The Freshman Fifteen
by Jessica Green
The dreaded “Freshman Fifteen” is a term that many
incoming freshman have heard of before entering college.
It refers to the supposed number of pounds that freshman
may put on during their first year of school. It is not true
that every student will gain weight. Sure, there are a num
ber of students who gain weight their freshman year, but
residence hall food alone is not the only cause. Lets take a
look at the typical dining hall scenario. For the freshman
that live in the dorms, many find themselves overwhelmed
when they go into the dining hall with so many choices
available. Not only is there the freedom to choose what
foods to eat, but also the freedom to take unlimited quanti
ties. Students can have seconds or thirds of anything that
they want...there is no limit and portion control is up to
the individual in the dining hall. Day after day of choosing
fried chicken and a piece of cheesecake rather than more
healthy choices available to them can contribute to weight
gain.
Besides all of food choices in the cafeteria, there are
other factors that may contribute to freshman gaining
weight. Students may gain weight because many social
activities are centered around food and alcohol, which can
add a lot of calories to a person’s diet. Stress factors can
also contribute to freshman gaining weight. These factors
include being away from home and family in an unfamil
iar environment, staying up later hours to get that extra
studying in, having less time to exercise, becoming seden
tary, trying to make new friends...the list goes on and on.
Many people turn to food as a way of coping with major
life changes. Another factor that may contribute to weight
gain in college is that many young adult bodies are still
growing and changing, making some weight change nor
mal.
Studies have shown that dieting by calorie
restriction to lose unwanted pounds is usually
unsuccessful. Although dieting doesn’t directly
cause eating disorders, it can trigger or lead to
eating disorders through dissatisfaction with
the body and an obsession with food. If you, or
if you know of a student that finds themself
preoccupied with food or gaining weight, there
are many programs on campus where one can
seek support and counseling. The Health
Center has counseling and a registered dietitian
available to students. Call 346-4456 for info.
The best way to stay healthy is to try to eat
balanced meals and get regular exercise. Check
out the RIM office in the new Student
Recreation and Fitness Center. They offer intra
mural sports (you do not have to be good, just
willing to have fun) or schedule one or two
credit PE courses into your schedule.
They do not require much time outside of
class and there are many areas to choose
from. Also, the new Fitness Center is free
to students and offers a rock climbing
wall, suspended running track, new work
out equipment and many other features.
Also, if you have a bike or enjoy walking, f
there are many beautiful places to explore
that are close to the University, like
Hendricks Park and the bike paths down Agate
Street, across the Willamette River.
Counseling Center: 346-3227
University Health Center: 346-4441
RIM Office: 346-4113
Club Sports: 346-3733
PARS: 346: 4142
V.
Choosing a Birth Control Method
by Jen Lewis
She waited anxiously for
the results to come back.
Would the test be positive
or negative? She couldn’t
imagine caring for and
nurturing a child, she
was still a child at
heart herself. Her
stomach was in
knots as the med
ical practitioner came
back into the room, bear
ing the news that had the
ability to change her life
forever. If only she
had thought to use
a contraceptive
method, her
chances of conceiv
ing would have been
slimmer.
Is this a situation
familiar to you? Or is it a
situation that you or a
friend isn’t ready to deal with yet? The University of
Oregon Health Center can provide you with a birth control method at a low price that
you and your partner feel comfortable with, lowering your chances of an unwanted preg
nancy.
Although completely abstaining from intercourse is the only 100% way to prevent
pregnancy, there are many other methods that are reliable and effective. When choosing a
contraceptive method, it is important to choose something that not only suits your per
sonal beliefs and your lifestyle, but one that you can use consistently and correctly.
Barrier methods are either placed in the woman’s vagina or over a man’s erect penis.
They work by killing and/or preventing sperm from reaching the cervix and must be used
every time you have sex. While barrier methods are effective, they are the most prone to
human error and are more effective when used with another method as well. Only con
doms can help protect you against STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections), another
important factor in safer sex.
MALE CONDOM ,. , . ,
A protective covering made of latex, poly-urethane or animal skin that is placed over
the penis and prevents semen from entering the vagina. When perfectly used, they are
about 97% effective, however the typical use is about 88% effective. When used in con
junction with a vaginal spermicide, they are about 99 % effective. Always use water-based
lubricants as oils can break down the latex, causing them to break.
FEMALE CONDOM , .
A protective sheath made of polyurethene which is placed inside the vagina before sex.
It is still a relatively new product and studies have shown that thus far, about one in four
women may become pregnant within a year. When used correctly with every sex act, they
are about 95% effective where typical use is about 79% effective.
DIAPHRACM/CERVICAL CAP
These are both flexible rubber barriers that are used with either spermicidal creams or
jellies. They help block and kill sperm which are moving toward the uterus. Both are
inserted before engaging in intercourse. They must be left in place 6-8 hours afterwards.
A new application of spermicide should be used each time you have sex when using a
diaphragm. These methods are prescribed by your medical practitioner and are 94 % effec
tive when use perfectly and about 80 % effective by the typical user.
SPERMICIDES j . , .
These are inserted into the vagina just before intercourse and are effective tor a short
period of time. Typically, they are about 80% effective but can be 94% effective when
used correctly. Spermicides can be as high as 99% effective when used with another birth
control method, such as condoms.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
a.k.a. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS. These contain hormones to prevent pregnancy by
blocking egg maturation by the ovaries. These are safe and very effective when taken as
prescribed. The pill must be taken every day and if done so, they are about 99 % effective.
Typical use however, is around 97% effective.
DEPO-PROVERA , . . .
is a hormonal injection which prevents ovulation. It is given every three months in the
arm or the buttox and is important to get the injection on time. Depo-Provera is a safe
and effective method and when used properly is 99% effective.
For longer and more permanent birth control methods IUD’S (Intrauterine Devices)
and NORPLANT are offered. Both are effective for five or more years. An IUD is a small
T-shaped piece of plastic that contains copper (12 years) or a hormone (1 year) that pre
vents pregnancy. A medical practitioner places it in the uterus(where it can stay for sever
al years). It is about 99% effective.
Norplant are match-sized sticks that are placed under the skin on a woman’s upper
arm. These contain a hormone that prevents pregnancy for up to five years.
Each of the contraceptive methods may have potential side effects, including spotting
before periods for women, allergic reaction or weight gain. You can discuss these possibili
ties with a practitioner to help you decide on the best method for you.
There are many different ways to lower the chance of an unplanned pregnancy. The
most important thing is to make sure you and your partner are ready for the responsibili
ty of sex and the decisions that come along with it, such as choosing a contraceptive
method. These devices can be very effective when used correctly to prevent pregnancy.
For more information about birth control or related subjects, call th Women’s Health
Clinic at 346-4449 or stop by the peer health education room next r:t area B. Play it safe!