Winter 2000
Don’t get caught by a cold
by Tove Holmes
Most people get one or two common colds
every year. What they should know is that
these pesky energy-zappers are usually avoid
able. If certain measures are taken, it is possi
ble to stay healthy all year round.
There are a lot of myths surrounding this
topic; it seems as though everyone has a sug
gestion for how best to treat a cold. The trou
ble is, there isn’t a miracle cure of any kind,
and the over-the-counter drugs available in
the supermarket only battle the symptoms,
and not the cause. In truth, little can be done
about a cold except ride it out it once the
virus has taken root. A sensible way to ride
out a cold is to get lots of rest, drink plenty of
water and stay warm and comfortable.
However, there are ways to prevent colds; the
key is to take some simple steps before even
being exposed to the germs.
The two most important ways to avoid get
ting sick is to maintain a healthy body
through regular exercise, good nutrition and
sufficient sleep, and to wash hands often,
especially before eating. A healthy diet, which
consists of balance, variety and moderation is
very important in keeping a strong immune
system. Also, regular exercise stimulates and
invigorates the immune'system. Registered
nurses Sharon Harbert and Diane Yarabinec
at the University Health Center agree that
getting a sufficient amount of sleep is the best
thing to do to avoid the common cold. When
a body is healthy and well rested, the immune
system will come to its natural defense.
«
Germs are spread through the air, but can
appear in higher concentration on a person’s
hands. Since everything we touch is potential
ly covered with germs, it is important not to
bring one’s hands in contact with one’s
mouth, eyes or nose before cleansing thor
oughly with soap and warm water. This is the
method used by nurses and other health pro
fessionals when dealing with sick people, to
prevent themselves from getting sick as well.
Some common myths that Sharon and
Diane agreed are not necessarily true, are that
a person should be kept warm, and that sugar
is detrimental to the immune system. Eating
too much sugar is bad for the body anyway,
and should be avoided. As for keeping the
body warm, staying within the comfort zone
is all that is necessary. When the body is cold,
extra energy must be spent to warm it back
up, energy which could help fight off a cold.
Also important in the prevention and
especially the treatment of the common cold
is sufficient fluid replacement. Fluids flush
out harmful impurities, and help in the pro
duction of mucus. The body uses more fluids
than usual when fighting off a cold, which
can leave it very dehydrated. Suggested in the
“managing colds and the flu” pamphlet at the
health center are water, juice, tea and soup.
-Hot beverages are soothing for the throat and
can help with decongestion. Also recommend
ed is gargling with salt water, and inhaling
moist air. Smoking irritates the mucus mem
branes, and can lead to complications such as
pneumonia or bronchitis. Ingesting zinc
lozenges and 500-1000 mg of vitamin C a day
may also boost the immune system. These are
available at low cost to students at the Health
Center pharmacy.
If you do get sick this winter there are
some resources available at the health center
to help you out. Along with the doctors and
nurses there is also a pharmacy, which carries
over-the-counter remedies such as Tylenol
and cough syrup, as well as alternative reme
dies such as Echinacea. Also, the nurses in
areas A, B and C hand out a “Duck Care Cold
kit”, containing chicken soup, Tylenol, herbal
tea, cough drops, a thermometer, a symptoms
checklist and an informational pamphlet.
Checklist for
avoiding a cold
sf'Wash hands before eating or touching
your face
a^Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hrs)
sf Drink lots of fluids
(water, juice, herbal tea)
if Maintain a healthy diet
Get plenty of exercise
if Keep a positive attitude
I
A Quick Fix — The Diet Pill Rut
difficult, particularly during “crunch” time at
school. This lapsing on resultions may
encourage people to look for a
quick solution. How seductive it
can be to get in shape by taking
‘Exercise in a bottle’ or
‘Metabolife’? But, are these
quick fixes safe? And what are
the drawbacks?
Diet pills are extremely
alluring because
. of
their
attractive
promises;
you can eat
what you want
and still lose the
fat, curb your
appetite and feel
energized. With all of
these promises, who
wouldn’t want to try
by Tara Payne
It’s that time of year again. Time to make
your New Years Resolutions. Before you tune
out, consider on how many occasions you’ve
made a list of resolutions, only to forget them
come mid-January? Chances are, you’ve done
it before. The resolution that seems to top of
everyone’s list each year is to lose weight and
tone up. However, most of us may find getting
motivated to go to the gym every other day
them?
However, before you start popping these
pills, be sure to look at their ingredients to
understand the risk involved with taking
them. One of the most common ingredients is,
ma-huang, a naturally occurring ephedrine. In
ancient times, Chinese doctors used
ephedrine for upper respiratory problems,
such as bronchitis. But in recent years, ma
huang, combined with a combination of caf
feine and natural herbs, have been used for
weight loss. It can be successful for some peo
ple. For instance, many people will experience
positive results from using ephedrine, such as
weight loss and a suppressed appetite. “It
stimulates your nervous system” and “is a
useful product if properly used,” says Varro
Tyler, a professor of pharmacognosy at
Purdue University.
However, there are some risks. People who
take ma-huang and do not seek medical super
vision may not know about the adverse reac- *
tions to these drugs. So far, 15 deaths in this
country alone have been associated with
ephedra or other herbal stimulants. Because
ephedra works as an “upper,” it boosts the
heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and
increases blood pressure, which can lead to a
stroke. Other adverse effects of ma-huang
include heart palpitations, arrhythmia’s, and
memory loss.
As always, the best way to lose weight and
stay fit is through a regimen of regular exer
cise and a healthy diet. For long term overall
health and well being, this is the safest route
to pursue. The University Health Center
offers a healthy eating workshop, where stu
dents can learn how to cook delicious, nutri
tious, meals. The peer health education office
keeps a wide range of weight management
and exercise books for students to check out.
Kristen Olmos, the health center’s nutrition
ist, can help you plan an individual eating
guide. Also, the new Rec center has a wide
range of athletic activities.
Whatever your New Years Resolutions are,
be sensible. And remember, you have a vari
ety of University contacts at your fingertips
that can help you keep those New Year’s
Resolutions. Good luck!
in This
Watch that keyboard!
Learn how to protect
yourself from develop
ing carpal tunnel syn
drome.
More than a number
It’s never too early to
know your blood pres
sure rating.
wake Up & Get Movin'!
We’ve got all the tips
you’ll need to keep
your energy high this
iBmm
7. »
term.
Relaxation — learn
how aromatherapy can
help battle stress.
Page a
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s.T. What?!
What every college stu
dent should know
about STIs.
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