Offices and Services

February

By Brianna Stapleton

If you’re not much of a Valentine’s Day fan, you can ignore all the mush about being good to your significant other and instead focus on taking care of yourself. February is Heart Health Month and the American Heart Association has some great tips for taking care of your heart.

We’re in college – we must be too young to worry about heart problems! Wrong. If you want to avoid heart disease and other cardiovascular problems when you are older, you need to start being health conscious now. It’s really not that difficult! There are a few simple things you can do:

1. Eat healthier carbohydrates . You don’t have to avoid them, simply eat grains that are better for you. Instead of making your sandwich with white bread, use whole wheat. Eat low sodium crackers or snack on animal crackers or graham crackers (then experience flashbacks from childhood). Eat healthier cereal at Downer, but don’t be fooled by granola. You may think it’s good for you, but most granolas are high in fat.

2. Know your body mass index . Google “body mass index” and you’ll get a BMI calculator. The body mass index is a measure of body fat based on a height to weight ratio. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.

3. Exercise . It’s not hard to start being active. Go out and take a walk on a day when the sun is actually shining. Go to one of the free classes at the Rec Center or use the cardio equipment there. If you want to watch TV while you work out, Lawrence students can exercise for free at the YMCA. Simply fill out a form, get your card, and bring headphones when you go to the Lifestyle Center.

4. Quit smoking . Smoking increases your chance of cardiovascular disease because it leads to high blood pressure, low exercise tolerance and increases the tendency of the blood to clot. It also decreases the good cholesterol in your body that you need to stay healthy. Quitting is a tough challenge to tackle, so visit www.americanheart.org for free resources to help you.

5. Know your family history . Next time you call or e-mail home, ask your parents if there is a history of heart disease or heart attack in your family. It’s important to know how common it is in your family tree and at what ages it affected your relatives, because that information will help you assess your own risk.

Avoid raisin bagels in buffet lines. Why raisin bagels? Because these are almost always picked up many times over and discarded when people realize they are not chocolate chip bagels.

By Christina Martinez

Many of us are familiar with the Salt N Pepa tune:

“Let’s talk about sex, baby,

Let’s talk about you and me

Let’s talk about all the good things

And the bad thing that may be

Let’s talk about sex.”

…and what better time to talk about sex than the month of February? On February 12 – 18 th we celebrate Sexual Responsibility Week and February 14 th is National Condom Day.

It seems that just talking about sex is easier said than done. In fact, many couples avoid talking about safe sex until they’re just about to engage in sexual activities. But planning ahead and coming to a consensual decision with your partner about sex before you find yourself “in the moment” is a more responsible approach to any sexual relationship. Keep in mind that as a sex partner you have a responsibility to protect yourself and to protect your partner.

Condoms are a common contraceptive that are available at many convenience stores or even at the Health and Counseling Center (free!). Apart from abstinence, using a condom is one of the best methods to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, infections, or HIV. Knowing how to properly store and use a condom is important for both partners to learn. The improper use of a condom greatly reduces its effectiveness. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

1. Do not store condoms in your wallet, glove box or in other places where it can be damaged by heat or "wear and tear".

2. Do not use a condom that has expired.

3. Do not use spermicidal condoms for oral sex - DO use some sort of condom during oral sex

4. Do not use the same condom more than once.

5. Do not double up; use one condom at a time and use a new one for each sex act.

Knowing about the risks and benefits of different contraceptives will allow you to make a better, more educated decision about sex and whether or not you decide to engage in sex. There’s plenty of information available on the internet concerning safe sex, myths of mysteries of sex, talking to your partner about sex, and alternatives to sexual intercourse. One good starting point is: smartersex.org. Remember, sexual responsibility is a responsibility to not only yourself but to your partner as well. Be safe. Be smart. Be in the know - now.

This Valentine’s Day why not give your honey something they’re sure to use—a Condom Rose! The Student Wellness Committee will be tabling at Downer and Lucinda’s during lunch and dinner in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day selling Condom Roses for $2 a piece—buy one to take with you or have it delivered to your sweetie’s building.

Brought to you by the Student Wellness Committee

Lawrence University, PO Box 599, Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 832-7000 Contact Lawrence