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Mayoral debate
Tuesday, October 8
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Issue 8, Volume 85
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Karbo ‘one of the best’ The senior libero is not only the anchor of the UH’s defense but the team. | PG. 6
NEWS kashmiri activists faced heckling and interruptions to their UH hosted seminar on indian current events. | PG. 2
SPoRtS former Cougar quarterback kyle allen returned to Houston on Sunday as the Carolina panthers’ starter. | PG. 5
oPINIoN UH needs to offer more services to their students to help combat obesity. | PG. 8
2 | Wednesday, October 2, 2019
NEWS ian everett, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS
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NEWS
Kashmiri activists present to students, draw hecklers
Hecklers shouted at Kashmiri activists in the Student Center theater, forcing UHPD to be called. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar
Trevor nolley
photo editor @trevornolleytc
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Shouting erupted Thursday in the darkness of the Student Center Theater as guest speakers reviewed the history of the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir. The uproar forced the event to be placed on hold as organizers waited for University police to arrive to the theater. In recent months, Kashmir has become one of the most militarized regions in Asia following the revocation of an article in the Indian Constitution designed to give the region autonomy in its own governance. The event, hosted Sept. 26 and dubbed “Beyond Nationalism: What’s Happening in Kashmir?” featured activists who spoke of the rising tensions in the region and was met with bitter shouting from some attendees.
“The ultimate goal of it was to educate the community about it and give people content and empowerment,” said anthropology junior Shawn Jafri. “They can then be a voice for the people who don’t have voices.” The presentation consisted of discussion and a series of slides depicting the Kashmiri history and politics of the region. At one point, graphic photos were projected onto the stage featuring Kashmiri protests from 2016. “This is a school teacher,” said Kashmiri activist Muzaffar Hussain, as a photo flashed on the screen. “He was tortured, and he was killed.” Local surgeon Dr. Wasim Dar, another speaker at the event, recently visited the region and explained what he saw as a lack of access to medical care and scant resources for the people of Kashmir, pointing the blame to India.
“There is a critical shortage of medicines and supplies that people were not able to access,” Dar said. “The medical situation in Kashmir is dire, critical and is 100 percent a function of the actions of the Indian government.” While the event aimed to educate, it faced countless interruptions as several members of the audience let it be known they disagreed with the speakers’ perspectives. Facilitators urged spectators of both sides to maintain decorum, even while repeated heckling put the presentation on hold twice. “Be respectful to the speaker, be respectful to the organizers and volunteers and to your fellow audience members,” said political science sophomore Wasiq Javed, taking the stage after the interruptions. “It’s not going to help if we keep provoking each other.” The event, jointly organized by more than half a dozen student organizations, was originally scheduled for Sept. 19 but was postponed when Houston faced flooding from Tropical Storm Imelda. “It really shows the solidarity that UH students are not only willing to give, but want to give,” said biology sophomore Nathaniel SchendelBarajas. “The students of UH are really committed to wanting justice everywhere, not just here.” Last month, President Renu Khator attended “Howdy Modi,” a community summit headlined by Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and President Donald Trump. During the event, Khator made several social media posts, including at least one where she was seen alongside Modi in a series of photos. “I have been proud to help implement PM Modi’s higher education agenda for several years. Welcome to Houston!” the tweet said. Students expressed frustration with her attendance at the summit, linking Modi and his political group, the Bharatiya Janata Party, to the broader issues Kashmir is facing. “She is the president of one of the most diverse universities in the U.S.,” said political science and economics junior Syed Naqvi. “I viewed it as a slap to the face.” Modi, who in 2005 was the chief minister of the state of Gujarat, was barred from entering the U.S. after a series of riots left hundreds dead. The ban was subsequently lifted in 2014 by President Barack Obama. The University said in a statement that Khator’s work as an adviser to the Indian government has spanned across multiple administrations, not solely under Modi’s. “President Khator has advised India’s Ministry of Education on its higher education system for the last 10 years,” the statement said, ”beginning with a request under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh focused on policy. Her work continues today under PM Modi.” news@thedailycougar.com
CAMPUS
Alumni scholarship helps LGBTQ students be themselves AUTUMN RENDALL
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @AUTUMNRENDALL
When applying for scholarships in the past, Mycah Taylor was torn. Taylor needed funding in order to afford tuition costs but worried that one thing stood in the way: their use of they/them pronouns. Taylor, a kinesiology sophomore, said that the discrimination LGBTQ students face can cause them to miss out on scholarship opportunities, be held to harsh stereotypes and worry about being marginalized instead of focusing on typical college struggles like studying for tests or buying expensive textbooks. This year, Taylor was a recipient of a UH LGBTQ Alumni Association scholarship, and they said that
they felt validated knowing that this scholarship committee not only accepted their identity, but welcomed it wholeheartedly. “You’ve already spent too much time hiding, too much time in the closet, too much time worrying,” Taylor said as advice to LGBTQ college students facing inequality. “At the end of the day you shouldn’t end life with ‘What if?’ You have to just be yourself.” The UH LGBTQ Alumni Association scholarship takes away some UH LGBTQ students’ burden of financial stress and brings validation for being true to themselves. This year, the UH LGBTQ Alumni Association awarded more than $16,000 to eight LGBTQ students. “It’s hard enough growing up
and realizing that you’re different than the average person and having to accept yourself,” Taylor said about the struggles LGBTQ college students face. “It’s an everyday thing.” Taylor said they believe that recognizing LGBTQ individuals, especially in academics, normalizes success in the community, and the LGBTQ community itself. “To make it more normalized allows a lot of the weight to be lifted off of our shoulders from having to be tough and prepared for having a thick skin all the time,” Taylor said. Each scholarship is a one-time award each semester or paid in full in the fall term if the student is graduating then. Taylor said that this award gives them peace of mind about whether they could
afford their tuition this year. “All we’re trying to do is get through life like everybody else,” Taylor said. “Being LGBTQ is on the same plane, because it makes your life harder when all you’re trying to do is get where you need to go.” The scholarship also gave Taylor the wiggle room in their budget to get top surgery, which Taylor said has helped make them so much happier. “I don’t want to keep myself a secret,” Taylor said. “No one else has to, so why should I? This scholarship makes it a whole lot easier to do that.” To be considered for the scholarship, contestants
LGBTQ ALUMNI
Continues on page 3
NEWS
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 | 3
ian everett, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS
NEWS@THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
713-743-5314
CRIME
Security report shows increased number of stalking, hate crimes mckenzie misiaszek
news editor @misiaszekuh
The number of reported stalking cases at the University rose significantly in 2018 by 20 percent compared to the previous year and up six times since 2015. The 2019 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report released Thursday by UHPD details campus crime statistics and security information as required by federal law. The rise in reported stalking cases has been steady over the three years, beginning with the biggest jump from 15 cases to 53 from 2015 to 2016. While the increase slowed from 2016 to 2017, it still rose by 22 cases. In the most recent report, the number once again jumped to 17 more cases than the previous year. UHPD and Equal Opportunity Services said the surge in stalking cases can be blamed on social media, dating apps and the rise of depictions of stalking in the media. The departments said they are taking preemptive measures to keep students safe. EOS along with several other campus departments had mandatory reporter training to all faculty and staff. Information is also provided to employees during weekly New Hire Orientation presentations. The presentations include discussions about “red flags” for
The 2019 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report detailed a jump in stalking and hate crimes cases reported on campus from 2017 to 2018. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar
stalking behavior, like a student saying someone will not leave them alone, said EOS Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor and Vice President Toni Sanchez Benoit in an email. If students begin to notice they are being followed, getting repeated text messages or have the feeling of being watched, UHPD Sgt. Dina Padovan said for students to trust their instincts and contact the police. “Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you,” Padovan said in an email. “Keep evidence of the stalking and share with law enforcement. Don’t erase
messages, phone calls or text messages.” The number of hate crime incidents rose from one in 2017 to four in 2018. The rise does not follow a significant trend, because both 2018 and 2017 numbers are down from seven cases in 2016. The majority of the offenses were based around race, according to the report. “Hate crimes are taken very seriously,” Padovan said. “UHPD utilizes all available resources, follows all leads and partners with other agencies to identify any similarities or trends shared among groups.”
The LGBTQ Alumni Association awarded over $16,000 in scholarships. | Courtesy of Jenna Pel, UH LGBTQ Alumni Association
lGbtq alumni
Continued from page 2 interviewed with the LGBTQ Alumni Association’s Scholarship Committee, wrote an essay about
how the scholarship would impact their lives and must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA along with other requirements. The committee also considers leadership, scholarship, financial
need and the contestant’s civic and community involvement when choosing recipients. “We feel it’s important to recognize our community, because it is so often forgotten,” said UH
Most other crimes and offenses had the same or less reported cases in 2018 than they did in 2017, though some crimes did see increases. The number of dating violence cases went up by three to 38 in total, but was still less than the reported 43 in 2016. Car theft cases also went up by one, from 27 to 28. Liquor law arrests increased to 15 in 2018 from six in 2017. There were violations that decreased dramatically from years prior as well. The amount of burglaries decreased to 47 from 61 in 2017. Drug violation arrests feel 36
percent to 53 reported cases in 2018. Rape and aggravated assault both were consistent with the numbers reported in 2017 and 2018, both 11 respectively. Robberies on campus also decreased by one in 2018 from the year prior. There were no murders or any types of manslaughter reported in 2018. Padovan said the best ways to stay safe are to be mindful and vigilant by not posting your whereabouts in real-time on social media and to double check privacy settings.
LGBTQ Alumni Association board member Kelli Vorish. “We have amazing students that are LGBTQ+ and recognizing and reaffirming them through the scholarship is something we are honored to do.” The UH LGBTQ Alumni Association said this year’s recipients are just as diverse as the University itself, from incoming freshman, first generation students, a doctoral student and “everything in between.” “Their stories are incredible and academically they are definitely the cream of the crop,” Vorish said. “They embody what it is to be a Coog. We could not be more proud of them and look forward to them leaving their marks.” The UH LGBTQ Alumni Association found that many LGBTQ students face hardships outside everyday school troubles, such as being “consistently attacked” or marginalized, Vorish
said. “Many have no family, or their families have disowned them because of who they are,” Vorish said. “Some are dealing with added stress and trauma from being who they are, especially with what we’re seeing in our government. This scholarship is our way of saying we see you, and we believe in you.” Taylor said that if there are any UH LGBTQ students wanting to apply for next year’s scholarships, but are worried about their chances of winning to just go ahead and do it, because it will change their life. “You are always going to be you, and life is finite,” Taylor said. “So you might as well spend the amount of time being comfortable with yourself and loving yourself because you can’t enjoy yourself if you don’t.”
news@thedailycougar.com
news@thedailycougar.com
4 | Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Sports jhair romero, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/sportS
Sports@THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
713-743-5303
VOLLEYBALL
For Karbo, success in volleyball is a long time coming Since she was a child, the senior libero has been passionate about sports, and her committment remains unwavering.
Senior defensive specialist Katie Karbo has been Houston’s leading defender with 373 digs, over 200 more than the next Cougar. A native of Azle, Karbo also ranks in the top-five in two of UH’s other four major statistical categories, including second in assists (66) and fifth in service aces (10). The libero also recently earned American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar
katrina martinez
assistant sports editor @katrinamtz124
Her passion began on a sandy backyard volleyball court, but this was no run-of-the-mill love story. Senior libero Katie Karbo’s love affair with volleyball is one that consists of strength, determination, practice and, above all, years of unwavering commitment. “To me, I think my biggest commitment is always how I can make myself better to help better the team,” the health promotions senior said. “So, doing the most I can do that’s going to benefit the team in the long run.” As a child, Karbo was athletic in every sense of the word. She participated in basketball, soccer, figure skating, horse riding, dance and track and field. Her mother, a former athlete, and father played key roles in her athletic career and helped foster her love for sports. “Both my parents were very supportive in everything that I did,” Karbo said. “They pushed
me to be a competitor in everything I do, whether it was sports or not.” The native of Azle even has a ritual of calling home to her parents to catch up on life and calm her pre-game jitters before playing. “They’ll check in with me,” Karbo said, “wish me good luck. It’s always nice to have a comforting talk before.” After being introduced to the sport by her older cousin, Karbo began playing at the YMCA before becoming the star of both her middle and high school volleyball teams. Although she enjoyed the other sports, Karbo said, she made the choice to dedicate all her time to volleyball. Her pursuit of collegiate volleyball was not in vain. Karbo leads Houston’s volleyball team in defense and recently became one of only three players in the UH program to surpass 2,000 career digs. This contributed to the American Athletic Conference naming her
the Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 23. “I wasn’t expecting it really,” Karbo said, “but I’m proud to accomplish something like that. I’m hoping to continue it and hoping to continue getting better as a player and a teammate.” David Rehr, volleyball’s new head coach, said Karbo is special and that he noticed her talents on and off the court in his first few days coaching the team. “She’s the ultimate competitor,” Rehr said. “She sacrifices a lot to do what she does. Physically, mentally, emotionally — she gives it all to the program.” Karbo, who played while hurt during Houston’s AAC-opener against SMU Sept. 27 with an undisclosed injury, continues to push herself and said she doesn’t mind the sacrifice if it helps the team. “My teammates have always been like family to me,” she said. “They’re why I’m here, and they’re why I continue to play and compete the way I do. It is for them.”
“She’s gonna be hard to replace. I don’t care who it is. I don’t care if they’re already on our roster or if they’re gonna be a newcomer coming in.” David Rehr, Head Coach Her dedication to the program and to her peers set her apart from other athletes for Rehr, who said she is an asset and a “rarity” on the team. “She’s one of the best I’ve ever coached,” Rehr said. Set to graduate in December, Karbo is playing her last season with UH before she goes on to be a medical device sales representative, leaving large shoes for the program to fill. “She’s gonna be hard to replace,” Rehr said. “I don’t care who it is. I don’t care if they’re already on our roster or if they’re gonna be a newcomer coming in.” Reflecting on her time at Houston, Karbo said her journey has taught her a lot about herself
as a competitor. “Obviously the most challenging thing for a competitor is not getting the result you want,” Karbo said, “but not getting the result, to me, is how we can push ourselves to be better for the next game and the next week.” While Karbo already gives her all on the court, Rehr wants the team to match her performances. “I bet she would trade any award for more wins, and that’s the best thing about her,” Rehr said. “She does everything right that we needed her to do. We just gotta put her in better situations, and we will.” sports@thedailycougar.com
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 ,2019 | 5
jhair romero, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/sportS
Sports
Sports@THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
713-743-5303
football
Years after playing for the Cougars, Kyle Allen returned to Houston jhair romero
After a brief, midseason quarterback battle with thensophomore Kenny Hill in 2014, Allen found himself starting for the Aggies, leading Texas A&M to a win over then-No. 3 Auburn, a spot back in the top-25 and a bowl win. With Hill transferred, Allen retained the starting spot in 2015. His first game, the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff against Arizona State, saw the then-sophomore shine en route to the 38-17 win. Under Allen, the Aggies rolled to a 5-0 start, but troubled loomed with his young backup picking up speed.
sports editor @justjhair
To say Kyle Allen’s journey through football has been complicated is an understatement. From being benched in college to not being selected in the NFL draft, the former Cougar quarterback’s path through the sport has been long, winding and uncertain. Recently, the course brought him back to a familiar city, one where he spent the last two years of college with the Cougars before going pro — Houston. In a twist of fate, Allen, now starting under center for the Carolina Panthers, returned to the city Sunday afternoon to take on the Texans, his team’s AFC South rival, at NRG Stadium. But to understand the unconventional route Allen has taken to be one of only 32 who can call themselves an NFL starting quarterback, one must go back to his hometown Scottsdale, Arizona.
Bye-bye, Aggies Former Cougar quarterback Kyle Allen returned to Houston on Sunday night as the Carolina Panthers’ starter. | File photo
From Arizona to Texas Born and raised in Scottsdale, Allen attended high school in Arizona’s seventh-largest city at Desert Mountain High School.
There, the then-teenage Allen tossed for over 8,200 yards and 86 touchdowns for the Wolves, catching the eyes of scouts nationwide in the process. The result? Allen became a five-
star recruit and the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the country. Enter Texas A&M, who handed Allen a scholarship that he committed to in early June 2013, a year before his graduation.
Following Texas A&M’s 41-21 loss to Alabama, which saw Allen throw three interceptions and was sacked five times, an 18-yearold Kyler Murray, not quite yet the Heisman Trophy winner he
Allen
Continues on page 6
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6 | Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Sports jhair romero, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/sportS
Sports@THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
713-743-5303
soccer
Morrison returns with high hopes for second season Christen stevenson
staff writer @cdanielle2329
Sophomore Reid Morrison is returning for her second season with Houston, and to her, it’s all about improving herself and the team. The midfielder from Dana Point, California, who started playing soccer at 4 years old, had 12 starts and played in 17 games during her freshman year, but she now is focused on making this season even better than the last. “Last season, I kind of came in not knowing what to expect,” Morrison said. “But this season, I’m coming in with more knowledge of how things work, teams we’re playing and how to pick apart their weaknesses instead of going out there trying to figure it out.” Morrison is already surpassing her previous record after just 10 non-conference games for the Cougars this season. Out of seven total shots, she’s scored twice for Houston, which is an improvement from just one goal last year against UConn, and had six shots on goal compared to her previous five. Despite a previous setback last spring, her coaches and teammates have remained positive, pushing Morrison every game to be better and to keep enhancing her game. “They’ve been very supportive and constructive in their criticism and a big role in helping me
Allen
Continued from page 5 became at Oklahoma in 2018, was named starter. By December, Allen announced his transfer. Houston scooped him up in January 2016, thanks in part to former UH head coach Tom Herman’s recruitment of Allen to Texas A&M two years prior. After sitting out a year, per NCAA transfer rules, Allen made his debut for the Cougars, in another ironic twist, against Arizona. In a game played under unexpected circumstances after Herman’s departure for the Texas job and Major Applewhite’s ascension to the Houston throne, Allen performed well. The then-junior threw for 225 yards and a touchdown in the 19-16 win. Allen started in the first three games for the Cougars, including a 38-3 win over Rice in which
improve as a teammate, player and leader,” Morrison said. The end of her freshman year posed some obstacles for Morrison with an injury late in the spring that continued throughout the summer, but head coach Diego Bocanegra thinks her mentality has helped her improve her game this season. “I think Reid is just like any player, and the transition from high school to college is big but even bigger coming from freshman to sophomore,” Bocanegra said. “Reid had to deal with some injuries in the spring and summer, and it affected her mindset, but I’m very proud that she dealt with the setbacks, took them head on and had an unbelievable mentality to want to get better.” Eager to get back on the field to perform for her team, Morrison has been more motivated than ever to stay focused, despite the complications she faced individually and with the team. The rest of this season, she will be put to the test to see how much she has improved between her freshman and sophomore years. Morrison has the potential to contribute in her position and help the Cougars get back on track. “What keeps me motivated is making my coaches, teammates, family proud of me,” Morrison said, “and just try to be the best player I can be to help this team and school
he broke Houston’s single-game completion percentage record at 93.9. But similarly to how his time with the Aggies ended, Allen’s tenure with the Cougars came crashing down after an improving backup. Then-senior quarterback Kyle Postma won the starting job, and Allen saw the field only twice more in 2017. Allen forewent his final season of eligibility and entered the NFL draft.
Undrafted to starter In a quarterback class that included the likes of Baker Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold and 12 others, NFL.com ranked Allen No. 16. One offensive coordinator told reporter Tom Pelissero he’d be shocked if Allen was drafted, saying, “Someone will sign him as a (priority free agent) to see if they can give him a shot.”
Sophomore midfielder Reid Morrison is tied for most goals for the Cougars with two so far in 2019. | Courtesy of UH athletics
be the best they’ve ever been.” Goals and hard work can greatly boost an athlete’s game, and Morrison is no different. Her teammates and coach are confident in the way she plays the game and have full faith in her potential as a Cougar. “Reid has the potential to make a huge impact on the team,”
Bocanegra said. “Specifically, she can be one of our best midfielders, winning balls, she can do a very good job at getting the ball in the net. I would like her to be the leader in goals and assists from her position, and she has the ability to do it.” With a record of 3-7 so far, the Cougars suffered a bit of a rocky
That’s exactly what happened. The Panthers, after every NFL team went seven rounds without selecting the quarterback, signed Allen as an undrafted free agent in late April. This is where it gets crazy. On Sept. 1, 2018, he was waived but signed to Carolina’s practice. Nine days later, he was cut. Allen found himself back on the practice squad in late October of that year, and after starter Cam Newton was shut down for the rest of the season in December, he made the active roster. Fast forward to a year later, when Allen, who moved up to backup, was named the Panthers’ starter after Newton was sidelined with a foot injury. In his second career start, the 23-year-old diced through the Arizona Cardinals defense, finishing the game with 261 yards and four touchdowns passing in the 38-20 win. The next game, however, took him back to his Texas A&M and
Houston days.
start to the season and are now at the end of their non-conference games. The team starts its conference play against USF Oct. 3. Houston still has time to turn it around and make the conference tournament at the beginning of November. sports@thedailycougar.com
Back in Houston Against the Texans, Allen overcame three fumbles and three sacks to lead the Panthers to a 16-10 win. Completing 24 of 34 passes, Allen passed for 232 yards, beating out Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s 160. It was not his first trip to NRG Stadium. His first time around, the blowout win over Arizona State, Allen averaged 7.6 yards per completion in a 198-yard and twotouchdown passing performance. At the height of his college career, Allen was slinging for the Aggies in this city. At his lowest, he would be benched here with the Cougars. Little did he know, years later he would be back, under much different circumstances, playing here in Houston. sports@thedailycougar.com
Allen has thrown for 493 yards and four touchdowns as starter. | Courtesy of UNC2 via Wikimedia Commons
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 | 7
Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg January 23, 2019
ACROSS 1 McMahon and Asner 4 Lady in a chocolatier’s logo 10 Nightlife spot 14 Stroke gently 15 Lean toward 16 First-rate 17 Bullfight cheer 18 Baseball film DVD that’s missing the last scene? 20 Fashionable 22 Nanny animal 23 Third Greek letter 24 Celebratory slap that doesn’t quite connect? 26 Socialist Marx 27 Tirade 28 Frantic scramble 31 Rap or rock 34 Rower’s need 35 4-Down suggestion 36 Near-miss remark that’s a clue to 18-, 24-, 50- and 58-Across 41 Santa ___ winds 42 Fitting 43 Alpha’s opposite 44 Crumb catchers
1/23
47 2017 World Series champ, slangily 49 At one’s ___ and call 50 Mostly get rid of? 54 Lacking a partner 56 Oktoberfest quaff 57 “Spare tire” 58 Slightly early marital restlessness? 61 Elected officials 62 Innovator’s spark 63 Gossiped 64 Vote of support 65 Org. 66 “I’m all ears!” 67 Roseanne’s husband DOWN 1 Many, many years 2 New ___, India 3 “Shrek!” author William 4 It aptly bookends “Google Maps” 5 Mount Hood locale 6 Deeply religious 7 “My concern is ...” 8 Blow off steam 9 Sleeve tattoo spot 10 Duck, to a French chef
11 Appear imminent 12 E pluribus ___ 13 Second Greek letter 19 “Omigosh!” 21 Comedian Rock 25 Come to grips with 26 Corn syrup brand 28 “Geez!” 29 Like bachelor parties 30 Queen on Mount Olympus 31 Thom ___ shoes 32 Elbow-wrist connection 33 Political platforms? 34 A giant among Giants 37 Target of a heist
38 FedEx alternative 39 Fortune 500 abbr. 40 “Later!” 45 Nairobi resident 46 Slurpee kin 47 Simmer with anger 48 Old Toyota 50 Voltaire, theologically 51 Long Greek story 52 Literary uncle 53 Buddy who played Jed Clampett 54 Myanmar’s locale 55 Eye shades? 56 Wooden train maker 59 Stir in 60 “Good” cholesterol letters
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
1/22
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“One-Off” by Andrea Carla Michaels and Alan Arbesfeld
8 | Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Opinion Maryam baldawi, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION
713-743-5304
OPINION@THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
health
University needs to start the conversation to decrease obesity rates
Editorial Board editor in chief
Michael Slaten managing editor
Morgan Horst
creative director
Jiselle Santos News editor
McKenzie Misiaszek
features editor
Ian Everett
sports editor
Jhair Romero photo editor
Trevor Nolley opinion editor
Maryam Baldawi assistant editors
Kathryn Lenihan Autumn Rendall Juana Garcia Santiago Gaughan Katrina Martinez
Chief Copy Editor
Mason Vasquez
Staff editorial The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Juana Garcia/The Cougar
maryam baldawi
opinion editor
Obesity rates in 18-to 29-year-olds have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. The National College Health Assessment found 30 percent of surveyed U.S. college students to be overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with various health costs such as high blood pressure, diabetes and joint problems. UH should offer more services to help overweight students through offering workshops that start the conversation, providing better food options and hosting speakers. It’s important for students to know what to do to help themselves and each other. To help friends and family that are obese, we need to start the conversation to get over the awkward or uncomfortable initial phase. Research indicates that treatment requires a lifestyle intervention, which would be aided by the support and acknowledgment from friends and family. The obvious person to begin
finding help from would be a doctor. Prejudice from one’s doctor can have detrimental effects, however, like having families come in to visit less often or denying suggested vaccines. A 2012 study of prejudice against patients who were overweight found that the majority of doctors surveyed did discriminate based on weight. The doctors are trying to help the patients stay healthy, but the patients feel like they are being judged. This common problem can be solved, as mentioned above, through communication with close family. Also, a study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends family, friends and physicians or future physicians avoid words like “obese” or “fat” because it makes the patients feel more uncomfortable. So perhaps doctors and loved ones can use terms like “BMI” and “plussize” when coming up with a treatment plan. Behavioral counseling can also help with weight loss.
This counseling is not typically provided by primary care doctors, further proving that treatment of obesity is much more than a doctor visit and requires an open conversation. The goal for UH should be to decrease obesity in the student population through healthy weight loss and maintenance. A long-term plan is needed for each overweight student. This would require coordination and cooperation from Campus Recreation, food services and Counseling and Psychological Services. Open workshops can be held in a similar fashion to how the University Career Services offer workshops related to preparing for a career, from interview rehearsal to application tips. Instead of focusing on careers, these workshops would, of course, be directed toward information on nutrition, exercise, energy balance and self-management skills. These workshops can also host medical personnel or professors as speakers. In addition, to promote a healthy weight initiative on
campus, prominent professors and coaches should be recruited as spokespeople or at least mention the initiative in their classes. A step in the right direction, the Chick-fil-A menu in Student Center South has changed to include more options such as grilled nuggets, yogurt parfait and fruit cups. There should be more menu changes for the fast-food chains in Student Center South and Satellite to incorporate additional and healthier menu options. The University should also offer weight management services to students at a reduced fee. This would give them an overview of what they need to do and a healthy weight loss plan. So, with rising obesity rates in the nation, the University should start an initiative to decrease obesity rates on campus. Opinion column editor Maryam Baldawi is a junior biology major and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com
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