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Ask the DocDr. Davis Smith is an internist practicing in Connecticut and at Trinity College in Hartford. He specializes in the care of adolescents and GLBTQ patients. |
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Q: Time is scarce in college. Can I get away with taking showers every other day?
-Quinlynn, Rochester Community and Technical College
A: Quinlynn,
From a medical perspective, necessity for showering is quite individual, and mostly has to do with controlling body odor and limiting surface dirt in the event of a break in the skin surface. While hand washing is critical for prevention of influenza (the “Flu”) and other viral infections, showering doesn’t have the same import.
People with very dry skin or conditions like eczema may even benefit from showering less often, while people who sweat heavily will, generally speaking, have healthier skin with more frequent showering. It is generally of benefit to shower after heavy exertion to rinse off sweat and help clear pores.
Americans tend to favor showering at least daily, but expectations regarding personal hygiene vary by culture. I find myself wondering, though: Is your time really so scarce that bathing needs to be sacrificed? Showering is a nice time to relax and take care of your well-being. Little built-in breaks like this are essential.
As a student you have many school and other obligations. Concentrating for planned blocks of time (e.g., two hours)—separated by exercise, a healthy snack, or another activity—may help you to focus. Think of a complete day as including at least eight hours of sleep and 30 minutes of exercise.
If you feel you have so little time that you need to skip basic self-care, you may benefit from speaking with someone about time-management techniques. Building a schedule that allows you time to study and work, but also play and relax, is essential to your overall success.
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Ask the CounselorPeter Welch, M.A., is a wellness educator and counselor at the University of New Hampshire. |
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Q: Why is laughing so good for you?
-Karen, Binghamton University, The State University of New York
A: Karen,
Your question puts a smile on my face. There are so many reasons why laughter is healthy and even healing.
Laughter makes people feel good, and in shared laughter, you create positive and meaningful bonds with others. When laughing together, people can be spontaneous, let down their guards, and express genuine feelings with each other.
The health benefits of laughter are numerous, including:
Many people could use more humor and laughter in their lives. Here are a few suggestions to tickle your funny bone:
Laughing feels so good that there are even organizations dedicated to creating it together. If you’re interested, do a search online for “laughter therapy” or “laughter yoga.” As the author Jean Houston has said, “At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.”
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Ask the ProfessorAmy Baldwin, M.A., is the chair of college studies at Pulaski Technical College in Arkansas. |
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Q: How can I battle procrastination?
-Christina, University of Redlands
A: Christina,
Procrastination is the number-one issue that my students say causes them stress. But it can be easily minimized with a few tricks. Here are some to try:
Eat that frog.
With this strategy, explained by author Brian Tracy, you first complete the task that you least want to do. The idea is that nothing could be worse than eating a frog, so if you get that out of the way, the rest of your day (or projects) will feel like a breeze.
Divide and conquer.
Break large, challenging tasks into small chunks and schedule each part out over a period of time. For example, a research paper can be broken into brainstorming, searching for sources, reading, drafting, and editing—all at different times. This can help projects feel less daunting.
Back it up.
When you have a due date looming, create your own deadline that is a few days before. For example, if you have a paper due on Thursday, put it on your calendar as due on Monday. That way you’ll have some extra time if you need it.
Do something.
If you’re not in the mood to study for three hours, commit to 30 minutes. You can start by reviewing flashcards or lecture notes, and then, see how you feel. You may find that once you get going, you have the energy and focus to keep moving forward.
Connect the dots.
Remind yourself that completing a project will get you closer to finishing your degree, which will get you closer to your dream career! If you can connect the task you’re putting off—but need to do—with your long-term goals, you’ll be much more motivated to complete it quickly.
For more ideas, check in with your school’s study-skills or writing center, or ask your instructors and advisors for suggestions. Procrastinating is a common habit, so there’s no need to be embarrassed.
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Ask the NutritionistJenna Volpe, P.D., is a registered dietitian and eating disorders specialist in Massachusetts. |
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Q: Why is eating one meal a day unhealthy?
-Diego, Binghamton University, The State University of New York
A: Diego,
That’s a great question that I actually hear all the time. The answer is related to survival mechanisms that humans developed thousands of years ago, when food was scarce.
Over time, our bodies have become hardwired to go into “starvation mode” if we go too long without food. When in starvation mode, your metabolism slows down in order to burn as few calories as possible and make its energy reserves last longer.
If you skip a meal, the next time you eat you’re more likely to store calories from that meal as fat tissue in your body. That’s because from your metabolism’s perspective, who knows when you’ll eat again?
Skipping meals can also cause you to feel ravenous, leading to overindulging the next time you eat. You’re more likely to consume more calories than you need in this situation.
There are other health-related benefits of eating regularly throughout the day. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a controlled amount of calories divided into three meals per day, versus banking all calories into one meal per day, was associated with lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and an increased sense of fullness and satisfaction after a meal.
My general recommendation is to eat every two to four hours when awake. Eating three balanced meals and one to three snacks—each made up of whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables—will keep your body and mind energized.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than one billion cases of the common cold in the U.S. every year. Colds may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to recognize the symptoms and get proper care.
Signs and Symptoms
A sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, but don’t shrug off the symptoms as allergies. Look out for:
Colds don’t usually involve a high fever, so if you have one, you may have influenza (the “flu”). Colds usually last 2-14 days. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or are severe and persistent, visit your campus or community health center.
Caring for Yourself
Unfortunately, there is no specific remedy for the common cold. Over-the-counter medicines can provide temporary relief and ease symptoms, but they won’t make your cold disappear. The following three tips are your best bet for feeling better soon:
Gargling helps with a sore throat by flushing the area, plus the salt works to destroy bacteria and prevent it from growing.
Prevention
Take preventive measures to avoid getting sick, too. The most important is to wash your hands with soap and warm water, frequently and thoroughly. Also:
More about self-care for colds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, plus regular strength-training activities.
By exercising for 10 minutes, three times a day, five days a week, you’ll be reaching your goals in no time. Try these ideas:
Walk or Bike
Take the Bus or Train
According to the American Public Transportation Association, people who take public transit walk an average of 19 minutes a day. To add more activity:
Study Actively
Here are some creative ways to get your mind and heart pumping:
Increase Strength & Flexibility
As well as aerobic exercise, strength and flexibility are important to your overall fitness. Try these ideas for easy, quick ways to incorporate more strength and flexibility training into your day:
Click on each event to learn more.
JULY
AUGUST
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Health Center Week 10-16
