The Daily Cougar - Health 411

THE DAILY COUGAR

SPECIAL SECTION

HEALTH the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934

4•1•1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011

Learn how to:

Get fit.

Eat right.

Live well. ++++ PLUS

How does Case Keenum stay in shape?

And: How I lost 55 pounds in 7 months

2 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

Editor’s Note

The Daily Cougar

Under pressure? Try these steps Natalie J. Dryden, M.D. | sponsored article

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a challenge, especially for the typical college student balancing work and classes. But taking the proper steps to giving your body the attention it needs is the golden ticket to a

bottom number is the diastolic

In the vast majority of cases,

sures of juggling school, work,

pressure, a measure of when

blood pressure can be brought

and family obligations but one

the heart relaxes and is filling

under excellent control by taking

there’s another kind of pressure

with blood. Pre-hypertension

a team approach. Between your

spiritual threads. Health 411 provides tips and advice

that we seem to ignore — blood

is defined as blood pressures

efforts and your health-care

on how to use UH resources to help you balance these

pressure.

ranging 120-140/70-89. Stage

team, you will find success.

longer, happier life.

Health is a complex quilt of physical, mental and

attributes so you can live a sustainable college life.

Interested in losing weight? Jennifer Postel will give

Reesha Brown

We all worry about the pres-

It is estimated that in the

I hypertension ranges 140-

US, there is about a 30 percent

159/90-99 and Stage II is de-

you the 411 on how she lost 55 pounds with Weight

incidence rate of hyperten-

fined as pressures >160/>100.

Watchers. Maybe you’re interested in toning up for your

sion, also known as high blood

A single elevated reading

5steps

to reduce your blood pressure:

next big vacation — Case Keenum and UH coaches can help you with

pressure, in people over the age

should not be used to diag-

that, too. Perhaps you’re the one who always gets the flu and you’re

of 18. It is one of the major

nose hypertension unless it is

sick of it — there’s tips on how to avoid cold and flu season. As Breast

risk factors for having a heart

dangerously high or a patient

1. Salt restriction

Cancer Awareness month draws to a close, read an inspiring story about

attack, a stroke and kidney

is experiencing related symp-

2 grams a day

a woman’s fight with cancer.

problems that can lead to need-

toms. It is best to take multiple

less than

ing dialysis, abnormal rhythms

separate readings over several

2. Weight loss Reduce pres-

fish and chips for veggies or fruits but it’s a sure-fire way to get back on

of the heart and sudden cardiac

weeks to months to establish

sure by about 0.5-2 mmHg for

track to a healthier life.

death. Unfortunately, less than

the diagnosis. Several retail

every 2 lbs dropped!

35 percent of those patients are

pharmacies and grocery stores

actually being adequately treat-

as well as the University of

3. DASH diet

ed for it. Some reasons include

Houston Student Health Center

fruits, vegetables, and low-fat

access to care and the cost of

offer blood pressure checks.

dairy products

Let’s face it, it’s hard to substitute juicy cheeseburgers for baked

THE DAILY COUGAR

SPECIAL SECTION

HEALTH

4•1•1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011

Learn how to:

Get fit.

Eat right.

Live well.

PLUS: How I lost 55 pounds in seven months

HEALTH 411 Advertising supplement to The Daily Cougar

medications but often patients

focuses on

Patients who have been

SECTION EDITOR Reesha Brown

are unaware they have high blood

diagnosed, make sure to take

COPY EDITORS Mary Baak

4. Regular exercise at least

pressure because, early on, there

your medicine. It will help in the

30 minutes a day most days

CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Adair, Darlene Campos, Xiaowen Chen, Taylor Cox, Ellen Goodacre, Brian Jensen, Jennifer Postel, Alana MousaviDin, Nine Nguyen, Joshua Siegel, Pedro Pinto

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Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 3

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4 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Daily Cougar

Small parts, big solutions UH researchers use nano matter to find cancer’s cure Xiaowen Chen | HEALTH 411 The University of Houston’s College of Engineering is in co-

and breast cancer by observing

“In the real world, Nanotech-

changes of DNA, RNA and other

operation with other UH depart-

nology is broadly applied in high

molecular cells of human body.

ments in an effort to find new

technology like IT and semi-

ways to bridge the gap between

conductor industry,” Dr. Dmitri

medicine field, nanotechnology

nanotechnology research and

Litvinov, director of the Materials

possesses the potential to over-

medicine to help save lives.

Engineering program and the UH

come the diseases human beings

Nanofabrication Facility said. “For

have never cured for thousands

which made its debut during

example, chips and hard drives

of years.”

the ‘90s deals with developing

inside personal computers con-

materials, devices and other

tain nanotechnology.

The innovative technology

structures possessing at least

“UH nanotechnology focuses

“This is quite exciting. In the

The Nanofabrication Facility is a state-of-the-art clean room equipped with an extensive

one dimension sized with scale of

on medicine field, especially

toolset of nano- and micro-device

nanometers.

cancer research. Sensors com-

prototyping and characteriza-

Nanotechnology would benefit Reesha Brown • HEALTH 411

quality and broadness.

bined with nanotechnology would

tion. There are a few doctoral and

UH Tier One path greatly by en-

help to detect early markers

post-doctoral students working in

hancing high technology research

of cancers including leukemia

this facility with faculty and other supervisors.

“I enjoy research freedom atmosphere in this facility during the past five years,” electrical engineering doctoral student Long Ching said. “My nanotechnology accomplishment includes building, scanning magnetic resistance microscope, polar magneto-optical kerr microscope and developing process for fabricating graded bit-patterned media.”

Ching acquires funding resources to support the Nanofabrication Facility, to guide and supervise other students and faculty members in researching nanotechnology further.

“I try to give them enough scientific freedom, which is emphasized in all universities (in the) US,” Litvinov said.

Other departments are making efforts in processing nanotechnology research.

Chemistry professor T. Randell Lee, discovered new characteristics of nano-gold shells in cooperation with Rice University.

This material could reveal the location of tumors or cancers and then destroy them in a burst of heat.

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cannot apply to industry or practical use as soon as they are produced,” Dmitri said. “A tenyear period for scientific research turning to industry production would be quite a fast cycle.”

Because Houston boasts an extremely reputable medical center, the combination of nanotechnology and medicine would definitely have a potential future.

In human civilization, nanotechnology would also play a significant role by penetrating into our daily life.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 5

Advertising Supplement

How to avoid ... achoo! The flu Alana MousaviDin | HEALTH 411

Cold hard facts SPONSORED ARTICLE

Fall brings so many things — a break from the scorching heat, football season, the holidays

Statistics show college

completely immune to the com-

and, ah yes, cold and flu season. Yikes! Symptoms

students have three to four colds

mon cold.

begin with feeling run down and tired — nothing

a year on average. Spending time

• Strep Throat: Anyone who’s

new for a college student. Then the aches and fever

on campus or in dorms leads

had strep throat knows how

and what follows is more misery than you remem-

to the faster spread of germs

uncomfortable it can be. Caused

bered from last year’s bout with the flu.

and viruses than in other public

by a type of bacteria, strep

environments.

throat is a form of pharyngitis.

Influenza, or more commonly known as the flu, is one of those things that everyone dreads but has

Poor diet, stress, lack of

Typical symptoms include high

total control over if you take timely precautions.

sleep and/or exercise can also

fever, sore throat and enlarged

Can we say get your flu shots, boys and girls? Yes,

put students at a higher risk for

lymph nodes. Other symptoms

we can. And have no fear, Dr. Mary Rae, Chief

coming in contact with a cold or

can include headaches, nausea

Physician at the UH Health Center says that it is

the flu. It comes as no surprise

and vomiting.

that most college students

• Flu: Commonly referred to

aren’t the best at keeping a

as the flu, the influenza virus in

healthy diet or sleep schedule.

a very infectious disease that

To beat cold or flu, it helps

spreads quickly. More severe

impossible to get the flu with the vaccination, and

Taylor Cox • Health 411

the only downside is a sore arm for a day or two.

Dr. Rae feels that it is important for students to

those affected need to stay at home until free of

know a few facts. She said that everyone over the age

fever for 24 hours. The virus is contagious for 24

of six months needs to be immunized against influ-

hours before the patient even has symptoms until

to understand what you’re up

than the common cold, the flu

enza. By everyone, she really does mean everyone —

24 hours after being fever-free.

against and how it spreads.

can result in death if not treated

men, women, teens, kids, babies, pregnant women

Good hygiene practices like frequent hand

properly. Vaccinations help ward

and the elderly. Before now, people were asked to

washing and distancing yourself from others who

• Common Cold: It’s called a

off the flu and are recommend-

wait until they well to receive their flu shot, but the

are sick helps, but none are more effective than

“common” cold for good reason.

ed at the start of the fall/winter

newest update recommends that you get flu shots

getting a flu vaccination.

More than one billion colds are

season.

even when you have a minor illness.

Beware of flu shots if you have egg allergies.

spread throughout the US each

Also, some have been known to develop Guillain-

year. Colds are caused by virus-

symptoms, Neighbors Emer-

every day for $20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The wellness

Barre syndrome within six weeks of receiving the

es, and there are currently 200

gency Center can help. We offer

benefit for the Student Health Insurance will cover

flu vaccine.

different types of viral strains.

convenient, 24/7 emergency care

Because so many different types

from board certified emergency

Center at (713) 743-5151. For more information

exist and they constantly adapt

physicians you can trust. Visit

US die every year from the flu. Even the mildest

about the flu, colds and Pertussis, please visit

and mutate in form, it’s difficult

www.nec24.com for a location

cases will last from five to seven days, and that

www.cdc.gov.

and practically impossible to be

near you.

“Flu shots are available at the UH Health Center

the cost of the flu shot,” Rae said.

She went on to say that 36,000 people in the

To schedule your flu shot, call the UH Health

Always Top of the Class.

If you are having cold or flu

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6 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Daily Cougar

Games don’t end on the field Athletes train hard, work long and get prepared for life’s big race Joshua Siegel | HEALTH 411

If you see a herd of 300-pound crabs circling the track at the Athletics Alumni Center, don’t be alarmed — it’s just the UH football team.

performance as well because he takes them to where they can’t even walk and start to jog and move, then we take over.”

Like a bear preparing for winter hibernation, student-athletes add weight and muscle in the offseason that they will need once

Director of Sports Perfor-

competition starts.

mance Larry Jackson has used

“When you’re in-season, you

some interesting techniques to get

do so much conditioning that the

the Cougars warmed up before

weight you put on, you lose right

practice including “dynamic flex-

after practice,” sophomore forward

ibility” activities — a fancy name

Mikhail McLean said. “It’s really

for moving yoga — and also hav-

not weight, you really can’t main-

ing his players crab walk.

tain any weight once you get into

“When guys screw up, they can

the season — you’re just stuck at

crawl across the field,” Jackson said.

the weight you’re at right now.”

“When the track’s out, when it’s win-

McLean said that sleep is the key

ter workouts like January, February,

for him to maintaining his fitness.

I’ve had the team crab walk all the

“If I could only have one, I think

way around the track. That would

it’s sleep more than anything else,”

probably be one of the weirdest

daily COUGAR FILE PHOTO

things to see that whole group crab walking around the track.”

Keeping the Cougars’ student athletes

nine or 10 hours of sleep, you just workout is the toughest and when we move

a lot of shoulder stuff, shoulder stability,

down towards the game,” Jackson said. “The

shoulder strength-type stuff,” Jackson said.

in top shape is not an easy task, and not

workout backs off because I don’t want their

limited to just crab walking around a track.

legs to be tired. I don’t want anything to be

is “prehab,” or exercises geared towards

Players from each sport have a strength

One of the Cougars’ focuses in workouts

tired, so it’s a balancing act with trying to

preventing injuries. Injuries are inevitable

and conditioning coach that they work with

make sure you get enough work in, but you

though, and one of the areas that Jackson

who manages their routines and a nutrition-

don’t do too much.”

and his staff deal in is helping players in the

ist that covers all of the student-athletes.

“We have someone else putting the

he said. “Because if you get those

With each student-athlete comes differ-

second half of their rehab. Coming back

feel great when you wake up in the morning. It just starts the day off perfect, in my opinion at least.”

McLean also likes to start his day with a healthy breakfast.

“I try to always get a breakfast in no matter how big of a rush I’m in,” McLean said.

“If I have time, I’ll make eggs, bacon,

ent body types and different sorts of on-

from injury is not an easy task. Jackson said

sausage. Sometimes I’ll just get Honey

Chevron with Techron in the tank and we

field responsibilities. Jackson and the other

it becomes a “mental thing,” and “the player

Bunches of Oates for cereal.”

just get to drive the car fast,” Jackson said.

strength coaches try to prepare the players

has to want to come back from the injury.”

Time management is crucial for

for that. While Chris Thompson and the

Players begin their rehab with head athletic

student-athletes, but the results of their

and fitness can be tricky to balance with

Cougars’ other offensive linemen do lots of

trainer Mike O’Shea.

hard work can be rewarding.

academics and the bumps and bruises of

heavy squats, cleans and shoulder work,

in-season competition.

quarterback Case Keenum works with UH’s

a certain percentage before we get a hold

to give yourself a lot more rest,” senior

baseball trainers.

of them,” Jackson said. “By the time they

guard Roxanna Button said. “You have to

The balancing act of proper diet, sleep

For the football team, Jackson closely monitors each player and assesses what each athlete will do that week.

“At the beginning of the week is when the

“I have our baseball strength coach take

“Doc basically brings a guy from zero to

“It’s a lot more workouts, so you have

make it back to us, their performance level

be smart and use your time wisely. I sleep

him through his workout because they do

has reached 50 or 60 percent. Mike O’Shea

a lot. I get as much sleep as I can and rest.

some rotational stuff just like a pitcher,

has to have a bit of training with sports

“You feel good. You feel healthy.”

Get in shape at the Rec. Here’s how.

Darlene Campos | HEALTH 411 Officially opened in 2003, the Recreation Center on campus is a great way to socialize

quires a valid UH ID card.

Where do I put my things? Don’t know

the natatorium, locker rooms, racquetball and basketball courts, Smoothie King, and the

and get in shape. With a wide selection of

where to put your book bag or purse, the Rec

Wellness Center. The second floor has a variety

elliptical machines, weight trainers, fitness

Center is way ahead of you. You can purchase

of cardio machines, free weights, and an

classes, and other physical activities, students

personal combination lockers for $20 per

indoor running track.

are sure to not grow sick of the same old

semester or $45 for a fiscal year. However, free

workout routine.

day lockers are available for use as well.

Those who have been to or passed by the

Bring your towel: Don’t sweat on the

In addition to the fitness aspect, the first floor has a small convenience store with a Smoothie King. This store, compared to the

Rec Center can probably agree that the place

machines! Or rather, make sure you bring your

other stores around campus, has a section

is HUGE, so one might get overwhelmed with

towels, they are required. But towel services

dedicated to healthy choices. Protein shakes,

finding their way around the facility. Not to

are also provided at $12 a semester or $26 for

organic cookies, and fruit smoothies are not

boxing. Full schedules are posted on the first

worry, this guide will show you the way.

the year.

just delicious, but also filling.

floor of the Rec Center and can be found on-

Check In: Students are automatically

Where do I go? Try not to get lost! Familiar-

What do I do now? Monday through Friday,

Catherine Lara • Health 411

line on the Rec Center’s website as well. These

members of the Rec Center once enrolled.

ize yourself with everything each floor has to

the Rec Center holds group fitness classes

classes are free to those who sign up, but it is

When you check in, the front desk only re-

offer. Let’s start on the first floor: You can find

such as Zumba, yoga, Latin Dance, and kick-

advised to be on time since space is limited.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 7

Advertising Supplement

Obesity rate swells in US

Learn from my weight-loss tale My old, ratty

I never really paid much at-

jeans were

tention to my weight before the

no longer

scare, mainly because I never

Dr. Ledoux Says

appropriate

had to. I was a dancer, I was ac-

Ellen Goodacre & Brian Jensen | health 411 Students can probably agree

may not enjoy true exercise like

that when faced with tons to do

running, should get 30 minutes

for the type of

tive, I could eat whatever without

in a day, fitness is on the lower

of physical activity like playing

Tracy Ledoux, with the UH

business casual

it effecting my physical features.

end of the to-do list. In such

basketball five to seven times

Department of Health and Hu-

work environ-

hectic times, it is much easier

week.”

man Performance has tips on

to stop by a fast-food restaurant

However, students who have

than to search for healthy nutri-

diabetes or other health condi-

eating healthy.

1) It seems there are not a lot

tious options. This is especially

tions should be aware of any spe-

of options for students to get

true during midterms and finals

cial nutritional or exercise limita-

fresh produce on campus, but

when stress is high, time is

tions specific to their illness.

short, and personal fitness

“They shouldn’t exercise

ment I was in,

But life caught up with me, I stopped dancing and replaced

so I needed new jeans and my

my active life with drinking,

mom graciously offered to buy a

partying and late night cheesy-

few new pairs for me.

bacon sandwiches — don’t knock

Trying on jeans had never

it ‘till you try it. All of a sudden

the dining hall at Moody Towers

been my favorite activity — I pre-

my 5’5” frame was carrying an

does have a large salad bar.

fer margaritas, cheese dip and

extra 50 pounds of weight.

seems way less beneficial than

more or less,” Hollingsworth

2) Eating fresh produce is

study time.

said. “If they do exercise,

“A lot of the students have

Jennifer Postel

conversation — but this particu-

After crying my eyes out for a

being emphasized under the

lar dress-up session changed my

few days — and stuffing my face

entire life.

with some Whataburger — I set

though, it does help decrease

new federal dietary guidelines,

expressed that because of stress

their blood sugar levels and it’s

which also encourage reducing

they don’t eat very well and

proven that about 30 minutes of

salt and calories and moderate

people was a plus, but they were

started working out harder than I

they don’t get to work out as

walking can decrease it by one or

physical activity.

a size 14/16! I couldn’t believe

ever had before five days a week.

much just because of time,” UH

two points.”

Dietetic Intern Audra Holling-

Diabetic students may want

sworth said. “They’re stressed

to plan ahead when eating on

and the last thing on their mind

campus due to dietary needs.

is exercise.”

However, given the available statistic maybe personal fitness should be a little closer to the top of everyone’s to-do list. According to a 2008 report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 27.5 percent of men and 34 percent of women age 20-39 are obese.

A 2011 report by the American Diabetes Association said that 11.3 percent of adults ages 20 or older suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

“Most young people aren’t interested in fitness and nutrition,” Building Supervisor and personal trainer for the UH Recreation and Wellness Center Kenneth Tillis said. “Many students don’t know how much to exercise or what they should be eating.”

Two-thirds of Texans are overweight or obese, and America is the nearly fattest country in the world. Obesity is second cause of preventable death in the United States, contributing to about 400,000 deaths per year.

And while students should better inform themselves about health risks and overall physical fitness, many students may feel that few nutritious food options are available on campus.

“A lot of (students) say they struggle in finding things healthy at all the restaurants around here,” Hollingsworth said. “That is especially true of the restaurants on campus that I’ve been accessing lately.”

Also, Tillis suggests that students get plenty of exercise during the week.

“Students should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to five times per week,” Tillis said. “For those who

3) Avoid buffets and be wary

The jeans fit, which for most

out on my weight-loss journey. I

it. I couldn’t process what I was

I was killing myself with intense

of foods with lots of fat, sugar

seeing — the jeans were hugging

hour-long cardio sessions that

and salt.

my thighs. It was then and there that I realized I had gained.

wEIGHT continues on page 8

8 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

WEIGHT

From page 7

left me sweaty and exhausted.

A month into my new, “ac-

The Daily Cougar bles and started drinking water instead of sodas and, of course, I was still exercising just as hard.

One day I stepped on that

Love food. Count calories. Stay fit.

Jennifer Adair | HEALTH 411

tive� life I had only lost five

dreaded scale, and I was

Let’s just say after this

to exercise enough to maintain

pounds. I was dumbfounded. I

shocked to see that after my

weekend’s indulgence, Tex-Mex,

your weight, reach a goal weight,

couldn’t understand what I was

first week on the program,

Crave cupcakes on top of the best

or just stay healthy. It’s simple

how many calories are in a par-

doing wrong. And then it hit me;

I had lost six pounds. Six

French toast in town make for a

— if you consume more calories

ticular item if you don’t have a feel

even though I added exercise

pounds! I couldn’t believe it,

happy tummy but a disgruntled

than you burn, you gain weight. If

for the serving size. If the package

back into my life I had in no way

I lost more weight in my first

waistline.

you burn more calories than you

tells you that the mouth-watering

changed my diet. I was still dip-

week with weight watchers

consume, you lose weight. And, if

red velvet cupcake only has 100

ping my cheeseburgers in white

than I had in that first month I

maintaining a weight that I feel

you both burn and consume the

calories/serving, I’ve got news for

gravy and ingesting as much

started exercising.

good about, which is different than

same amount of calories, your

you — the fine print says that a

“being skinny,� and keeping track

weight stays the same.

serving equals one-fourth of the

fatty food as I could.

From that moment on I

I searched for diets that would help me lose weight while still consuming as many tacos

I love food, but I also like

knew that this was the program

of about how many calories I con-

for me.

sume in a day helps me to know

So every week I counted

what my body needs and how it

7

in fat and calories.

5) It won’t do any good to know

cupcake. If it looks too good to be

secrets of calorie counting:

true, it probably is.

6) Make your calories count.

as I liked — newsflash: This

my points, I worked out and I

responds when it gets too much or

doesn’t exist. Then one of my

went to my Weight Watchers

too little.

co-workers introduced me to

meetings, which offered an

Weight Watchers.

immense amount of support,

out there, weight management still

and every week the weight

comes down to the calories you

require me to buy WW brand

came off.Two pounds here,

take in versus those you burn off.

food. The points program

three pounds there and after

allowed me to eat whatever

seven months I weighed in at

weight? The obvious answer is

I wanted so long as I stayed

a whopping 125 pounds – 10

by controlling your diet. But that

within my week’s allotted

pounds below the goal weight I

answer only leads to another

count calories. There are a several

sessing can be just as unhealthy

points. I dove right in, stepped

set for myself.

question. Just how does a person

apps to help you with counting

as overeating.

on the scale and weighed in at

I ate, gave up the fatty foods in

4IFJMB )JHVFSPT that is the key, and it can all be nessPal, and GoMeals. only did Weight Watchers help summed up with one single word 4) If you run out of calories %PXOUPXO 1SFHOBODZ )FMQ $FOUFS me lose weight but also it taught — calories. after only a few of your favorite me invaluable life lessons.

Weight control is all about the items, reevaluate your diet and 59 )VTUPO Weight Watchers taught me battle between calories in and see what you can cut back on and discipline and showed me that calories out. If you are eating find other naturally lower-calorie Y JODIFT hard work and determination more than you need on a regular options like turkey, fruits and

exchange for fruits and vegeta-

can really pay off.

Weight Watchers did not

180 pounds — I was shocked but more determined than ever.

I went home, poured over my Weight Watchers information and started on my journey. I started paying attention to what

That was three years ago and

Despite all the diet strategies

1) Start with the 2,000 calorie

It’s best not to blow your calorie

goal. You can always adjust based

budget on foods that lack nutri-

on your body’s metabolism and

ents. Some people are able to go

your level of physical activity.

a full day off of soda, cookies, and

2) Familiarize yourself with

How do you manage your

control their diet? It’s this answer

the average caloric value of the

1,800 calories, but aren’t truly

foods you most commonly eat by

practicing the art of calorie count-

reading the labels.

ing in a healthy way.

3) Use online tools to help you

calories such as, Lose It, MyFit-

I have kept the weight off. Not

basis, you probably won’t be able

candy, stopping when they reach

vegetables to replace foods higher

7) Don’t obsess. Calorie ob-

Counting calories is a reasonable, effective method of tracking what goes in your body and allows you to eat foods you love while still maintaining a comfortable weight.

It can also be useful for people wanting to lose weight and should be used in addition to regular exercise and a sensible low-fat diet.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 9

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there is kind of a connection there.”

According to the American Cancer Association, women older than 40 should have in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical

period,” she said. “Check breasts after the

breast exam.

period.”

The clinic offers primary care. A profestakes their blood pressure, then conducts

who are overweight or obese can also have

the exam.

a higher risk.

so I teach them how to check them,” she said.

Miller remembers sharing the news with her family.

“I told them right away, I have two younger sisters, it was important that they get checked.”

Miller then points to her left side and signals an absence of her breast.

“I had a modified left radical mastecAt the age of 50, Miller, who is a certified

child after the age of thirty have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer. Women

days a year, I only check them once a year,

Virginia Miller’s walls are decorated

According to the ACA, women who have had no children and who had their first

sional reviews the patient’s medical history,

“A woman lives with her breasts 365

Pedro Pinto | health 411

“Breasts have fibers that support them.

These fibers get sensitive before she has a

The UH Health Center women’s clinic

Breast cancer survivor reflects on her fight

in being able to check.

a mammogram every year while women

specializes in the CBE procedures.

Reesha Brown • Health 411

says women’s menstrual cycles play a role

When Miller had cancer, her entire life changed.

“I went vegan after this, so I don’t eat any meat, eggs or butter — that’s the recommendation.”

For women who have had or are going through breast cancer treatment, Miller advises them to reflect on their lives.

“I would tell them to really look at their lifestyle, see what their eating habits are,” she said.

The ACS says white women are

tomy, I don’t have a breast on this side. I

slightly more likely to develop breast

just wanted to get rid of it, though for some

cancer than African American women

with posters of movies and plays she has

nurse practitioner at the University Health

women it’s really important to have breast

but the latter are more likely to die of

seen throughout her lifetime. It is a lifetime

Center, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

implants — but at that stage I just wanted

it. It also points out that Asian, Hispanic

to get rid of it.”

and Native American women have a

well lived as a girl from the Midwest but also one marked with trials.

“Sixteen years ago I had a mammogram that had some suspicious calcifications, which is like little dots of sand,” she said.

Calcifications are tiny mineral deposits of calcium salts that can build in the breasts.

They may or may not be signs of cancer.

“I had just started a job in hospice and I thought of the four letter word, I

Miller said men are not immune to the

lower risk of developing the disease.

thought I was going to be my own patient,

disease and should also get checked for

As Miller looks around her office, the

it’s terribly scary.”

breast cancer as well.

many posters around her seem to give

Virginia started doing breast cancer

“Men can get breast cancer of the

exams at the age of 35 out of concern for

breast,” she said. “If a man feels there’s

her well-being and a history of cancer in

a lump around breast tissue, he needs an

is why I go to all these movies and see

her family.

ultrasound.”

all these plays”, she said. “Decrease

“My mother had ovarian cancer, and

As Miller talks about breast cancer, she

her serenity.

“Exercise, take care of yourself, that

stress in your life — live every day.”

10 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Daily Cougar

Understanding depression:

Dealing with visual stress in the classroom

Clare Duffy, Ph.D. | SPONSORED ARTICLE

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How depression is manifested

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Depression, if left untreated

depression, 80 percent report a sig-

their ways of coping. So who is

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College students are faced with a number of additional unique

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read recycle repeat

Thursday, October 27, 2011 • 11

Advertising Supplement

Cracking down

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12 • Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Daily Cougar

Careful. Love bites.

Get tested, stay protected from STDs and HIV Xiaowen Chen | the daily cougar viruses that cannot be treated with

through preventative practices,”

provides a wealth of services that

The Women’s Resource Center

antibiotics, like herpes and HIV,”

she said.

protect women and children’s ba-

Director of UH Women Resource

sic benefits, addressing a variety of

Center Dr. Beverly Mcphail said.

ways of contracting HIV is through

are more vulnerable to getting

come prepared with condoms,

issues including Sexually Transmit-

“You will have them for the rest of

sexual intercourse. Although some

STDs or HIV due to their unique

sometimes they fear they might

ted Diseases.

your life and will affect all future

try to avoid the issue by ignoring

anatomy,” she said. “Knowing that

be called a slut instead of being

sexual relationships and can im-

it, but doing this has disastrous

they are at a higher risk to contract

called sexually responsible,”

pact childbearing.”

results.

STDs should increase their insis-

McPhail said. “It is helpful to have

STDs among youth raises great concerns about health and ethics.

The American Social Health Asso-

One of the most common

sexually assertive. If women are too knowledgeable about sex and

tence on condom use. Also, women

an answer in mind for specific

have a healthy respect for the HIV

most vulnerable to acquiring STDs

can suggest alternatives to sexual

objections you might hear from a

there are approximately 19 million

virus because it cannot be cured

since they have more genital sur-

intercourse, such as outercourse or

potential partner. For instance, if

new cases of STDs in the US

with a shot of antibiotics.

face area and it is a moist environ-

mutual masturbation.”

he says that he won’t feel as much

among youth ages 15 to 24.

“Although people are living

Mcphail said women are the

“First, women must know they

women are not taught to be

ciation (ASHA) says that each year

alone, about half of which occur

Mcphail says students should

Mcphail has some advice for women who are sexually active.

ment. Also, women may be less

Another effective prevention

pleasure wearing a condom, then

happy, healthy lives with HIV due to

likely to know that they have an

method is to use condoms before

girl can say that they can enjoy the

“STDs can affect long term

new medicines, it is better to pre-

STD as sores and symptoms might

intercourse, she said

sex more if they need not worry

fertility, cause pain, and some are

vent the disease in the first place

not be as apparent as in men.

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women by age 50. This is not an

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sexually transmitted and infects approximately 80 percent of infection of young teens only — all ages can be affected.

Several strains of HPV have been identified as causing cervical cancer in women. The good news is that most HPV infections will resolve or clear from the body without treatment.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that about 26.8 percent of the population can be infected with HPV. The prevalence appears to be highest in people ages 20 to 24 and with individuals who smoke cigarettes. The NCI calculated there is a 0.6 percent increased

Walk-In Clinic: General medical services at affordable costs. Care provided by board certified physicians, RN’s, LVN’s and medical assistants.

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Women’s Clinic: Well woman exams, evaluation for gynecological complaints, contraception, STD’s and treatment. Appointment only 713-743-5131

risk for HPV for each extra cigarette smoked daily. Obviously you need to educate and protect yourself regardless of your age.

Nursing Care: Immunizations and blood pressure monitoring. 713-743-5156

Dental Clinic: Preventive dentistry, restorative, limited major dental procedures. Appointment only 713-22-SMILE (713-227-6453)

Dermatology Clinic: Staffed by board certified dermatologist to diagnose and treat disorders of the skin, hair and nails. Appointment only 713-743-5154

UH Student Health Insurance: Deadline to add or drop insurance is the Official Reporting Day of each Fall and Spring semester. 713-743-5137

BE tested – schedule annual Pap

Men’s Clinic: Diagnose, treat, counsel on issues affecting men’s health. Appointment only 713-743-5154

Attendant Care Services: Care and lifestyle assistance program for needs of physically challenged students living on campus. 713-748-8603

BE vaccinated – receive the HPV

Orthopedic Clinic: Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions including sports injuries and disease of the bone and muscle. Appointment only 713-743-5142

Pharmacy: Prescriptions and over the counter items at very low cost. 713-743-5125

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Be healthy. Use these tips BE proactive – quit smoking now smears and exams to test for HPV and cervical abnormalities** vaccine to protect against the strains of HPV that result in the majority of cervical cancer cases BE persistent – use barrier protection such as condoms consistently

Entrance # 6, off Wheeler, Bldg # 525 on Campus Map

713-743-5151 - www.uh.edu/admin/hc

Contact the Women’s Health Care Center of Houston at (713) 365-2900 or visit www.whcch.com to schedule an appointment.