food sources include whole milk, liver, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and most darkly colored fruit and vegetables.
Vitamin B2: Supports energy production and is necessary for red blood cell and antibody production, respiration and regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails and hair growth, healing of wounds and general good health.
Sources include liver, kidney, whole grains, green leaf vegetables, milk, yeast, cheese, oily fish, eggs, enriched cereals, almonds and mushrooms.
Vitamin B12: The primary functions are to maintain a healthy nervous system and to produce red blood cells.
Sources include meat, dairy products and eggs but no reliable plant sources.
Vitamin C: The human body is unable to store Vitamin C and unless replenished constantly, symptoms—the most commonly known of which is scurvy that can become fatal—will quickly occur. It is important in forming collagen that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels and in maintaining bones and teeth, and in the absorption of iron.
Sources are most fruits and vegetables served raw if possible, Vitamin C dissolves in water, so you want to cook your veggies, use the minimal amount of water by steaming or microwaving for as short a time as possible.
Vitamin D: The source of this vitamin is best known as being from sunlight, or more accurately, as being made in the body by exposure to UV rays.
It promotes calcium and phosphorous that are vital in forming and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin D may also be involved in regulating cell growth and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Exposure to sunlight (which should be carefully limited) is the principal source, most dairy products contain only limited amounts, better sources include oily fish, fortified cereals, eggs, and beef liver.
Vitamin E: A is a powerful source of antioxidants and as such acts as a barrier to poisons and diseases that can damage the body. It is also recognized as being involved in immune system function, DNA repair, the protection of blood cells, the nervous system, muscles and the eye retinas from free radical damage.
The best sources include nuts, green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, sprouts) eggs, whole wheat products, soy beans and vegetable oils and particularly olive oil.
Vitamin K: This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of coagulation proteins, meaning that it is responsible for regulating the ability of the blood to clot.
Any green vegetables, asparagus, oats and oils, such as olive oil, are good sources of this vitamin.
Remember to consult your doctor about starting any type of vitamin regime.
Kristen Putch is a senior newspaper and history major. She is the former editor-in-chief of The Student Voice and managing editor of 360 Degrees magazine. She has written for The Daily Orange and is currently a freelance writer for www.Suite101.com. Based on her personal experiences with balancing work and everything else, she is very familiar with the college student’s tendency to talk themselves out of doing what’s right: what’s healthy. She wants to encourage those to be proactive and prevent it with her column “Interruption.”
Her contact information is kristen.j.putch@gmail.com.
Let’s face it; watching reruns of The Office with a textbook on your lap does not qualify as studying. While studying is an integral part of the college experience, it’s not something we want to constantly be doing. Depending on our moods, energy levels and ability to focus, studying has the power to last well into the night. The key to a good study session involves focus, energy and low levels of stress. Oftentimes, these things come from an efficient, refreshing study break.
Dartmouth College recommends studying in chunks for 20-50 minute time periods with a brief break for 5-10 minutes. This method will allow you to remove yourself from your work and come back with a clear mind. Try out these easy, rejuvenating activities the next time you hit the books.
photo courtesy of pilatesfirenze.it
Move Your Body
Too late for the gym? Whip out your laptop and turn your room into a mini gym for 10 minutes. For a natural energy boost, try a free 10-minute dance workout from ExerciseTV. Even if you’re a horrible dancer, this energizing video will get your body moving and at least give you a good laugh.
If you’re looking to improve your concentration, try out a 10-minute Pilates workout.
Breathe In
If you’re stressed, work on your breathing with a meditation video. Clearing your mind for 10-15 minutes will eliminate your anxiety and allow you to re-tackle your work with more concentration. MayoClinc recommends meditation in order to improve concentration, gain energy, and become more efficient. Relax with this meditation video.
Snack Break
Like a great car, a great mind cannot do its job without the proper fuel. Save your books some crumbs and head over to the common room or kitchen to prepare a healthy snack to boost your energy and mood. Fuel your mind with foods low in sugar to avoid fatigue and moodiness. WebMd recommends eating whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and cereal to raise serotonin levels. For a boost rich in protein and carbs, try toasting a slice Arnold Whole Grains bread and add a tablespoon of peanut butter.
Studies on animals have also shown that blueberries improve memory. Sprinkle some blueberries on whole-grain cereal or low-fat yogurt to help with your studying session.
photo courtesy of healthhokkaido.com
Tea Time
In addition to the numerous immune system and cholesterol-reducing benefits, tea may just be your new study buddy. Research shoes that a substance in green tea leaves, L-Theanine, may help with relaxation and reduce anxiety, says WebMD. Relax with a warm cup of Yogi Tea.
photo courtesy of converse.edu
Walk it Out
Grab a coat and a friend and hit the Syracuse streets for a short stroll. Sure, the weather might not be favorable, but a burst of fresh air may be necessary. A short walk and talk will rejuvenate your mind and body.
Michelle Toglia is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in marketing. She has written a health and beauty blog for LifeBrooker.com and is currently a senior editor of the print version of What the Health.
My staff and I are ready to bring you tips, new alerts, and topics covering weekly workouts, healthy on-the-go snacks, world health issues, stress, sexual health, and news and information on courses that will make your life as a college student a little less stressful and healthier!
My beat bloggers will keep you updated daily, and my feature bloggers and freelance bloggers will keep you in the loop of all things healthy, so check in with us each week to get the quick tips, new alerts, and features to improve not just your physical health but your mental and emotional health, too!
A full day of classes can be draining. They’re long, tiring and can easily take a toll on our health. Aside from getting a good night’s rest, it’s important to eat healthy in order to restore energy throughout your busy day. Sometimes three meals a day won’t cut it and we need some midday fuel. The quick options available to us are often unhealthy choices (think vending machines and fast food eateries) But, all it takes is stocking up your dorm or apartment with the right food and you’ll be fighting off the mid-class stomach grumbles in no time.
Cheese and Crackers
On your next trip to the SU bookstore or Wegman’s, (http://www.wegmans.com/) pick up whole grain crackers. Kashi’s TLC crackers (http://kashi.com/products/tlc_crackers_original_7_grain) are delicious, full of fiber and come in a variety of flavors. Buy some low fat cheese to go along with it. It’s a great combination of carbs and proteins.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great snack because it’s portable and doesn’t take long to prepare. Instead of buying a packaged trail mix, your best bet is to make it with natural ingredients yourself. Packaged trail mix often contains processed ingredients and too many calories.
Before class mix 1 cup of whole grain granola (try Bear Naked granola) (http://www.bearnaked.com/) with 1/2 cup of almonds, ¼ cup of walnuts and ¼ cup of dried cranberries. Try mixing and matching with other nuts and dried fruits like sunflower seeds and apricots.
Celery and peanut butter
For a protein kick, cut up some celery before class and store it the refrigerator. When you come back in between classes, spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on the celery.
You can add raisins or semi-sweet chocolate chips to sweeten up the snack.
Stay Healthy!
Michelle Toglia is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in marketing. She has written a health and beauty blog for LifeBrooker.com and is currently a senior editor of the print version of What the Health. She will update you every Monday with “Eating Right for the College Student On-the-Go.”
My experience with this mindfulness thing began this past summer when I stumbled on a Zen Buddhist monastery. Maybe some teachers would say my quest began years before that, or even before I was born; I’m not sure. All I know is that something happened to me that summer morning that has not quite run its course .
So when I heard about a free “mindfulness based” stress reduction program — MBSR for short — offered by the SU Counseling Center, I signed up. If you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, I’m here to give you a glimpse into my experience with mindfulness. That sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? It’s simple: I do the work, you read the blog. Maybe we’ll both learn something new.
What exactly did those Buddhists put in my green tea you say? Well, nothing really. I kind of walked into it.
I was house sitting in the Catskill Mountains for a month this past summer, living along a mountain creek in a forested cove all alone with a cat and a black lab. One afternoon, while walking the dog I heard the faint sound of an ancient instrument winding through the trees. I turned down a small dirt road and ten minutes later had met a monk, toured the grounds, and got myself invited to a service at the Zen Mountain Monastery near Mt. Tremper, New York.
The next morning I retraced my steps to the grey stone in its haven of spruce. After joining about 150 others for a chanting service, I joined the other newbies in a private beginner meditation session with one of the monks. She was just over five feet and couldn’t have weighed more than 110 pounds. Her eyes had this glistening film over them that made it seem like she was always just on the verge of tears, joyful ones. The way such a slight body could contain such solidity of spirit was altogether new to me—I could’ve listened to her speak for hours.
The monk introduced us to the basics of the morning service, and instructed us in seated meditation, or za zen (sitting—za, with the mind—zen). We then joined the rest of the community for a 35-minute meditation. During the session, the gentle morning rain turned feral; in all my life I’ve never heard such thunder. It seemed to be earthbound, crashing through the stone walls to silence me. I was at once entirely solitary and entirely absorbed into a community of others. My mind bounced like a racquetball. What to eat, whom to call, books to read, workouts to do, the state of the world, my past, my future. It all crashed down with that thunder into the stone-solid present.
I carry this memory around with me like a Polaroid, reaching for it when the world starts to buzz far too loudly. And here I am again, every Wednesday night in the Bird library, trying to sit still and just be.
Next week: Session One
- Jennifer Anne Ward
Jennifer Ward is a magazine graduate student at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She has written for In Good Health, CNY’s premier health care newspaper, and covered topics that range from religion to triathlons, food and cosmetic surgery.
You can find her portfolio at www.jwbwrites.wordpress. She also has her own food blog called Fresh Cracked Pepper. “The Mindful Diaries” is a blog journal about her weekly Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Tune in every Tuesdays for updates.
This Week’s Topics: Malaria, Obesity, Mediterranean Diet, and Abortion
Complied By Danielle Alvarez, beat blogger
Malaria
On Wednesday, Sept. 24th, the United Nations held a meeting on the Millennium Development Goals. One important topic on the agenda was a discussion on the world’s fight against the blight of malaria in Africa. The disease continues to kill nearly 3,000 children each day. It seems unlikely; we have nearly wiped out Malaria in our own country with existing technologies and anti-malarial drugs. Unfortunately for many people in Africa, even a simple mosquito net that would significantly reduce the rapid spread of the disease is out of reach. You can help. There are many organizations working together to defeat malaria. Click here for one in New York. With just $10 you can make a difference.
Obesity
Obesity is a well-known and widespread problem in the United States; over 74% of people ages 15 and up, are considered overweight. But this isn’t only a problem in the U.S., nearly half of our neighbors in Mexico have growing waistlines, and the rate of diseases that have been associated with obesity continues to rise. Vamos Por Un Million de Kilos (or Let’s Lose a Million Kilos) is the country’s new program to help the Mexican citizens become healthier and lose the excess weight. According to USA Today, it is the rise of the middle class and the cheaper caloric-Mexican food that has led to the country’s devastating weight gain. Through government-funded education, new and improved fitness facilities, and an encouraging campaign for the consumption of more fruits and vegetables they hope to “nip this sucker in the butt” before it gets out of hand. Hopefully the U.S. will use Mexico as an example in ourown weight loss initiatives.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet that has been applauded for contributing to longer life spans and happy hearts is on the decline… in the last place you’d guess: the Mediterranean. A daily regimen focused on a high intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables, and olives seems to have lost its popularity. Unfortunately, the replacement diet is not nearly as healthy and features processed foods and fast-food chains. This change is especially apparent in children, who are now a whopping two-thirds are overweight. Health experts and leaders are frantically trying to save their nutritional traditions, an aspect they consider an “intangible piece of cultural heritage.” You too can make the effort in a few easy steps provided by Mayo Clinic:
Eat a generous amount of fruits and vegetables
Consume healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil
Eat small portions of nuts
Drink red wine, in moderation, for some
Consume very little red meat
Eat fish on a regular basis
Abortion
American women have long since had the right to have abortions despite threats of restriction since the 1820. A new anti-abortion movement, however, has moved to Russia, as the debate continues. The use of contraceptives remains unpopular as many Russian women continue to rely on abortion as their method birth control. As a result, led by the government, the discussion has evolved into that of a moral issue for a country that claims to have of world’s highest abortion rights. What’s your stance on the issue?
Danielle Alvarez is a junior magazine journalism and modern foreign language dual major. She has previously interned at Cookie magazine in the summer of 2008 and has been spending this past year stuyding abroad. She is in Santiago, Chile after being Cuenca, Ecuador this summer and plans to end her world travel in Strasbourg, France next Spring. Look out for her global health news alerts every Wednesday from “Around the World.”
Midterms, No stress by Ashley Schofield, beat blogger
No need to bang stress out of your mind. Simply take a deep breath, figure out a manageable study plan and stop freaking out about midterms.
(pic courtesy of skyfiredesign)
For college students, stress is no acquaintance; it’s something constantly looming overhead – especially throughout midterms.
With back-to-back exams, hectic cramming and chaotic schedules, stress is hard to escape during the mid-semester madness.
But when stress is invited in, it doesn’t leave – even for a quick snooze break.
Short-term chronic stress, which includes anxiety over daily tasks, induces sleep disturbances, according to Revolution Health.com, a health and medical information Web site.
Forty-eight percent of Americans lie awake at night due to stress, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
Sleep deprivation does not do anything for exam success. It’s a known fact that a tired brain functions a lot more slowly than a mind working on eight hours of sleep.Decreased productivity is a major result of stress, the APA also reported.
So don’t start stressing. Not only will it decrease your chances of excelling, but it also becomes more difficult to reduce anxiety as time goes on.
Many people who identify stress as a negative influence in their life lack the motivation to change their habits and ways of thinking, according to APA studies. Only 35 percent were motivated to make life changes.
It is easy to change stress-inducing study habits now. The golden rule to a stress-free exam week is simple: don’t procrastinate.
Plan ahead and manage your time; you won’t need to stress out. Take deep breaths – it is actually a stress buster – and ask for help if you’re in over your head.
Stress may be okay for the short two-week exam period, but short-term stresses can easily turn into long-term stress patterns, which lead to more serious health problems like an increased risk of heart failure.
The APA reported that unfortunately, 79 percent of Americans believe stress is a way of life. It is one of those frenemies, and an aspect of life that everyone faces, but a popular lifestyle in society today. Not sure I like this.
Keep your friends close, but don’t keep the stress enemy closer. Distance yourself from stress this exam period, and you’ll find studying and sleeping a lot easier.
If you find yourself on the verge of stressing, find something that will take your mind off things – dancing with jeans on your head might be a rejuvenating study break.
Ashley Schofield is a graduate Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism student at the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A native San Diegan, Schofield loves all things healthy. She don’t eat junk food, love eating organic and can serve up some mean, unique cuisine. Besides exercising daily, she likes to do yoga, dance, running, walking and tennis. She’s a self-proclaimed former “horrible stress case,” so her weekly column “Inhale,” that is updated every Thursday about stress prevention comes from someone with experience.
Taking medicines like Advil can reduce your risk of breast cancer, according to a study analysis conducted by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The researchers involved in this analysis reviewed 38 studies published from January 1966 to July 2008. Researchers identified more than 2.7 million subjects involved in the studies, making this the largest analysis of its kind. Though several studies had conflicting information, the overall outcome demonstrated that nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil), were associated with reduced risk of cancer.
An analysis of aspirin alone yielded a 13 percent reduction risk, while the ibuprofen produced a 21 percent reduction risk, according to a Medical News Today. “The results are encouraging and may help us better understand the importance of role of inflammation in the pathology of the disease,” Mahyar Etminan says, one of the analysis’ researchers, in the Medical News Today. Etminan also states that women should not use NSAIDs routinely until researchers release another study confirming these conclusions. The results of a corresponding trial is set to release in 2009.
Mallory Creveling is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in nutrition. Creveling, who was a fitness editorial intern at Shape magazine this past summer, plans to pursue a career in health journalism after graduation. She attributes her internship and writing and researching for on campus publications to her growing knowledge of where and how to research health topics more sufficiently. Creveling is also a senior editor for the print version of What the Health this semester. She will update her column every Thursday with health news alerts on new studies about issues affecting the U.S. population.
I am taking CFS 388 Human Sexuality, and on the first day, Dr. Joseph Fanelli said the aim of the course was to help us answer a question everyone asks themselves at some point: Am I capable of loving, and am I capable of being loved?
I am in a long distance relationship. Even the thought of that horrible, two-word phrase sends tingles down most college students’ spines. Yet, here I am, a sophomore at Syracuse University, and my boyfriend is in Minnesota.
All throughout my life, I’ve been the girl with tons of guy friends, but not many serious relationships. Until I met Mac, that is. Two days after Christmas our senior year in high school, we were set up on a blind date at a concert. If such thing as “love at first sight” exists, the moment I first laid eyes on him was pretty close to it. For some reason, I just had to be near him.
After that concert, he gave me a call the next day. We made plans to go on a date which turned out to be Hollywood-romantic: ice skating under Christmas lights by Lake Superior, coffee at a local coffee shop, and a midnight boardwalk. He even pulled out a cheesy line about me looking cold to have an excuse to put his arm around me. It was perfect. Never had I met someone who was so different than me but who seemed so right at the same time.
Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe in soul mates and though I sound like a sappy romantic, the deeper love and friendship I developed for Mac truly taught me a lot. Making the decision to have a long distance relationship was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. Seeing it through is a different story.
However, hardships aside, I’m not saying my way is the right way but I do know my relationship has taught me a very important thing: I am capable of being loved, and I am capable of loving. That is what we all yearn to know deep down, right?
Patty Hodapp is a sophomore magazine journalism major currently taking CFS 388: Human Sexuality, a course that has created much buzz around campus. Although it may be the talk among some Syracuse University students, many will not be able to take, so Hodapp plans to bring it to you through her personal reactions and experiences with “CFS 388: Love, Relationships and Sex and the ‘Cuse” every Friday.
According to the Journal of Infectious Diseases, anal human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming as common as cervical HPV. Although it is still unclear as to how anal HPV is contracted, it is known that anal sex is not required to contract the virus.
It is proven that women who engage in anal sex are at a higher risk of contracting anal HPV. Other activities may expose those who are sexually active to the virus; including the use of fingers, sex toys, and non-penetrative sex.
Just as cervical HPV can lead to cervical cancer, anal HPV can lead to anal cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and 15% have been proven to cause cancer.
The vaccine Gardasil, which has become popular the past few years, may possibly help prevent anal HPV. ”The cervix is similar biologically to the anus, so there’s plenty of hope that it will work there also,” says professor of medicine at the University of California, San Fransisco, Dr. Joel Palefsky.
Syracuse University Health Services offers free examinations, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and education and information about preventing STDs.
Other Sources:
MSNBC, “‘Eww’ factor aside, anal HPV infection is a risk.” May 23, 2008
The International Herald Tribune, “HPV vaccine may help to prevent anal cancer.” February 1, 2007
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
Besides a well-equipped planner, a busy college student needs one other thing to survive her or his jam-packed schedule: energy. Toss aside the Red Bull and grande latte, these quick-fixes won’t last you through the day. Instead, focus on eating nutrient-rich and long-lasting foods to stay alert and awake during your lectures, tests and meetings.
Whole-grain choices will provide energy throughout the day. Whole-grain toast or English muffins are great healthy energy boosters. Try Thomas’ Hearty Grains English Muffins. Add protein by spreading on natural peanut or almond butter. Arnold’s Sandwich Thins are tasty, only 100 calories and perfect for sandwiches.
Yogurt is great source of protein as well.Stick to natural, low-fat, low-sugar yogurt. Fage brand yogurt contains 20 grams of protein and is only 120 calories when made with skim milk. The thick yogurt may taste bland to those with a sweet tooth, so try adding some whole-grain granola, fresh berries or a packet of Splenda to sweeten it up.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and have been proven to improve memory.Grab a bunch of fresh blueberries before a midterm or a long study session. Try adding blueberries to trail mixes or a smoothie.
Michelle Toglia is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in marketing. She has written a health and beauty blog for LifeBrooker.com and is currently a senior editor of the print version of What the Health. She will update you every Monday with “Eating Right for the College Student On-the-Go.”
This week’s workout is an easy and quick way to work on your core stability and strengthening, while at the same time maintaining great abs and arms.It is the ideal post cardiovascular workout like a run and is a favorite of members of the Jackalope Running Club at Syracuse University.
It is easy to do in any location, especially a dorm room, and the best part: it will only take you three minutes.
For best results keep your abs tight and focus on your core stability throughout the workout.
Part 1:
A:First get in the plank push-up position with your arms extended straight and your palms flat on the floor. Focus on keeping your body in a straight line by keeping your abs tight to fully work your core.
B: Lower your arms so you are in a position where you are hovering slightly above the floor with your body parallel to the floor.Hold this position for 10 seconds focusing on the tightness of your core muscles.
C: Push yourself back up to the plank position for one second and then lower your body back down so it is once again parallel with the ground, and hold for nine seconds.
D: Continue this combination of holding with your body in the parallel position for 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds.
Part 2:
A: Now do the opposite workout. First hold yourself up in the plank position for 10 seconds, once again focusing on core stability.
B: After 10 seconds push your body to be parallel to the floor for a quick push up and then rise again and hold in the plank position for 9 seconds.
C: Continue this holding exercise in the plank position for 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
Stairs are a great place to get a cardio workout that can also be turned into a total body workout. Syracuse campus is perfect for stair workouts with the 2 sets of covered stairs by Brewster Boland Hall under the College of Law. An ideal full body workout can be done with two-three minute intervals of stair exercises and then one minute of muscle toning exercises on the landings. This stairs workout may be shortened to follow a run, or the whole thing can fulfill a quality cardio workout for the day.
Interval 1: Start at the bottom of the two sets of covered stairs at the bottom of the College of Law. Run up both sets of stairs one step at a time at a slow to medium pace for a warm-up and return to the bottom.
Take a one-minute break before you begin interval 2.
Interval 2: Depending on your level of fitness either set a timer for one or two minutes, then run up and down the stairs at a faster than medium speed pace. Continue this as many times as you can until your time limit is up.
Muscle Toning: Once you have completed your time frame run up the first set of stairs and move over to the left side to be out of the way of anyone using the stairs. Depending on your level of fitness do one-three repetitions of push-ups at your own pace.
Interval 3: Return to the bottom of both sets of stairs and set a timer for one-two minutes depending on your level of fitness. Run up with stairs side ways for the entire time frame. While running up the first set of stairs sideways step first with your left leg then cross your right leg over to land on the next step and continue this. For best results keep your hips straight and try not to turn your body with your leg that is crossing over. For the second set of stairs step up with your right foot and cross over with your left foot, once again keeping your hips straight ahead of you. Note: Be careful when going up the stairs sideways if you are wearing long pants or anything that you may trip over. You may want to start out at a slower pace until you feel sure of your footing, and then increase your speed.
Muscle Toning: At whatever part of the stairs your time limit ends at you can do this exercise. Face outward from the stairs and extend your hands onto a step behind you to do dips. With your hands facing outward from the stairs use your biceps to lower yourself down in a sitting position until you almost sit on a step. Do one-three sets of 10 repetitions depending on your level of fitness.
Interval 4: Return to the bottom of both sets of steps. Run up both sets of stairs at a fast pace once and return to the bottom. Now run up the first set of steps at a fast pace and once you get to the first landing do 5 squats, then run up the second set of stairs and do 5 squats once you get to the top. Bonus: Return to the bottom of both sets of steps and do the repetition with squats at each landing once more.
Take a two-minute break at the bottom of the steps before the next interval.
If you are feeling up to it, continue with the next two intervals or end the workout here with the cool down.
Interval 5: Repeat interval 3.
Interval 6: Repeat interval 4.
Cool down: Run around the parking lot by the Dome between Sadler and the parking garage once to loosen up your legs. End by stretching, especially your hamstrings, and if you are concerned with soreness eat a banana at some point in the day because the potassium will lessen the soreness you may experience.
Note: Keep in mind to always be cautious while working out on stairs. It may not be smart to wear long, baggy pants that you may trip on, and if you ever begin to feel dizzy take a break.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
With only the basic instruction in Zen meditation that I wrote about in my last post, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Our teacher, David Jacobs, began the session by saying we’d get the most out of the program if we arrived with an adventurous attitude. Check. I was sufficiently blank-page. To be honest, even a little doubtful.
The first session began in a room just off Bird library’s main floor. As students talked loudly on the other side of the wall, our little group tried to unwind. We sat in a rough circle on some chairs that were more board meeting than group therapy and listened to David introduce the course.
MBSR came out of the vipassana teachings of Theravadic Buddhism. In plain English, “vipassana” means insight or clear awareness, and that it’s all about self-transformation and introspection.
I had the introspection part nailed. And transformation didn’t sound half bad either. So far so good.
MBSR was founded in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. It’s apparently all the rage in medical circles. In fact, here’s a snippet of a short exchange I had with a psychologist friend that helped justify my crazy idea to sign up at all:
Me: “It’s this program, something like M.R.B…” (I asked, tentatively)
Psychologist Friend: “Oh oh, M.B.S.R!” (she said, as if it were a household acronym) “Yeah, that program costs a lot. You should do it.”
Never one to pass up free stuff, here I was, sitting in a circle in a cold room with a bunch of strangers, being urged to add yet another commitment to my life. The following week, about seven people dropped out.
I guess I’m about to find out for myself what all this mindfulness means. I’m betting that sometime over these next few weeks, I’ll find out for the umpteenth time that I really don’t have all my shit together after all. Maybe there will be a new surprise this time around.
As I lay perfectly still on the floor during the last guided meditation of the evening, trying not to try anything, I did feel remarkably calm. I left the room feeling proud of myself. I had taken time for myself. As soon I as walked out the door, however, the hard part began: Daily practice, commitment, openness. Sure I’d make it through my first two-hour session, but could I turn this into a lifestyle?
With that question in mind, I went out into the dark evening, ran six miles to shake off the feeling that I’d turned to pudding, and went back to my hectic life. Oh well, there’s always next week.
-Jennifer Ward
Jennifer Ward is a magazine graduate student at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She has written for In Good Health, CNY’s premier health care newspaper, and covered topics that range from religion to triathlons, food and cosmetic surgery.
You can find her portfolio at www.jwbwrites.wordpress. She also has her own food blog called Fresh Cracked Pepper. “The Mindful Diaries” is a blog journal about her weekly Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Tune in every Tuesdays for updates.
On the campaign trail, presidential candidates have made health care reform a dominant issue. And why not? There is a clear and immediate problem with the inequality and efficiency of our country’s health programs. Even more unfortunate is the fact that
we’re hardly alone in this struggle. The World Health Report 2008, published on Tuesday, assesses global health care; “the way it is organized, financed and delivered in rich and poor countries.” What they found is quite appalling.
Here’s a few highlights:
*Differences in life expectancy differ by more than 40 years between the richest and poorest countries.
*Of the estimated 136 million women who will give birth this year, around 58 million will receive no medical assistance whatsoever during childbirth and the postpartum period.
*Annual government expenditures for health services varies from as little as $20 per person to more than $6,000 per person.
*More than 100 million people are pushed below the poverty line each year because of personal expenditures for healthcare.
“The World Health Report sets out a way to tackle inequities and inefficiencies in healthcare, and its recommendations need to be heeded,” said WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan at the launch of the report in Almaty, Kazakhstan, “A world that is greatly out of balance in matters of health is neither stable nor secure.”
Let’s hope they can address the health care struggle not only in the U.S. but also abroad.
Danielle Alvarez is a junior magazine journalism and modern foreign language dual major. She has previously interned at Cookie magazine in the summer of 2008 and has been spending this past year stuyding abroad. She is in Santiago, Chile after being Cuenca, Ecuador this summer and plans to end her world travel in Strasbourg, France next Spring. Look out for her global health news alerts every Wednesday from “Around the World.”
Not worrying and being happy is much easier said than done – contrary to the famous words of Bob Marley: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
So how do you stop stressing out? You can read countless stress books, articles and studies from the experts, but ultimately the answer lies within you.
You may not even realize you are stressing out until something more serious occurs. So ladies and gents, it’s time to test yourselves.
It’s not as painful as it sounds – no need to fear. It’s not like a trip to the dentist, the doctor’s or the dreaded free clinic. It’s just a simple online health test and it takes about two minutes to complete. Go to this link (http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/life-change-stress-test/calc008) and prompt the interactive stress test to start.
The Web site states that it is a “life change stress test” that will evaluate changes in your work, home, family, personal, social, financial and health life.” After five short slides, you will see where your life lies on a stress spectrum.
To eliminate stress, the site recommends therapy or exercise, but it’s up to you to realize when stress is arriving and what causes it.
When you choose to target your stressors, take a step away from life and engage yourself in something you enjoy. Take a scenic walk, sip some tea or read an interesting magazine.
This blog will offer a variety of weekly tips that can work towards calming yourself down when you feel your stress levels building. The best – and most basic – tip though is just to…
Inhale.
Ashley Schofield is a graduate Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism student at the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A native San Diegan, Schofield loves all things healthy. She don’t eat junk food, love eating organic and can serve up some mean, unique cuisine. Besides exercising daily, she likes to do yoga, dance, running, walking and tennis. She’s a self-proclaimed former “horrible stress case,” so her weekly column “Inhale,” that is updated every Thursday about stress prevention comes from someone with experience.
The computer-savvy may find even more benefits in their web skills besides keeping up with technology. In fact, according to a study in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry as described on EurekAlert, searching the Web can stimulate and increase brain function.
For the first study “Assessing the Effects of the Internet,” UCLA scientists found that this type of searching activates the parts of the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. Dr. Gary Small, the principle investigator in the study and a professor at UCLA, says keeping the mind engaged in activity may help preserve its health and cognitive ability, according to EurekAlert. As the brain ages, cognitive function may become impaired. Keeping the brain active through technology may continue its abilities.
Participants of this study performed Web searches and book reading tasks while researchers recorded their brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. While all of the participants demonstrated the same significant brain activity during the book reading, those with Internet experience also had activity in those areas of the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning as they worked on the Internet.
“Our most striking finding was that Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading — but only in those with prior Internet experience,” Small says, in the EurekAlert article.
Web searches require people to make a decision about what to click on when they want more information. This is the gap in reading, so students may be able to feel less guilty about spending countless hours researching on the Web instead of reading their textbooks. After all, they are improving their brain function.
Mallory Creveling is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in nutrition. Creveling, who was a fitness editorial intern at Shape magazine this past summer, plans to pursue a career in health journalism after graduation. She attributes her internship and writing and researching for on campus publications to her growing knowledge of where and how to research health topics more sufficiently. Creveling is also a senior editor for the print version of What the Health this semester. She will update her column every Thursday with health news alerts on new studies about issues affecting the U.S. population.
Being a student at Syracuse University is all about going to basketball games, getting involved in clubs, playing intramural sports, doing well in classes, and…finding the partner of your dreams? Though many students choose not to date in college, weekends are chock full of parties where students go to drink up and hook up.
During this stage of life, many Syracuse students may not know or care what it takes to have a quality relationship, but in CFS 388, Dr. Fanelli taught us anyways—hopefully down the road, if not now, his lesson will come in handy.
In his second lecture, Fanelli talked about the love triangle—no, not a dramatic love triangle between celebs that you read about in People magazine, but rather the “scientific” love triangle. What does it really take to have a successful relationship?
Every healthy relationship in which both parties are truly in love has three main ingredients outlined in Yale University Professor Robert J. Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. In his theory, Sternberg says any successful relationship has to have a healthy balance of intimacy, passion, and commitment. If you and your partner reach the level where all three subcategories exist, then congratulations, you have reached the status of consummate love considered to be the deepest, most meaningful kind.
If not, you may have any variation of the following types of love: a mixture of intimacy and passion is romantic love; a mixture of commitment and intimacy is companionate love; a mixture of passion and commitment is fatuous love.
Any other combination of these values bodes for an imbalance the health status of the relationship, but no worries, most relationships go through stages when they progress or alternate between the types of love.
This lecture reminded me of some of the experiences of one of my close friends. She started dating this guy from her New Jersey town in June. When they were together, they were very compatible because they have this innate passion for each other. They love to hang out, go on dates, and they both possess qualities that balance each other out…most of the time.
There was definitely intimacy and passion, but for some reason, the commitment vanished quickly when she came to Syracuse and he went to a different college in August. They tried out the long distance thing for a month, but my friend’s head just wasn’t in it. She liked him (intimacy) and she was definitely attracted to him (passion) but she wanted the freedom to be accountable only to herself.
Needless to say, the relationship lasted a month and ended in a huge blowout fight where he was very unfair and demanding—the furthest thing from understanding. All in all, it’s probably best they went their separate ways.
So lesson of the day: people who have all three elements of the love triangle in their relationship have a combination of great luck and hard work to maintain it. If you think there’s a void in your relationships, it either takes great communication to fix it or it’s time to move on.
Patty Hodapp is a sophomore magazine journalism major currently taking CFS 388: Human Sexuality, a course that has created much buzz around campus. Although it may be the talk among some Syracuse University students, many will not be able to take, so Hodapp plans to bring it to you through her personal reactions and experiences with “CFS 388: Love, Relationships and Sex and the ‘Cuse” every Friday.
After nearly being wiped out entirely, the sexually transmitted disease syphilis is back. Historically responsible for the deaths of some well known Europeans, syphilis once ran rampant. However, the cases decreased greatly over the last several decades and it became far less of a concern.
”Syphilis used to be a very rare disease,” says European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s Dr. Marita van de Laar, “I’m not sure we can say that anymore.” Cases are sixteen times greater than what they were ten years ago in some countries. The number of cases in the Netherlands has doubled, cases in Germany have tripled, and France has over ten times the amount of cases they had ten years ago, according to the Health Protection Agency.
Risky sexual behavior is said to be the cause of this rise in syphilis cases. Although prominent in both heterosexual males and females, cases are highest among gay men. These outbreaks are primarily occuring in London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin.
Symptoms of syphilis include rashes, sores, lesions, weight loss, headache, sore throat, and fever, among others. Women who have syphilis can pass it on to their children, which can be highly life threatening to the child.
While STDs are always a concern when engaging in sexual behavior, students traveling abroad should be aware of the unusually high cases of syphilis in Europe. Students should also take note that the Syracuse University Health Services offer free STD testing.
Check out MSNBC for more information.
Laura DeJoseph is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in management studies. DeJoseph has written for on-campus publications like Healthy You and has interned at TV Guide magazine, International Music and Making Music Magazine. However, she has a strong interest in sexual health, and will bring her knowledge to you every Friday through her column “The Morning After.” DeJoseph and What the Health Online are advocates for safe sex.
This Monday, learn to plié, jeté and relevé (and brush up on your French) by checking out Healthy Monday’s free ballet class. Though it comprises graceful and soft movements, ballet is an intense workout. As a former amateur ballerina, I know first-hand that it involves the entire body – arms, legs, core and more.
If you need proof, look at any professional dancer, male or female; they are incredibly toned, strong and agile. Every time I go to the ballet, I sit in awe at the pure athleticism of those on stage. Of course, professionals spend countless hours in the dance studio, but everyone, even athletes, can gain something from this kind of recreation.
About five years ago, the Queens Park Rangers, a pro British soccer team, worked-out with the English National Ballet. The soccer players learned stretches and techniques that could help them improve their game. And, they even made the playoffs that year.
Healthy Monday offers a different free fitness classes every Monday in Archbold Gymnasium’s Flanagan Exercise Room from 1 to 1:50 p.m.
Eating healthy begins with smart grocery shopping. The choices can be endless at large supermarkets like Wegman’s, so trying to figure out which bread is the healthiest among all the varieties could take hours. Here are three tips to guarantee a shorter and more nutritious grocery shopping experience.
Skip the “Wheat”, Get the Whole Grain
Instead of buying white or wheat bread breads, look for products that are either 100 percent whole wheat or whole grain. The Whole Grains Council puts stamps on approved products, so make sure to look for these stamps to get the most nutritious products when buying bread, cereal, oatmeal, crackers, rice, pasta and tortillas. To save time, make note these approved products before shopping.
Choose the Real Foods
Pick the most natural foods when possible. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients or you see a lot of artificial ingredients and preservatives, keep looking. WebMD recommends picking the foods that are 100 percent– like 100 percent juice or 100 percent whole wheat. Nuts are very nutritious, but oftentimes they’re loaded with additives. Pick unsalted, raw nuts instead of roasted or salted. If you prefer these varieties, then add them yourself with moderation.
Pay Attention to Serving Size
If you’re browsing for made-to-order food, make sure you know the serving size beforehand to avoid overeating. Serving sizes are usually smaller than we think. Check out these serving sizes examples put it all into perspective. For example, a serving of cheese is only equivalent to the size of four dice! Regardless of the food, it’s essential to control portion sizes when maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Michelle Toglia is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in marketing. She has written a health and beauty blog for LifeBrooker.com and is currently a senior editor of the print version of What the Health. She will update you every Monday with “Eating Right for the College Student On-the-Go.”
Here are three abdominal exercises I especially like that target both the upper and lower abs as well as the obliques. These exercises can be done on the floor of your room or on any mat in the gym.
Full Vertical Crunch(Targets the upper and lower abs)
Lie on your back and extend your legs straight upwards toward the ceiling.
Place your hands behind your head and contract your abs to lift your shoulder blades off of the floor.Keep in mind while doing this exercise to be lifting your shoulder blades off the floor with your abdominal muscles instead of jerking your neck upward.
While contracting your abs and lifting your shoulder blades up, press your heels up toward the ceiling so your abs are contracted tighter.
Hold for two seconds then lower your body down and do 12 repetitions three times.
Long Arm Crunch(Targets the upper abs)
1.Lie on your back on the floor with your arms extended straight behind your head with the hands clasped together.
2.Contract your abs and lift your shoulder blades off of the floor.
3.Keep your arms straight on both sides of your head while lifting your shoulder blades off of the floor, focus on contracting with the abs. (If you do experience neck pain, place one hand behind the head while keeping the other extended straight behind your head.)
4.Hold for two seconds, do 12 repetitions three times.
Bicycle Exercise (Targets the “six pack” and the obliques)
1.Lie on your back on the floor and place your hands behind your head.
2.First, move your right knee toward your chest while lifting your shoulder blades off the ground, once again focusing on not lifting with your neck.While doing this, keep the left leg lifted straight above the ground and move your left elbow to touch the right knee.
3.Alternate sides, switching to touch the left knee to the right elbow.
4.Hold on each side for one second, keeping your legs moving in a pedaling movement. Continuing alternating sides for 20 repetitions, repeat three times.
5.Hold for two seconds, do 12 repetitions three times.
If you would like, to feel free to alternate between these three exercises.I usually like to do one repetition of the Full Vertical Crunch first, then the long Arm Crunch and lastly the Bicycle Crunch, and then repeating this cycle two more times to complete three full repetitions of each exercise.
Natalie Johnson is a sophomore public relations major who loves fitness and exercise. Since the age of 13, she has dedicated a period of time each day to running. Besides running, she is an advocate for weekly workouts you can do right in your dorm or apartment whenever do you don’t have time to run or to go to the gym. Check in every Monday for easy, step-by-step “Weekly Workouts” with visuals.
I entered the second session feeling rather proud of myself. A few of my friends had dropped out, and there I was, still committed. I don’t mean to sound too proud, it’s just that finding two hours to de-stress as a stressed-out graduate student seems a little counter-intuitive sometimes.
During the session we practiced all the wonderful techniques we’d been introduced to. The “body scan” meditation (which really isn’t as racy as it sounds) is a great thing, really. You get to lie on the hard floor of a dim, cold room, and listen to David talk you through each body part. You get to “become aware” of things you don’t normally give much of a thought to at all: the bottom of each foot, the feeling of the left calf “making contact with the floor, the air, your clothing.”
Yup, really simple stuff. I keep thinking, however, that a pillow would be nice.
I’ve succeeded each time in staying awake, and I’ve cut my rambunctious daydreaming down by about half. Gold stars are coming my way.
And David is compassionate with us. After each mediation, we “check in” with each other. One woman feels her pain disappear as she moves her mind from one body part to the next. Another says she drifts in and out of consciousness, hearing David’s voice one moment and then not for what seems like long stretches of time. It feels difficult to resist urge to squirm or stretch or bounce out of my chair to go and “get stuff done.”
We added a new technique to our arsenal of awareness: mindful eating. This, I gotta tell you, was right up my alley. I guess you could say I just ate it up.
We peeled our bodies off of the floor and rejoined the circle of chairs. David passed around a cardboard container of raisins. I was starving and really looking forward to pigging out on the raisins.
”Take one, maybe two raisins in your hand.”
WHAT??!?
It was true. We were going to learn how to mindfully eat a meal the size of my pinky fingernail. I felt like Tiny Tim in the Disney adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. You know the scene where Mickey Mouse gives Morty Fieldmouse (the character playing Tiny Tim) one single bean? That was me, only the bean was a raisin.
We held it between our fingers. We smelled it. We thought of the farmers who grew it and the soil that nurtured it. Finally, we brought it to our lips, moved it around in our mouths a little, and then bit into it’s gently yielding skin. And let me tell you, without exaggeration, that raisin was the best darn raisin I’ve ever eaten.
Sometimes doing something you do every day—something as simple as eating—with a new awareness can be profound.
We closed the session by talking about how mindful eating can help your digestion, make you eat less, and help you gain a healthier appreciation for how much food your body really needs. I would almost bet that we’ve got the makings of the next fad diet here. And I’ll be able to vouch for it wholeheartedly.
I headed home, looking forward to how especially satisfying my evening glass of wine would be.
And it was.
–Jennifer Ward
Jennifer Ward is a magazine graduate student at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She has written for In Good Health, CNY’s premier health care newspaper, and covered topics that range from religion to triathlons, food and cosmetic surgery.
You can find her portfolio at www.jwbwrites.wordpress. She also has her own food blog called Fresh Cracked Pepper. “The Mindful Diaries” is a blog journal about her weekly Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Tune in every Tuesdays for updates.
With those infamous snowy months of Syracuse creeping in, take a break from your school work, and spent one last day basking in the semi-warm sunlight. Here are What the Health’s five ideas to embrace the fall temperature.
1). Go for an epic walk. Head downtown or just explore the nooks and crannies of the quad. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise and has numerous benefits like burning calories and reducing stress.
2). Pass a frisbee around the quad with friends or organize an intense game of ultimate (click here for rules). For more fun, try playing in the dark with a disk that glows or lights up.
3). De-stress by grabbing a friend and watching the sunset. For a view like the one in the picture, sit in the courtyard above the law school steps.
4). Follow the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” by going apple picking.The closest and most popular location for SU students seems to be Burrell’s Navarino Orchard, where you can pick apples for $.75 lb.
5). And if you want to do something simple to embrace the fleeting warmth, sprawl out on the quad grass or sit on the steps of Hendrick’s Chapel one last time, then take a deep breath as the snow clouds move in.
Cutting down on carbs can be hard if you want to finish lunch with a fully and happy tummy, but the J.J. Gargantuan Unwich is your solution. This lettuce-wrapped feast features Genoa salami, capicola, smoked ham, roast beef, turkey breast, provolone cheese, tomatoes and Italian vinaigrette wrapped in your favorite leafy green. For a true healthy meal, don’t forget to hold the mayo.
Pita Pit
This popular M-street eatery was founded on the idea “Fresh thinking. Healthy Eating,” and there are plenty of nutritional nibbles to choose from. For breakfast, try the Morning Glory pita––avocados, sautéed tomatoes, and the standard scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheese and grilled green peppers––for only 350 calories. For later in the day, the beefy Philly Steak pita with onions and peppers should satisfy your tastes with only 3 grams of fat (add yellow mustard for no additional harm!).
Funk n Waffles
Throw out the old idea of eating waffles with thick and sugary syrup. This Campus Plaza restaurant sells the most nutritious and creative waffles you’ll ever see on the Hill.Gluten-free, vegan, whole wheat and salmon are just some of the dishes they serve all for under ten dollars. Feel free to fill up healthy and unwind to some live funk!
The Blue Monkey Café
Sushi not only taste deelish, but it’s good for the heart and low-fat. Eat smart by ordering sashimi (sliced fish) and skipping the rice. According to sushi chef and author of The Sushi Experience Hiroko Shimbo,the rice that makes up sushi rolls can add up to 30 more calories. Also good for your body are veggie rolls and edamame, which is jam-packed with protein.
Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
This Mediterranean restaurant serves dishes made from fresh and natural ingredients. That’s right, no preservatives! For an appetizer try the humus or parsley salad tabulee, and for a hearty but healthy meal order the Moussaka––potatoes and ground beef seasoned with wine and spices, layered on sliced eggplant and drizzled in a creamy béchamel sauce.
It only takes one cup of coffee to become hooked on its caffeine. Well, I believe it:I have been a regular coffee consumer since the age of 10.
In a CBS News article “Kicking Caffeine Habit”, Dr. Roland Griffiths says, “We know about 80 percent of the population consumes caffeine, so we have millions and millions of people out there who are physically dependent.” It has become enough of a problem that he has even set up a caffeine addiction clinic at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
Caffeine addiction is actually considered a mental disorder according to the National Geographic’s“Caffeine Addiction Is a Mental Disorder, Doctors Say” article in 2005. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms including headache, irritability, and decreased concentration without their daily dose of caffeine.
These symptoms now classify as a psychiatric disorder, according to WebMD research. Even so, there is no need to worry; even with the addictive traits and withdrawal symptoms, people do not need to start searching for ways to quit caffeine. However, if for any reason you muster the willpower to try, proceed with caution and do so gradually. Incorporate some decaf into your life so you can still have the taste and aroma of coffee, and try setting up a two-week plan to wean yourself off the stuff.
Wondering how much of a jolt you were really getting from your Starbucks coffee beverage? Slate magazine said that “a 16-ounce Starbucks house blend coffee contained 223 milligrams of caffeine, compared with 174 and 141 milligrams in comparable amounts of Dunkin’ Donuts and 7-Eleven coffee” And the Wall Street Journal says the average Starbucks coffee drink contains 320 milligrams of caffeine.
On the pro side of the coffee consumption argument, there are health benefits to consuming coffee on a regular basis: it prevents muscle soreness, may decrease your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and liver diseases.
However, if you would rather have the ability to function normally sans caffeine, try the gradual approach, or even try switching to tea. I was able to stand a week without buying a cup of coffee—if I can do it, anyone can. Trust me, your body and your wallet will thank you.
(picture courtesy of Boston.com)
(picture courtesy of healthrelatedtopics.com)
(picture courtesy of OntarioMD groups Web site)
(pic courtesy of www.relayforlife.org/)
(pic courtesy of dijesstthis.wordpress.com)
