BetterU

App of the month

Pay it forward
by Mobileaze LLC

+ Find out why we love it

	Ask the doc Dr. Davis Smith is an internist practicing in Connecticut and at Trinity College in Hartford. He specializes in the care of adolescents and GLBTQ patients.

“Are UTIs preventable?”
—Antonio S., Suffolk University, Massachusetts

Some urinary tract infections (UTIs) are preventable. And while they tend to be regarded as a women’s problem, anyone can get a UTI. The anatomy of the vagina does make it much more susceptible to infection than the penis, however.

What causes UTIs?
Most urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli, a bacterium found in the gut, but other bacteria can also cause these infections.

The rectum is very near the vagina, where the urethra is located. If non-sterile bacteria from the rectum manage to ascend the urethra, they can infect the bladder, causing a UTI. Anyone born with a vagina has a short urethra, so it’s not that long of a trip for bacteria to get into the bladder.

How do I know if I have a UTI?
Symptoms can include:

• Painful urination
• Frequent urination and/or an urge to urinate even when your bladder is empty
• Low-grade fever
• Bloody or cloudy urine

A UTI is a “simple” bladder infection called cystitis. Sometimes, the bacteria can travel all the way up to the kidneys and infect them too, causing pyelonephritis. Both infections are fairly readily diagnosed and treated, but since a UTI can lead to a kidney infection, you’ll need to treat it right away. For that matter, a UTI may feel so uncomfortable that you’ll want to treat it right away.

How to prevent it?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some general guidelines that can lower your risk of a UTI:

• Empty your bladder before and after sexual activity
• Stay hydrated and urinate regularly
• Take a shower instead of a bath
• Avoid douching or using any sprays/powders in the genital area

I’ve dealt with this complaint with many patients over the years and we almost always can make things better. If you frequently get UTI symptoms, you should definitely speak with a health care provider who is experienced at dealing with them. Not all of your episodes of discomfort may be due to UTIs, but it’s worth talking the situation through and considering all the possibilities.

	Ask the nutritionist Karen Moses is the director of wellness and health promotion at Arizona State University in Phoenix.

“Sugar (e.g., candy bars) is the only thing that gets me to sit down and study. How do I stop this habit?”
—Madeline L., University of Delaware

Sugary foods cause a spike in blood sugar that can amp up your energy levels for a short time. It’s likely that you eat the sweets to (consciously or subconsciously) jump-start your energy for studying.

Unfortunately, what typically follows is a drop in blood sugar. This can create the desire for more sugar, to regain the energy. There are ways to stop the cycle, however. 

Here are some alternative ways to get your energy up for studying:

• Start your study session with a mini-workout
  Exercise gets your blood flowing, wakes you up, and improves your ability to shift and focus your attention—all important for study sessions. 
• Take activity breaks
  Do this every hour, or sooner if you feel your energy dropping. Stand up, stretch, or go for a brisk walk, bike ride, or run. 
• Stand up to study
  If you don’t have access to a standing desk, try putting your laptop or your books on the counter.
• Drink up—water, that is
  Dehydration can make you feel tired and lethargic, which is not helpful for studying. Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration and interfere with sleep, so watch your consumption.

• Choose foods that give you long-lasting energy
  Instead of eating sugary foods before and during study times, try eating meals and snacks that sustain your energy over time. Combine foods high in complex carbohydrates with protein and fat. 

These food combinations provide steadier energy over time:

• Peanut butter on whole grain bread
• Cheese with whole grain crackers
• Oatmeal with low fat milk, walnuts, and dried fruit

Still craving sweets? Snack on a trail mix that includes whole grains, nuts and seeds, and dried fruit. And maybe some dark chocolate chips too. 

If you integrate any or all of these strategies, you are likely to feel more energized and clear-minded when it’s time to study.

	Ask the counselor Dr. Rick Hanson is a licensed psychologist and associate vice president for Academic and Professional Success at MidAmerica Nazarene University, Kansas.

“Does being in a relationship make people happier?”
—Ali W., Calvin College, Michigan

The simple answer: Yes; we are social creatures. Both introverts and extroverts benefit from meaningful relationships. We are happier when we are in healthy relationships in which we feel safe, secure, and inspired.

It’s all about quality We are likely to be unhappy and stressed when we are in relationships that are chaotic, demanding, controlling, or cause us to feel worse about ourselves. 

The emphasis is on the characteristics of the relationship. Figure out what it is about relationships that makes you happy, then strive to find and create these types of relationships—whether in romantic relationships or friendships.

Friendship works too While romantic relationships with the right person can certainly add to our life, it is dangerous to put all our eggs in one basket, and there is no evidence that romantic partners are more valuable to our happiness than are close friendships.  It is wiser to cultivate a network of friends with whom you can love, laugh, and create memories.

The difference between infatuation and happiness It is important to remember that your happiness does not and cannot reside in someone else, no matter how attractive or fantastic that person is. 

Romantic infatuation creates neurochemical changes in our brain and body that certainly feel good, and we associate this with being happy—but this is really the chemistry of attraction, not happiness. This temporary happiness—whether from a new relationship, a new pair of shoes, or a good grade—is like an energy drink. The short-term effect will pass.

Lasting happiness must first be cultivated in oneself, then in relationships with others who honor, respect, and value you as a person and friend.

+ Free help with happiness (University of Pennsylvania)

Mind your mind

Choosing change

By Dr. Holly Rogers

As the semester ends—and especially if graduation is looming—you can be sure that lots of changes are coming your way. When we ask college students about changes they’re anticipating, they sometimes say, “I hope my friends and family never change” or “I’m worried about what might come next.”

It’s natural to fear change, especially if we are pretty comfortable with the status quo. Change leads to the unknown, and the unknown makes our minds uneasy. But during college and the few years following graduation, you will likely experience more change than at any other time in your life.

Contributor spotlight

Reza Wang-Lotfi is a second-year undergraduate majoring in biology at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His focus is on pre-medicine; he aims to become a medical doctor.

For this issue, Reza reviewed Expensify, an app that helps you track your spending by letting you take photos of your receipts, sync your bank account with the app, and enter any paid hours you’ve worked.

Why did you join the Student Advisory Board? “I joined the SAB to get some experience in what it’s like to work on a major college student publication. Also, since I’m planning on a career in medicine, I thought it would be especially relevant to work for a health-related publication. So far it’s been great!”

Tell us something quirky about you “I’m half-Chinese and half-Iranian. People ask me how I balance my two very different cultural backgrounds. I’m proud of my heritages and I try to be as involved in them as possible. However, I never forget that I’m also a human like everyone else; that helps me to connect with anyone I meet.”

Student reporter internship
+ Info & how to apply

Student advisory board
Selected students from our diverse community of readers help shape SH101 content.
+ 2015 – 16 Student Advisory Board