Hatian Rescue

Here is a glimpse into the occurrences over in Haiti. Just in case it has not sunk in, please make sure to lend whatever support you can to support the relief efforts.

Clueless on Health Reform????

What’s going on in Health Care Reform?

I, like most others unfortunately do not have a complete grasp on all of the initiatives currently taking place in healthcare reform. So hopefully this blog (which is based on a University of Georgia lecture by Dr. Angela Fertig) will provide a little more insight into President Obama’s attempts at adjusting our nation’s healthcare system.

The ultimate goal is to make sure that ALL American citizens will be covered under some policy. So?

What happens if I HAVE INSURANCE?:

- Insurance companies will not be able to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. (such as: prior illness, disability, etc.)
- Insurers will not be able to drop or reduce coverage for those who are sick.
- There will be limits on out of pocket spending.
- And, insurance companies will be required to cover preventative services without co-pay.

Ultimately, the idea is that if you are insured and happy you will have MORE protections under your current healthcare plan.

What happens if I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE? :

- the plan will generate and “Insurance Exchange” where you can choose from group of different plans, by comparing rates. (This is slated to take place in the next 4 years)
- Those who have PRE-EXISTING conditions will be eligible for immediate coverage.

IS THIS SOCIALIZED HEALTHCARE?????

Socialized healthcare refers to government control of all systems related to healthcare. Meaning that all facilities are government owned, and all employees (doctors, nurses, etc.) are government employees.

The “Public Option” that we have heard so much about seeks to generate a choice for those who are insured and uninsured, ultimately making insurance coverage mandatory.

I think that each of us would be fair in making our own decision about whether or not these two (socialized healthcare and the Public Option) are the same.


Do you agree or disagree?

Those in favor argue: that it will increase competition among insurers and drive cost down. Also, that it will make companies more honest.

Those opposed argue: The government’s plan will be cheaper and everyone will run to it causing a “CROWD OUT,” that will eliminate all private plans. Thus, the government will have complete control (socialization).

There has been much discussion about a compromise. Some of these include:

-Opting for a government sponsored plan, and then setting up a non-profit plan that is a co-op run by consumers.
- Allowing the option for a short period and then getting rid of it.

There are several bills in the works to push towards a reform and it will be interesting to see which one’s pass in the upcoming months.

Hopefully this provides some brief insight to the debate on the Public Option and what is being offered!

Signing out!

"Sleepy Holiday"

In lieu of the holiday season, I felt it very appropriate to generate a blog that sheds light on the sense of extreme fatigue that occurs after consuming those Hearty Holiday meals.

Many of you have probably heard of this occurrence referred to as------ “ITIS!” (I hence some chuckles!)

Urban Dictionary defines this term from “THE BOONDOCKS” as: “The drowsy sleepy feeling you get after eating a large meal. Usually big Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.”

But on a more serious note, what is the reasoning behind this paralyzing fatigue that stops you dead in your tracks as soon as you leave the kitchen table???
After doing some research I have found that one of the most EXTREME cases of this is due to a disorder called HYPOGLYCEMIA (A disorder which occurs when your blood-glucose levels are low).


How does this happen?

• Your body's sugar (glucose) is used up too quickly
• Glucose is released into the bloodstream too slowly, and
• Too much insulin is released into the bloodstream

So, a quick fix for this is to consume something with sugar in order to raise the blood glucose level.

Most symptoms of hypoglycemia are very severe and are as follows:

• Decreased alertness
• Different size pupils
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Muscle pain
• Paleness
• Pounding heartbeat (heartbeat sensations)
• Sleeping difficulty

BUT WAIT!!!!

This tired drowsy feeling is actually very normal after eating…. so there is no need to panic if you get a little sleepy after Christmas dinner.

What typically HAPPENS is that that an individual consumes a large amount of carbohydrates---- which causes the production of Tryptophan, a common amino acid. Tryptophan then triggers the release of SEROTONIN (a neurotransmitter) which causes the brain to make a response.

(Aside: Serotonin is also responsible for the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions including memory and learning.)

Ultimately, the release of SEROTONIN is what makes the body crave a NAP causing FATIGUE or “ITIS.”

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS!

-Avoid foods that are high in flour and sugar (fried chicken, cake, etc.)

ALSO,

-Choose foods that wake the brain up such as: vegetables, green salads, lean protein, seeds, fish, chicken and nuts. These do not have such a great effect on your blood-glucose levels---so you remain awake!

Hopefully with these tips you can enjoy unwrapping gifts, being thankful, and celebrating the New Year without leaning over the sofa!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Learn More:
http://www.hypoglycemia-diet.com/blog/2007/02/do-you-feel-drowsy-after-eating.html
http://sleep.lovetoknow.com/Sleepy_After_Eating
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Hypoglycemia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fatigue-after-eating.html

Fiend for Caffeine

Little Sleep + Busy Schedule x PROCRASTINATION = Success

This is probably the most utilized collegiate equation next to Pythagoreans. And even though this exhausting lifestyle is a detriment to our physical and mental health, it is sometimes the only means to cranking out the excellent grades we all desire.

As a last resort many students tend to pump their bodies full of caffeine in order to continue churning into the “wee” hours of the night.
I am guilty like most, of staying up extremely late and relying on the millions of advertised energy/espresso shots, drinks, etc. to keep me going ------but the question is:

ARE THESE REALLY EFFECTIVE????

I have always wondered about what the health risk were associated with mass consumption of energy drinks-----so I have sought out to find answers!

How do they work?:

The reasons energy drinks are effective is because they block the effect of adenosine which is a chemical used for sleeping. When the adenosine is blocked neurons release adrenaline. As a result, you heart begins to beat faster and an increased amount of sugar is released into your system.

Caffeine in particular, releases an increased amount of DOPAMINE which makes your brain feel pleasure and gives you a similar physical response as an energy boost!
Because energy drinks and most other espresso drinks are loaded with large amounts of SUGAR and CAFFIENE we can all imagine how effective these products are in making us “Feel” energetic!

Consuming a lot of energy drinks may cause:

- Heart palpitations (increased beating of the heart)
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability and/or Jitteriness
- Increased urination (caffeine is also a diuretic)
- Dehydration (particularly when exercising)

Although, some of these negative side-effects occur many of them are attributed to some of the more positive effects as well. For example, caffeine has a tendency to perk up the body in times of weariness and when you are tired and drained.

A few tidbits:

-Some people mix energy drinks with alcohol. This results in a tranquilizing effect, causing people not to realize their alcohol intake. BE CAREFUL!

-Here is an interesting Blog to find which energy drinks might be best for you:
http://energy-drink-ratings.blogspot.com/2007/03/best-energy-drink.html

References:
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/energy-drink.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/234299/the_health_effects_of_energy_drinks.html

Recession Sex Lesson #1: Methods of Contraception

In 2007, CNN.com reported that approximately 40% of babies were born out of wedlock. 13% of this includes women over and around the age of 20, and the numbers are continuing to rise!

Why is this people!?!

There is no way that our generation is any more littered with hormonal driven youth than our parents' generation who danced “CASUALLY” to Rick James’ “SuperFreak” and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On!”

I have long wondered the answer to this question, but it crossed my mind last week as I sat in my introductory public health course…

A public health official came from Emory University and gave us a “nifty” acronym to remember ways to effectively use a condom. S.C.O.R.E.:

S-SELECT the condom
C- CHECK to make sure that it is free from puncture
O-OPEN
R-ROLL tightly leaving space at the top, and
E-EJACULATE

(She then suggested that it was more than okay to SCORE! *Wink*)

But, although it can be assumed that most people know the appropriate way to use a condom, I could not help but wonder that maybe there are some more savvy modes of contraception available to help reduce these OVERWHELMING statistics!


For Women:

Of course ladies there are your more generally known methods of contraception that include the pill, the patch, and the female condom but here are some lesser known alternatives.

The Vaginal Hormone Ring: (Better than 95 % effective) - this is kept in the vagina for 3 out of 4 weeks during the month.

Also known as the “Nuva Ring.”

Mechanism: It works very much like the typical birth control pill by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin (similar to progesterone) which prevent ovulation.

Cost is about 15-50$ a month and can be purchases at the drug store or a clinic.

Contraceptive injections : (100% effective) - simply injected into the buttocks, to avoid impregnation for spontaneous sexual occurrence.

Also known as, Depo-provera, Noristerat, and Jab.

Mechanism: Ovulation is stopped, the mucus in the cervix is thickened, and they thin the lining of the womb so that the egg will not attach for fertilization.

Cost: Approximately 20-40$ per injection, and you can obtain them every 11-13 weeks.

For Men:

Sadly, there have not been many developments for men beyond the dreaded vasectomy and condom use, but there are myths of a new development of …..

“The Male Pill”

It is scheduled for release in 2014 on the British market ----So although many of you guys and girls are holding close to their seats waiting for its release, you may have to wait a while and save travel money!

Helpful Tidbits:

-For UGA students: The UGA Health Center provides free condoms to students through Health Promotions on the First floor of the University Health Center (706-542-1162).
Also, most other medical centers and hospitals provide free condom dispersal for those who are sexually active and/or would like to distribute them for legitimate public health awareness.

-CondomUSA.: is a free wholesale site that sells name brand condoms. They also have a pretty detailed website that you should check out! www.condomusa.com


Cited Articles:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/04/08/out.of.wedlock.births/index.html

Find out more, and the potential side effects of contraceptive methods at:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraception_which.htm

About the Nuva Ring:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring-4241.htm

About Contraceptive Injections:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/preventingpregnancy/depoprovera.html

Txtng while Drvng!

I saw this UK Public Service Announcement and figured I would share it! Have a look!






Pretty vicious! Maybe we will all think TWICE about doing it!

“College made me fat!”---You’re right it did!

So you had the Freshman 15, but since then have acquired the Sophomore 26 plus the Junior 11-- which has brought you to a WHOPPING 52 pounds! Whoa. And even though you traverse campus, attend football games regularly, throw a Frisbee or two, you still get those constant COMPLIMENTS when you go home like: “They sure are feeding you up there, aren’t they baby!?”

Interestingly enough for most students ….college does actually make you FAT. I’m sure we all knew this, because if it weren’t the case then the “Freshman 15” wouldn’t be such a huge phenomena. Actually, the average college freshman gains about 5-9 pounds according to freshman15.com and a study done at WashU, but after about 4 years (5,6, or 7 for some) that average adds up! And you blow up!

So, here are the “most common” (yada, yada- emphasis on the quotes) reasons:


-Lack of exercise
-Eating late at night
-Keeping unhealthy snacks on hand (in the dorm room)
-Eating unhealthy cafeteria food
-Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol


Notice that these are mostly a result of a sedentary lifestyle? Most people understand that the mechanism to weight gain is a lack of exercise and poor eating habits. But what are some ways, to continue to live normally and dart those pounds?!


GET INVOLVED- (ever notice how people who don’t do anything….yeah…)


PARTY- when you get there, dance like you are auditioning for America’s Best Dance Crew! You’d be surprised how many calories you burn just shaking it.


SLEEP WELL and DRINK in moderation.


A few misconceptions:


Smoking: Smoking does suppress appetite which makes people skinny right? WRONG. It makes you more likely to chill and or get short of breath faster = laziness= FAT.


Cooking “healthy” meals: Look guys just because you have a celery stick or two with your hot wings doesn’t mean you’re healthy. There are unhealthy vegetarians! Try to avoid adding excessive butter and salt when cooking meals.


Read More:
http://www.freshman15.com/
http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/college/freshman_15.html#