There is a significant chill in the air and the guy running or biking by you may have just coughed or sneezed in your general direction. The flu season is hitting a little early this year and with H1N1 on the rise and on the move, I figured now would be the time to talk about healthy practices and enjoying the weather.
I'm not going to tell you to wash your hands because that's common sense by now but one thing I bet you don't know is that a chill in the air can actually be good for a cold. I talked to Tiffany Mathews, the coordinator of wellness education at Keene State College, a year or two ago and she informed me that with the proper warm attire little bits of cool fresh air into the lungs can help combat the virus, vs what I call a warm, stuffy germ incubator a room makes.
But with this remember, rest is best. You can take brief walks outside, but I wouldn't recommend going for a jog or a hike or even a bike ride. You need to rest your body while it fights off the virus or you'll throw it into strain and become even more sick.
So I just wanted to let you know, just because your sick doesn't mean you cant take 2-5 minute trips outside to get into the fresh air. It just means don't go for a run and pass out on Appian Way.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Change brings em' in
I drove down 101 last weekend and I noticed something strange but familiar: What once was green is now orange and red. That's right the foliage season is upon us again and it sure does feel too early for fall, even though it is now officially so. I don't know about you but I'm still waiting for the summer-that-never-was. But I guess we must leave the past behind us and turn towards the near future. This foliage season could be just what the economy doctor ordered.
I know Keene isn't a huge summer vacation spot, but there are parts of New Hampshire that missed out on a lot of beach visits this past summer. And as we leave that part of 2009 we now may see an economical tourist boost in this part of New England. I must say, if I didn't already live in New Hampshire I would be a leaf peeper, your worst highway nightmare.
But never the less, those stop-and-go road crawlers are just what we need today. With state and city still tightening their belts and funds being slashed in non profit community organizations, we need people moving through New Hampshire. We should welcome these foreign folk stopping and eating at our restaurants, using our public transportation, buying from our liquor stores when they come in and out of the state...
So even though summer never really made it to us, perhaps this fall season will make us forget all about that, with a nice heavy wallet.
I know Keene isn't a huge summer vacation spot, but there are parts of New Hampshire that missed out on a lot of beach visits this past summer. And as we leave that part of 2009 we now may see an economical tourist boost in this part of New England. I must say, if I didn't already live in New Hampshire I would be a leaf peeper, your worst highway nightmare.
But never the less, those stop-and-go road crawlers are just what we need today. With state and city still tightening their belts and funds being slashed in non profit community organizations, we need people moving through New Hampshire. We should welcome these foreign folk stopping and eating at our restaurants, using our public transportation, buying from our liquor stores when they come in and out of the state...
So even though summer never really made it to us, perhaps this fall season will make us forget all about that, with a nice heavy wallet.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Informed decisions about H1N1 (2)
College means one has reached a certain maturing state in being, and the ability to make decisions comes with those responsibilities. But with responsible decision making comes the need for information, because being informed is a key part of knowing what to do next.
With impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects the virus to affect 30 percent of students, because they are in a high-risk group, five to 24.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that the older age groups contact with the virus caused a resistance to it.
Also students are under stressers, tend not to eat well and live in large communities. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
This is where self health responsibility kicks in, whether it’s before or after anyone contracts any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and a good night sleep are two great things anyone can do for their immune system.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available. In this respect, if someone is misinformed, they can’t make the right choices to recover from any illness.
Many students were told to avoid the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and Wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff or students in the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to take care of themselves.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue, information would spread quickly.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill potential viruses in air or on surfaces.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
With impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects the virus to affect 30 percent of students, because they are in a high-risk group, five to 24.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that the older age groups contact with the virus caused a resistance to it.
Also students are under stressers, tend not to eat well and live in large communities. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
This is where self health responsibility kicks in, whether it’s before or after anyone contracts any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and a good night sleep are two great things anyone can do for their immune system.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available. In this respect, if someone is misinformed, they can’t make the right choices to recover from any illness.
Many students were told to avoid the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and Wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff or students in the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to take care of themselves.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue, information would spread quickly.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill potential viruses in air or on surfaces.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
So much fun, you forget its good for you
Last spring I saw students on the Fiske Quad walking tight ropes and climbing structures. Some people would just say this is an act of entertainment or a cheap thrill but I think its more. The same goes with skateboarders and BMX bikes around campus. Sure some of these might be obnoxious or even destructive, but just forget about the bad apples for a second.
All of the aforementioned activities are great workouts and physical activity. Tight roping really works leg muscles, and helps improve balance and even self confidence.
Skateboarding may seem lazy, but if you are doing tricks, in an appropriate setting, it works coordination and also strengthens the legs. Now BMX has so many benefits, akin to that of regular bikes. The core work out is there when you peddle and you get coordination added to the mix with tricks as well. Not to mention on top of that delicious sundae, you get a tension release as well, if its something you like to do. Which is equally as important to students as exercise. Stress is one thing we know all to well.
So get out there, find something you like to do and have fun doing it... and sure, lose a few calories.
Whats your fun and simple outdoor activity?
All of the aforementioned activities are great workouts and physical activity. Tight roping really works leg muscles, and helps improve balance and even self confidence.
Skateboarding may seem lazy, but if you are doing tricks, in an appropriate setting, it works coordination and also strengthens the legs. Now BMX has so many benefits, akin to that of regular bikes. The core work out is there when you peddle and you get coordination added to the mix with tricks as well. Not to mention on top of that delicious sundae, you get a tension release as well, if its something you like to do. Which is equally as important to students as exercise. Stress is one thing we know all to well.
So get out there, find something you like to do and have fun doing it... and sure, lose a few calories.
Whats your fun and simple outdoor activity?
Student preparedness for incomming H1N1 virus
Coming to college means one has reached a certain maturing state in life, and the ability to make decisions comes with those responsibilities. But with responsible decision making comes the need of information, because being informed is a key part of knowing what the next step should be.
With the imminent impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects more than 30 percent of students to be affected by the virus, because they are in a high-risk group.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that age group has a type of tolerance because they were exposed to it before. Reports say that the age range that is most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu is young people, ages five to 24.
Also students are under a significant amount of stress. Along with that factor students in college tend not to eat well and live in a community. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
With these factors Burke said students need to be responsible for their self health. Weather it be before or after they contract any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and getting a good night sleep are two of the best things anyone can do for their immune system and may help protect against the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, if it comes to it, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care and being seen at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available to you. In this respect, if you are misinformed or told to do something and then expected to do another, you can’t make the right choices to recover from your illness.
Many students were told not to go to the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates at least twice a week. Gordon believes this is helping to spread awareness and pushing students to think more critically about being more cautious. This includes covering sneezes and using hand sanitizer frequently.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include sudden onset aches, chills, fever of over 100.4, and the symptom unique to H1N1, nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff of the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to make a decision and take care of them self. Also they do not want the infection to spread to other students in the center, who are waiting to see a nurse for the common cold or an achy muscle.
Over the summer Burke sent KSC students an email, telling them to bring thermometers and a stash of food that could last a few weeks if they needed it.
Few students heeded the warning.
“I [told students to bring thermometers] even though I knew 90% of students wouldn’t bring a thermometer,” Burke said.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working very closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions and instructions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls. Gordon said they would receive germ masks to help protect them against the airborne virus, while they carry out their work.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, two to three days, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly and, for some reason, KSC does see pandemic levels within the next week, will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue and what it entailed, information would spread quickly and students would soon be informed.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill any potential viral transfer by contact.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
With the imminent impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects more than 30 percent of students to be affected by the virus, because they are in a high-risk group.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that age group has a type of tolerance because they were exposed to it before. Reports say that the age range that is most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu is young people, ages five to 24.
Also students are under a significant amount of stress. Along with that factor students in college tend not to eat well and live in a community. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
With these factors Burke said students need to be responsible for their self health. Weather it be before or after they contract any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and getting a good night sleep are two of the best things anyone can do for their immune system and may help protect against the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, if it comes to it, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care and being seen at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available to you. In this respect, if you are misinformed or told to do something and then expected to do another, you can’t make the right choices to recover from your illness.
Many students were told not to go to the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates at least twice a week. Gordon believes this is helping to spread awareness and pushing students to think more critically about being more cautious. This includes covering sneezes and using hand sanitizer frequently.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include sudden onset aches, chills, fever of over 100.4, and the symptom unique to H1N1, nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff of the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to make a decision and take care of them self. Also they do not want the infection to spread to other students in the center, who are waiting to see a nurse for the common cold or an achy muscle.
Over the summer Burke sent KSC students an email, telling them to bring thermometers and a stash of food that could last a few weeks if they needed it.
Few students heeded the warning.
“I [told students to bring thermometers] even though I knew 90% of students wouldn’t bring a thermometer,” Burke said.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working very closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions and instructions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls. Gordon said they would receive germ masks to help protect them against the airborne virus, while they carry out their work.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, two to three days, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly and, for some reason, KSC does see pandemic levels within the next week, will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue and what it entailed, information would spread quickly and students would soon be informed.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill any potential viral transfer by contact.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The leaves are turning red and the air is cooling. The time to get in the last bit of summer fun is now. Frisbee players, bicycle riders and runners are out in full force.
The gym is nice but enjoying the weather while getting your fill of fitness fun is half of the experience. Getting out there and enjoying the weather can also be a confidence booster in my opinion for continuing your activity and not ending prematurely due to repetitive boredoms.
The sounds of the birds, the feel of the wind and the sun all make shooting hoops or running that much better. Opposed to doing it indoors with stagnant air and the sound of scuffing feet. The sun in the sky is cheering you on, the wind is helping you move.
So in a nut shell, before the leaves hit the ground followed by the snow and there is no where else to go but the gym, enjoy the closing days of good weather. Run a lap around campus with a friend, take the old bike out or toss a Frisbee or a ball on the quad. I say this because in a month or two, you’ll miss it. And well all with our cheerleaders outside were back again.
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