Alcohol & Academic Success

As we approach midterm, take a look at your grades. If your grades are not quite where you want them to be, alcohol could be to blame. It has been shown that there is an inverse relationship between high-risk drinking and grade point average (GPA).  It may be obvious to say that drinking negatively affects your school performance but most do not realize to what extent. Up to 48 hours after a night of drinking your mental cognition is still impaired, including memory and concentration deficits. That means if you went out on Friday night by the time Sunday comes and it is time to study, you are not going to retain as much information as you could have if you had not gone out on Friday. Also, when you try to “sleep it off” your sleep cycles do not progress properly. This poor sleep can lead to not only tiredness, but also increased anxiety and irritability. Time spent drinking can also lead to poor class attendance and falling behind on school work. There are many activities available, on and off campus, that you could spend your time doing that will not negatively affect your grades. Below is a list of upcoming activities.

• Feb. 24-29       Spirit Week (Trivia, games and giveaways, cross country skiing, dinner- on campus)
• Feb. 25             Global Visions film series (Memorial Union Lecture Bowl)
• Feb. 26             Moulin Rouge – Royal Winnipeg ballet (Chester Fritz Auditorium)
• Feb. 17              Men’s Basketball Game (Free pizza! – Betty Engelstad Arena)
• Feb. 28             UPC After Dark: Magician Daniel Martain (Memorial Union Loading Dock)
• March 1            Men’s Basketball Game (Betty Engelstad Arena)
• March 1            Dearly Departed – Featuring President Kelley (Fire Hall Theater)
• March 7            Hockey Watch Party (Free pizza and wings! – Memorial Union Loading Dock)
• March 7 & 8     Men’s Hockey (Ralph Engelstad Arena)
• March 9           Community skate (Free Main Bowl skating – Ralph Englestad Arena)

Health & Wellness Physical Activity Peer Educator

The Health & Wellness Hub is searching for a Physical Activity Peer Educator that has the following qualities:

Behind the Mask 5K, November 2013

•Positive attitude

•A passion to serve as a healthy role model to other UND students •Excellent communication skills – including presentation skills, written skills and team work 

•Creativity •Experience and/or personal interest in health and wellness, particularly physical activity 

•Ability to work independently and with a team 

•Carry out other duties as assigned by your team lead

Health & Wellness Peer Educators function as an extension of the Health & Wellness Hub at UND. You will reach out to UND students in a variety of ways to support them in reaching their personal and academic goals. Peer educators serve as positive role models by demonstrating good judgment, ethical behavior and respect for others and self, especially in relation to health & wellness issues. As a peer educator you will conduct weekly research on issues associated with physical activity, develop programs, presentations, and outreach initiatives for UND students, and exhibit a non-judgmental, caring attitude with respect for diversity. Peer educators are an important part of the health and wellness environment at UND and because of this, we look for the highest quality candidates for our team. If you possess the following skills and want to be a part of this exciting and fun team, fill out the application with cover letter and resume!

• $9.50/hour, 10 hours/week
• Start Date: ASAP!

To apply, visit the Student Employment website: http://und.edu/student-life/careers/student-employment.cfm.

We look forward to having you join our team!

Running with Lynn Show

Good morning UND!

Another sunny but chilly day with a high of 1 and a low of -18.  Want to stay warm? Catch the movie of the movie of the week! Jaume Collet-Serra’s action thriller Non-Stop stars Liam Neeson as an air marshal confronted with a hostile force who plans to kill every passenger on a flight if the government doesn’t pay a hefty ransom. This high-flying action packed movie will keep your pulse pumping all 1 hour and 50 min.

Today is a special day, for the first time ever the Running with Lynn Show brings you Stories of Suspense. Ch. 1 “The Frozen Fingers”
Last week my buddy and I were out in the cold for hours, he said “my figures are numb, they are so cold I can’t feel them any more!” I replied “Here maybe you should wear my extra pair of gloves, my hands are starting to get sweaty anyway.” He said “you mean to tell me you had this extra pair of gloves this whole time!” I said “yeah we are in North Dakota.”

Tune in next week for ch. 2 of Stories of Suspense same UND time same UND blog.
See you next week true believers.

Tips for a great spring break- without breaking the bank!

Spring break is two weeks away and you can’t wait to relax! But while you’ve been studying and stressing over midterms exams, you might not have made any big plans- or have a ton of cash set aside.

Don’t worry. UND financial wellness has got your back.

You don’t need to drain your life savings and sell a kidney to afford a fun spring break. What you do need is a place to travel, a way to get there, somewhere to stay, cheap grub, (and for those of the appropriate age, maybe a drink or two).  So here are some tips to have a great spring break without breaking the bank.

• Plan ahead. With two weeks to go, it might be a little late for extensive planning and advanced ticket purchasing but it’s important to plan what you can. Knowing where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and what you need will lead to you being less stressed and less likely to spend more on last minute rate increases.
• Getting there. Whether you are planning to drive or fly, money can be saved. If you’re driving, take the most fuel efficient car you can get. If you fly, you need to be flexible, especially this late in the game.  Mid-week or middle-of-the-night flights are often the cheapest. Also flying out of Minneapolis can save you hundreds over flying out of Grand Forks.
• Look for deals.  Groupon and LivingSocial can provide deals for areas you are heading to or traveling through. It is also a good idea to look for online promotional deals when you are booking hotels or looking for places to eat. Hotels also often provide deal books in their tourist information area- you’ll find both things to do and coupons for them!
• Be outgoing.  When you’re traveling, it is no time to be shy. Talk to the locals you meet. First of all, meeting new people can be fun and secondly, they can tell you what places are worth checking out and which places are the overpriced tourist traps.
• Don’t buy cheesy souvenirs. We like to cut loose on vacation, and sometimes we do so with our wallets. It may be fun to be impulsive on the places you visit, but don’t give in to the tourist junk. Most likely it is poor quality and way overpriced.
• Know the local laws. Whether you are visiting a different state, or a different country it is important to know the local laws. Some laws like speed limits are obvious, but other places may have different rules about driving that could get you pulled over. Many states have laws against talking on the phone and driving. The last thing you want on vacation is a brush with the law a heavy fine. There also may be noise ordinances and restrictions on what you can carry with you.  The one place you don’t want to save is with free lodging at the local jail.
• Your Friends.  Traveling with your friends can be a blast no matter where you go. Spring break will also be more cost effective with your friends. Cost sharing is a great way to cut car, hotel, and other travel expenses.
• Bring all the necessities.  If you’re the kind of person that waits until the last minute to pack, you might end up forgetting something. Make yourself a list of stuff you know you’ll need throughout the week prior to leaving. Remembering to pack important stuff like your sunglasses, swimsuit, sandals, and camera will keep you from having to buy them at your destination.
• Pack groceries. Save some cash by cooking/bringing a couple of meals and snacks. Especially if you’re driving, bring a cooler. You can pack water, pop, lunch meat, and other goodies for the trip. This way you can avoid frequently stopping and convenience store prices.

Now you’re ready to go! Just don’t do anything UND Financial Wellness wouldn’t do: In other words, don’t waste your money.

Ballenger, B. (2013, February 25). 26 Tips to Save on Spring Break 2013. Retrieved from Money Talks News: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2013/02/25/26-tips-to-save-on-spring-break-2013/

National Nutrition Month

Coming to the end of February means that National Nutrition Month is just around the corner. Every March is National Nutrition Month and every year UND celebrates March with many nutrition related activities. This year UND is offering a recipe contest, Student Iron Chef, Lunch and Learn, food drive, grocery bingo, and a wellness screening.

The Delicious and Nutritious Recipe Contest will be going on the majority of the month. The recipe submission deadline is March 21; to find out details about this event click on the following link.

http://und.edu/health-wellness/wellness/nutrition/index.cfm

Student Iron Chef Contest Semi-final dates of the competition are March 3rd and March 4th. The final competition will take place on March 11th. Groups of students will be creating a dish consisting of Alaskan Salmon, YUM.

A food drive will take place for the whole month of March. Non-perishable food items and personal care products are appreciated. Donation boxes will be placed throughout the campus.

 

Grocery Bingo will take place on March 28th at 9pm in the loading dock. It is free to all students and it’s a great way to win free groceries and meet students.

 

A lunch ‘N learn will be held on March 26th in Gamble Hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm in room 225. This event is part of the Deans for wellness initiative; it is open to all staff, faculty, spouses and partners of the College of Business and Public Administration. You can RSVP to this email:

 laura.dvorak@und.edu

The wellness screening will be held at the EERC on March 5th. It is open to faculty, staff, partners and spouses. This is an appointment only event to make an appointment click the following link.

www.und.edu/workwell

Hometown Partier

I was always the ‘good kid’ in high school. I had straight A’s, no detentions, no driving misconducts- just a clean slate. At the end of my senior year of high school we were required to do senior projects in order to graduate. It was basically a large research project with a paper, presentation, job shadow, project board, website, and the building or doing of something that would benefit the community in some way. Once senior projects were graded and done with, all of the seniors go to a secret spot and have a huge bonfire where they burn their failed papers, used textbooks, and other school related things that they do not need anymore. Usually, everyone gets drunk at the end of the school year party- and this year was no exception. This was the first experience I had ever had with drunk people.

I chose to be the designated driver for my friends, but it was still odd for me to see everyone throwing up and being irresponsible. As the night was drawing to an end, I drove my wasted friends home. My car was covered in puke, but at least my friends were safe. That day I decided that partying was not for me. I knew kids would pressure me and think I was lame for not wanting to go out and “have fun” but I did not care; I would find better ways to have fun.

Then college came around… My small, hometown party experience in no way prepared me for the partying that happens in college. To be honest, I gave into pressure a few times. I’m ashamed of it but it’s the truth. As the years went on I felt like I was getting caught up in a “partying is the only way to have fun” kind of mindset. All of my friends in college and at home only wanted to drink the night away. What happened to staying up late watching horror movies and making Taco Bell runs and talking about what we wanted to do in the future? I wanted and needed a change of pace. Partying was turning out to be a waste of my time, money, and effort.

I started being the designated driver more and making sure my friends were safe. Unfortunately, it is hard to sit and watch your friends have a great time, but the good thing is that I could still have a great time without drinking. In my hometown, we have lots of lakes and trails where we can go boating and ATVing. I started working on convincing my friends to do other fun things that do not include alcohol. They still party every once in a while, but it was so cool to see them realize that having fun does not have to include alcohol. It was exciting for me to think of fun activities we could do together instead of just sitting around drinking. I do not know if it will be worth my efforts in the end, but I hope that the efforts I put into my hometown friends will make a difference not only in them, but in the community that we influence and shape as well. 

But how do I know?

Last time you heard from me, I talked about change; specifically, why I resist it with everything inside of me. I’ve never really been a risk taker, and so far it’s led me down a pretty decent “safe” path.

I’m not sure why, but I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more I have moments of “Let’s do this!” They come out of nowhere, leaving a giant pit in my stomach, and shortness of breath, and a desire to move. Sometimes those moments are for little things, like deciding to workout when I don’t feel like it or trying a new recipe. And sometimes those moments are for big things, like zip lining through a rainforest* or starting a new job. (*Full disclosure: I’ve never ziplined through a forest. Let’s be real.)

A few months ago, I decided to try something new in my professional life. I have a very unconventional path when it comes to the workplace. I graduated with a degree in Dietetics (the science of food) after dabbling in secondary English education. My first “real job” was as a NDSU Extension Agent in Benson County, focusing on things like youth development, living on a budget, overall health, and 4-H. It was a great mix of teaching and wellness.

About 2 years later, I took the job as the first Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. This was a brand new arena for me, filled with new obstacles and experiences. I joked that I was still using my degree, because I had many coffee and lunch meetings, so I was still involved in the “food part.”

Two weeks ago I started a new position as Events Coordinator for Scheels in Grand Forks. A much larger store is opening in June, and it’s my job to find fun and useful ways for our store to be a part of the community. I have to be honest; this is another BRAND NEW place for me to be. As Executive Director, I did get some experience in event planning and execution, but I have a feeling this will be a bit different.

While attending a pretty intense job training recently, it hit me:

This feels right.

We all wait for that moment after deciding to try new things because of that possibility of failure. Sitting in the unknown can be almost unbearable, so when the moment of “ahhh…” hits, it’s pretty awesome.

I feel fortunate for my newest professional opportunity, and even more for that “ahhh…” moment. For several months I’ve thought “I THINK this is the right move… But how will I know??!” It has taught me patience, the beauty in courage, and confidence in myself and my abilities.

I can’t promise you every ending to a new adventure will be smooth or comfortable or even pretty. But unless you take a chance every now and then, you never have the opportunity to grow!

When was the last time you had an “ahhh…” moment?

A Follow-Up: Skittles Parties

In a recent blog post a new form of partying was discussed, Skittles Parties. According to http://www.urbandictionary.com a Skittles Party is, “A party where a bunch of teenagers or young adults get together with a lot of random pills- usually taken from parents’ medicine cabinets. They put them all into a pile and everyone takes a few. You don’t know exactly what you take.” These parties can be extremely dangerous, and potentially lead to death. From that blog post the following questions were discussed: How do I stop this type of party? What are healthier choices I can make? Where can I dispose of old or unused prescription medications?

According to http://www.treatmentsoulutions.com there are a number of ways to say no to drugs. The following are some examples:

1. I can’t stay; I’ve got to help my dad with something.
2. That stuff makes me sick
3. I’m supposed to meet so and so in a few minutes
4. No way. I think you just want to get me in trouble.
5. That stuff is bad for you
6. Why would you use that junk
7. Haven’t you heard about the kid in the news who died from doing that?
8. Go ahead if you want to kill yourself – I don’t want to.
9. You’re crazy!
10. I’m not into that.

There are many other healthy choices you can make instead of abusing drugs; go to the movies, go on a walk by the river, ice skating in the winter, rollerblading or riding your bike in the summer, have dinner with some friends.

Finally, the question of how to dispose of old or unused prescription medications, according to http://www.grandforksgov.com there are two programs in the state of North Dakota to take care of this problem. In the main entrance of the Police Department (122 N. 5th St.) there is a box mounted on the wall for individuals to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. A second way to dispose of them is to find a pharmacy near you that is participating in North Dakota’s medication disposal program, TakeAway.

The Body Project starts this week

The Body Project is back! Come join us for a 2-week body-acceptance workshop designed to help women resist sociocultural pressures to conform to the thin-ideal and reduce their pursuit of thinness. We will discuss the following topics: how body image ideal has been changing over time, how thin ideal was developed and why, who benefits from supporting thin idea, how to develop healthy body image, how to decrease binge eating and how to love your body more. There will be many thought-provoking discussions and experiential exercises.

Option 1: Wednesdays, February 26 & March 5^th, 12-1:30 pm, Presidents Room.

Option 2: Thursdays, February 27^th & March 6^th, 12-1:30pm, Memorial Room.

Pre-registration is required. You can register by sending us an email at UND.hwhub@UND.edu or calling us at 701-777-2097.

Hookah Myths and Misperceptions

Word of mouth has led people to believe in many different things, such as big foot, the loch ness monster, and mermaids. However, these aren’t the only things we have been led to believe because of what we have heard from others. In the early 1600’s the hookah was created by a physician as a “safer” method to use tobacco- that same misperception has been upheld today. Although the hookah was created as a “safer” method to use tobacco, it has been proven that the same harmful ingredients are still present in comparison to cigarettes.

The hookah was originally made for men in the Middle East, but when the additive flavors were added to the tobacco, it then attracted women and young adults, as well. The revolution of the hookah has continually attracted young adults and has been presented as harmless in nature. Due to the nature of socially smoking hookah, individuals are actually more likely to take in a larger quantity of tobacco in one sitting than they would in just smoking a single cigarette. This demonstrates just one way in which hookah is even more harmful than cigarettes.

The lack of advertisements or publication of the negative effects of hookah has kept the belief alive that it is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. Although word of mouth has led many to believe that it is “safer” than cigarettes, this perception is flawed and is potentially very harmful to those believing it.

If you or someone you know is trying to quit, the following resources are available through UND Health & Wellness and ND Quits:

•Free telephone, online or mobile app cessation support (ND Quits)
•Free nicotine replacement therapy (ND Quits)
•Free quit kits at the Health & Wellness Hub and Student
Health Services
•Provider visits at Student Health Services, which are covered by student fees
•Quit medications available for purchase at the Student Health Services pharmacy

http://www.ndhealth.gov/ndquits/
http://und.edu/health-wellness/hub/tobacco_content.cfm
http://und.edu/health-wellness/student-health/index.cfm