Sarah Higgins

More by Sarah Higgins

More Tips for Staying Free of Stress

12/5/2012

Stress is defined as “anything that poses a challenge or threat to our well-being, and how we respond to that challenge” (Kim Lebowitz, Ph.D., Director, Behavioral Medicine and Psychologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital). As college students, stress is a part of our everyday life.

            During the short period before winter break, students are constantly kept busy with projects, papers, and studying for finals. The 24-hour room is packed starting at noon, and the library is basically a madhouse. For the procrastinators, and let’s face it, most of us are, finals week might as well be referred to as hell week.

According to Oswego’s weekly “Toilet Talk,” stress affects a person’s mind and body and can impact their health and well-being. Stress can cause anxiety issues, obesity, high blood pressure, and chest pain. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” and can even cause hair loss.

So how is it that year after year, we manage to survive? Many of us just barely make it through without calling it quits, so here are some tips on how to remain stress-free throughout finals…

My Body, Not Yours

9/30/2011

For those of you who are unaware, every week the Lifestyles Center leaves a copy of "Toilet Talk" in each bathroom stall. This single sheet of paper provides information about events on campus, and also addresses many issues that students face while away at school. This week’s issue, titled,"It's my body, not yours!!!" was especially important for the female student population, because it addressed the issue of sexual assault. It defined sexual assault as "any kind of sexual activity that is unwanted and imposed by one person on another without consent." And ladies, this is especially true.
           
Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S; one in four women have been victims of sexual assault or rape. Freshman, you may be unaware of this, but last year a campus-wide email was sent out about an encounter in Oneida Hall. A man, or student, in a hooded sweatshirt attempted to sexually assault a young girl. Luckily, she was able to get away and quickly reported the incident. This student was particularly smart because she did not let this go unreported. According to the United States Department of Justice in a COLLEGE survey, only one in twenty five women reported an assault.
           

Easy Ways to Stay Healthy This Semester

9/13/2011

The days are shorter, the nights are colder, and all anyone can think about is the upcoming Oswego winter. We are all aware of the brutal winds and heavy snowstorms that are upon us, as well as all of the germs that accompany it.

So instead of dreading the upcoming flu season, why not prepare yourself for what’s ahead? Here are a few things to keep in mind while you button up that coat: