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Boiling Water 101:
An Introduction to Vegetarian
Cooking
Wed. 4-5:30
...
University Health
Center, Cafeteria
Catl 346-2794 to register;
Learn basic skills to pre
pare quick, nutritious and
delicious meals! if you feel
like you have no time,
money or creativity, then
this is the workshop for
you. Class is limited to
seven students, Cost is
$15.
Quit Kit
practitioner or from the
1 jHeaith Ed Office.
• W - tm
Smoking Cessation
Workshop
Tue. April 29
4:00 - 5:00 pm
University Health
Center Medical
Library
Gather information and
resources to help you quit
for good. Aids such as the
patch, zyband, gum and
behavior strategies will be
discussed.
CPR Certification
April 14,28, or May 12
5:00 - 9:00 pm
Health Center
Cafeteria
Heart saver course with
two year certification.
Register at 346-2770.
Free Cholesterol
Screening
Every Tuesday
9:30-11:30 am
UO Health Center,
Health Education
Office
Simply drop by, no
appointment necessary.
Health Info Tables
at the Student Rec
Center
Wednesdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm
April 16:
April 30:
May 14:
May 28:
Contraception;
He itthy
Relationships
Alcohol
Sun & Skin
Health
Peer Health Education
Current Peer Health Educators enhance their learning of college health issues and make a healthy and creative
impacts on campus. Find out how at http://healthed.uoregon.edu.
By Annie Docbnahl
Whether you are a regular read
er of the Well Now or are looking
through this issue for the first time,
you are one of the thousands in the
UO community who are influ
enced by the Peer Health Educa
tors. Many people read, see, hear or
otherwise experience the work of
the Peer Health Educators without
realizing the full scope of their pro
gram. This article endeavors to pro
vide that scope.
First a little background. The
UO Peer Health Education Program
has been sponsored by the Health
Center for over 15 years. Literally
hundreds of students have become
peers in that time and have enjoyed
the dual benefit of educating their
class mates while gaining useful
skills for their future careers and
studies. While helping others adopt
healthy practices can be its own re
ward, most students express that
they appreciate the marketable
skills that they have developed in
the program. Skills like designing
presentations, public speaking,
newsletter writing, coordinating
events and interfacing with health
professionals are not easily gained
else where on campus. I conduct
ed a survey of PHE alumni recently
and was delighted to discover how
this program has been of use to stu
dents, even years after they were in
the program, (see side quotes)
As Peer Health Educators, stu
dents receive 8 upper division elec
tive credits through the college of
education. The involvement spans
two terms, with the option of
practicum after that.The class is
small- limited to 12 students- and
peers are actively involved in the bi
weekly seminar.The current coordi
nator of the program, Ramah Leith,
is a recent graduate from the public
health program at OSU and empha
sizes how health is as much a pub
lic issue as it is a personal one.
Health topics that are addressed in
the class reflect this emphasis and
includes everything from eating
disorders and tobacco to HIV, dis
abilities and poverty.
During their first term, peers
help out with projects that are de
signed by the Health Education
staff and the returning peers. New
students mentor with the seasoned
students in creating traditional and
non-traditional presentations for
campus audiences. Recent exam
ples include:
• innovative media campaign to pro
mote body acceptance for eating disor
"I think the program really pro
motes acceptance and open
mindedness. I thought it was
the most beneficial thing / did
in college. ”
—University academic advisor and former peer
“It was the idea of belonging to
something important that was
valuable. I feel confident that
once the PHEsgraduate they'
will took back at the program
and realize it was one of the
most positive experiences that
they had while attending the U
ofO.”
—Communication disorders graduate student
and former peer
"Without question, the ‘people
skills’I gained as a result ofthe
PHE program have helped me
out the most. Plus the amount
ofcreativity allowed in the pro
gram can’t be found anywhere
else on campus."
—Internet marketing advisor and former peer
ders awareness week
• safer sex show and tell information ta
blesfor valentines day
• A “Best Dressed Breast”fashion show
to promote breast health
• Publication of quarterly Well Now in
the Daily Emerald
For students who are interested
in Health Education as a field of
study, want elective credits that al
low you to make a difference or are
simply interested in health issues as
they apply to college aged popula
tions, consider becoming a Peer
Health Educator. Contact Ramah at
346-0562 for more info.
When Looks Can Kill: Beware of Tanning
ByLoraSzaraniec
Most people know that excess exposure to
sunlight can lead to skin cancer, but not every
body knows that exposure to artificial tanning
devices is just as hazardous, if not more so .As you
begin stripping off those winter clothes and the
seduction of tanning beckons, consider some
common myths about indoor tanning.
MYTH: I use artificial tanning devices because I
want to look healthy year-round.
FACT: A tan is actually the body’s response to
damaged DNA because of the negative effects of
UVA and UVB rays There is no such thing as a
healthy tan.
MYTH: I tan indoors to prevent sunburns be
cause burns are worse than tans.
FACT:Yes, sunburns are worse than tans,but a
tan still represents damaged skin and DNA. In
door tanning devices emit UVB rays and IJVA
rays.The long UVA waves make burning less like
ly. However, these rays are more closely linked to
melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,
which claims one American life each hour ac
cording to the American Cancer Society.
MYTH:Tanning indoors is okay because I do it to
relax.
FACT: Imagine how relaxed you would be if you
were one of the million people diagnosed with
skin cancer each year. Not to mention the stress
you will have thinking about the wrinkles,visual
abnormalities, and immune system disorders that
could occur from indoor tanning.
MYTH: I tan indoors because I get depressed if I
do not see the sun.
FACT: People who are truly depressed from lack
of sun are treated by exposing their eyes to spe
cial bulbs.You must use protective eyewear in ar
tificial tanning devices.Without eye protection
while indoor tanning,you risk damaging the reti
na,burning the cornea, and may eventually form a
cataract.
So if you are tanning simply for the look,
switch to sunless tanning lotion. New formulas
have been designed to appear more natural. Or if
you tan to relax, try yoga or meditating instead.
These replacements do not have the deadly ef
fects of artificial tanning.
For more information about skin health and
cancer, stop by the Health Education office at the
Health Center.To consult a medical practitioners
about a suspicious skin conditions, schedule an
appointment at 346-2770.
Run for the
health of it.
2mi fun run/walk
Wednesday, May 7th • 4pm (3:30 registration)
Alton Baker Park
PRIZES, FQR
• most accurately predicted run time
• largest showing from living group
• wackiest costume (call 346-4456 for more info)
Spring 2003
Contributing Writers
and Peer Health Educators
Karla Garda, Mika Kim, Molly Lebrkmd,
KyleAnn Mabey, Shannon McLean, LaraSzaraniec
photos and editing by: Annie Dochnahl