April 2012 Health Bulletins
Ask the Doc
Dr. P. Davis Smith, medical director at Wesleyan University’s Davison Health Center, answers questions submitted by our readers.
Q: Are there certain types of shoes students should avoid wearing for extensive walking on campus? Are there any shoe styles that are actually damaging to the foot?
A: When I was in high school, my friends and I thought that men’s dress clothes from the ’40s and ’50s were the height of fashion. We frequently shopped at church rummage sales. I had a particular fancy for wingtip shoes. Their leather soles made for outstanding dancing, but they were only sort of my size and fitted to the feet of some long-dead gent. This led to the beginning of several painful foot ailments. When I got to residency and spent 10+ hours a day on my feet, I really started having trouble with back pain. It was then that I started paying more attention to my footwear. I used semi-custom orthotics for several years, but now I don’t need them anymore because I buy well-built, supportive shoes with the task-appropriate level of cushioning from a knowledgeable salesperson, and I replace them when they are worn out (which is much less often with men’s than women’s shoes).
Poor footwear choice can lead to pain or injury of the foot, ankle, hips, and back. These are usually the sort of problems you don’t notice in youth but later wish you knew better. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Flip-flops should be used only in the shower. Another tale of my misspent youth: I was wearing flip-flops and stepped in some tall grass around a street sign to unlock my bicycle. Unbeknownst to me, there was a broken bottle on the ground. Half of it was crushed under my foot and the other cut into me. I haven’t worn flip-flops or stepped into tall grass around street signs since.
Spring Clean Your Body: Get Rid of Your Cellular Garbage
Add a new item to the list of benefits of regular exercise. In a study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, scientists found that physical activity helps a body’s cells get rid of their “garbage.” A process called autophagy disposes of “trash” inside cells. A breakdown in autophagy is suspected of contributing to the development of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. Researchers found that mice that ran for just under 30 minutes would experience accelerated autophagy—making their cells healthier. The lesson: Pump up your cardio and get moving.
April Fool’s: Laugh Your Way to Health
With April Fool’s Day this month, take some time to laugh and improve your health. HelpGuide.org says that laughter is a powerful antidote for stress, pain, and conflict. It’s great for both your emotional and physical health. Laughter relaxes the body, boosts the immune system, and improves function of blood vessels. To find out more, CLICK HERE.
How Students Let Off Steam and De-Stress
April is National Stress Awareness Month.
Do Something a Little Crazy
When studies become intense and you start to overload, sometimes you need to just get outside and have a little fun and even get a little crazy. Kathleen Cinar, a student at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, finds that jumping in puddles works. “Throw your cares in the air,” she says.
Take a Walk With Friends
A break from the books by getting outside with friends can be just the thing to refresh your mind. You not only get some activity, you can talk over problems. “I relieve stress by going on a walk with my friends, specifically to a place known as Architecture Graveyard at Cal Poly,” says Jessica Tom, a student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. “There are a bunch of cool structures to climb and look at. It gives me a chance to breathe fresh air, talk to my friends, and exercise.”
Exercise
Calm the mind and relax the body through exercise. It’s a great way to stay healthy and come back to your studies recharged and ready to go. Kayla Armstrong, a student at Montgomery College in TK, Maryland, enjoys doing marital arts, such as hapkido. “When I’m tense and stressed out, there’s not much that helps more than getting a good workout and working my stress out on a punching bag.”
Pursue Your Interests
Taking time away from studies to do the things you enjoy most can be the perfect stress reliever. Play a round of golf, go bowling, see a movie, skateboard, or do whatever you really love. “I go drag racing,” says Lynne Benedict, a student at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Fresh air, sunshine, and 560 horsepower. Nothing like going 130 miles per hour to raise the endorphin level.”
Plan Your Study Times and Break Times
Writing down your schedule for studying and play can help you make the time to get things done and have some fun. Johanna Wilson, a student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, says, “I like to try and get a majority of my homework done during the week. That way I have all weekend to wind down and mentally prepare myself for the upcoming week. I also take five-minute breaks every 45 minutes or so when I am studying to prevent myself from getting overwhelmed.”
Get Enough Sleep and Eat Healthy
It’s common sense but getting enough rest and eating health meals will help keep stress under control. “During test time, I usually stop myself and make a plan on how to deal with it,” says Matt Thompson, University of Regina, in Saskatchewan, Canada. “I make sure I have a good sleep the night before [a test] and eat healthy. It helps a lot.”
