CAMPUS
Raising Awareness For Sickle Cell Disease Hope in Action
Tools for Cultivating Joy and Combating Hardships Embracing the Journey
Staying Sharp, Staying Safe CampusHacksSafety
Painting Wellness with Every Bite Nutritional Canvas
The Environmental Impact of Strawfree Living
As we’ve kicked off the first few miles of our journey, many Luxeathoners are buzzing with an energized, positive vibe and charging ahead with excitement. Whether forging new friendships or finally confidently navigating campus, there’s a steady rhythm to our stride. Throughout September, we focus on helping everyone maintain this momentum by prioritizing wellness and balance. This month, we are reminded of the significance of nurturing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We want to encourage our campus communities to embrace self-care practices that we can rely on when facing internal and external challenges.
Livin’ The Balanced Life is about discovering your dietary preferences. We’ll educate guests on managing their eating habits through our food inclusivity programming and allergen identification campaign. We also encourage guests to participate in our Don’t Be Shy, Self-Identify campaign.
This month we are educating our guests on how to manage their eating habits. Potatoes are a safe, fun, and fiber-filled food that is safe for everyone.
Skip the Straw advocates for alternative straw options to become the trending accessory. Reduce single-use plastic waste by reusing plastic straws or opting for alternatives such as metal, bamboo, or paper straws.
Fostering a Supportive
Life throws curveballs throughout our journey. There are some problems we just can’t control, leaving us feeling frustrated and powerless. Sickle cell is a roadblock for 20 million people worldwide and is most prevalent in Black Communities. Whether it’s to keep yourself strong in the face of a diagnosis or support a loved one, awareness can be a great way to jump the hurdle. This September is Sickle Cell Awareness month, so lets take the opportunity to learn all about the disease and how we can power through its adversity.
A sickle cell patient’s blood cells have a unique ‘sickle’ shape instead of the usual round shape. Normally, red blood cells are smooth and round, which helps them move easily through blood vessels. Sickle-shaped cells can get stuck, causing blockages or dying early. This small change can lead to big problems like infections, pain, and can even shorten a patient’s lifespan.
Sickled red blood cells are an inherited genetic trait. The trait may have started as a way for our bodies to ward off diseases like malaria, in regions where mosquitos are common. Because of this, the disease disproportionately affects people of sub-Saharan African ancestry. More than 90% of U.S. cases are African American people.
Even if you don’t have sickle cell, the recessive trait could still be inside you and affect your children. Understandably, having kids is probably the last thing on your mind right now- you’ve got midterms to worry about! That being said, you and your life partner may want to get tested for the trait in the future. When the time comes, a simple blood test can tell you whether your children will contract sickle cell.
Living with Sickle Cell makes running your race harder, but not impossible. You can’t prevent it, but routine doctor care and lifestyle changes will improve the symptoms of Sickle Cell disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends managing stress, a good fitness routine, quality sleep, and heart-healthy foods. If you or your friends have Sickle Cell, check out Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality’s heart-healthy menu options like fruits, legumes, and lean meats. If you want to learn even more about optimizing your nutrition and fitness, attend the In Living Color- Wellness Fest on campus, which features resources for all things related to your physical and mental well-being.
Sickle cell doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life mentally and physically, and there are success stories to prove it. Nigerian singer Kosoko was diagnosed with Sickle cell at birth. He still achieved worldwide success and billboard chart recognition for his music. Kosoko encourages Sickle Cell patients: “Don’t let it stop you from having dreams or reaching your full potential. Dream big and spread your wings!” Former New York Giants Running Back, Tiki Barber, excelled on the field despite his Sickle Cell diagnosis. Since his retirement, he advocates for the “Be Sickle Smart” national campaign encouraging blood transfusions for Sickle Cell patients.
The best way to help those suffering from Sickle Cell is to stay informed and raise awareness. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is an official website of the United States government that provides lots of helpful information about Sickle Cell.
It’s a good idea to give grace and support to friends and family experiencing Sickle Cell. Try educating your friends about its impact and effects. Working together, we can jump the sickle cell hurdle and blaze a path towards success.
You’re at the beginning of the Luxeathon™! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the start of the semester, and there’s a long road ahead. With so much to do, we forget to embrace the journey. Your college Luxeathon™ can be one of the most memorable times of your life, so be sure not to rush through it! As you find your stride, explore these tips to protect your peace and navigate problems all semester long.
Assignments pile up quickly, so try making a schedule that includes due dates and personal milestones for each one. Breaking down each task into manageable steps makes them feel less daunting. To create your personalized schedule, pick up a planner or download a scheduling app for your phone or laptop.
You can also use a schedule to budget time for your hobbies, fitness, and social life. It’s beneficial to enjoy breaks each day. Despite what you’d expect, off time can lead to more productivity during your study sessions. Dedicating time to self-care, friends, or a welldeserved snack will boost your mood and focus when you’re back to studying.
College is where you gain independence and become your own biggest advocate. It’s important to maintain an open line of communication with professors. Going to their office hours and actively participating in class is a great start. Building a rapport with professors incentivizes them to help you understand upcoming assignments and class content. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to let them know via email, office hours, or during class time.
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” - President Theodore Roosevelt
Comparison is almost second nature to us. You may feel like you’re not doing good enough, or that your classmates are more successful. When these thoughts pop into your head, it’s good to challenge them. Focusing on someone else’s pace won’t make you go faster. Be supportive of your peers, but don’t lose sight of your own wins. Keeping a journal can help you document goals, gratitude, and positive affirmations. Try to make time to reflect on your achievements throughout this semester and be grateful for your skills and opportunities.
You can’t run a marathon on an empty stomach! This is one of the simplest yet most effective things you can do for steady focus and drive. Eating after waking up replenishes your glucose. Balanced glucose levels give you energy and keep you from crashing throughout the day. Swap out that extra 15 minutes of sleep for an early start with a healthy breakfast. Your favorite cold brew may be delicious, but it won’t make up for a lack of food. Luckily, Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality™ has energizing options to start your morning including eggs, bagels, breakfast meats, and more.
The Luxe Life™ is a journey, so make sure to embrace the ride. Implement some of these tips to stay the course for your entire Luxeathon™!
Staying Sharp, Staying Safe
As college students, we tend to feel invincible. The feeling helps us power through adversity, like a group project or new gym record. Unfortunately, feeling invincible isn’t as great for safety. Bad things can happen to anyone. It’s vital to stay vigilant, especially on an open campus. Your university takes every precaution to keep you safe, but taking it into your own hands is still important. This National Campus Safety Awareness Month, it’s time to learn your campus safety procedures.
Head in the clouds on your way to the library? You may be making yourself vulnerable to danger. When walking around campus at night, always be aware of your surroundings. Take out your headphones or earbuds so you can hear anything suspicious. If you feel unsafe, report what’s happening and call the campus police. You can find information on your campus website about reporting suspicious activity and calling for help when confronted with danger.
Your backpack is just as vulnerable to danger as you! When you use the bathroom or step away from your favorite study nook, don’t leave your valuables behind. Even if you’re coming back in five minutes, you won’t regret keeping your belongings safe. Try to keep track of your valuables so you’ll notice right away if they go missing. This way you can search for items and report them lost ASAP, making you more likely to find them. If there’s something you’re extra worried about losing, consider getting a lock box where you can store things for more security.
Not everyone’s prepared for hazardous situations. If your roommate accidentally microwaves a spoon, make sure you know how to proceed! Ask your dorm advisor about the evacuation procedures for fires and other emergencies at your dorm.
Inviting friends makes going out more fun and keeps you safe. When going out at night, stay with trusted friends and plan your trip home in advance. This way, you can look out for each other and prevent danger. It’s helpful to let your squad know where you’re going, and even share locations using your phone.
When commuting across campus, stay in well-lit areas. It’s best to use official University transportation to keep yourself safe, especially at night. If you feel unsafe, many campuses have Emergency Blue Light Boxes that you can press to be connected with emergency services. You can use the stay safe app to report information, alert your location and find blue lights around your campus.
Even Luxeathon™ winners can’t take safety for granted! Protecting yourself is one of the most important things you can do. Employ these simple safety precautions so you can get back to crushing your goals. To learn more about campus safety from your campus police officers, attend this month’s Cops and Q event. You will have the opportunity to connect with your Campus Police Officers and enjoy a hearty BBQ feast! Try out these safety hacks to make you just as invincible as you feel.
They may look unassuming, but potatoes have spud-tastic magic within. They’re nutrient-dense and deliciously adaptable. For this month’s endurance eats were getting to the root of everyone’s favorite root vegetable. If you’re looking to crush your Luxeathon™, it’s time to harness the power of the potato.
Potatoes are a titan of versatility. They can add nutrients and flair to a recipe or be a show-stopper dish all by themselves. The potato’s means of preparation changes its flavor profile. When heated up, their starch breaks down making them fluffier and easier to digest. Whether baked, fried, or mashed, each cooking method creates a distinct texture and taste experience.
Whatever taste you’re craving, there’s a potato variety to satisfy it. There are 5,000 varieties, of all different colors, textures and flavors. A golden potato has buttery notes perfect for a savory dish. Sweet potato has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that works well in desserts. The adaptability of the potato is almost unbelievable until you try it out. This month’s Cops and Q and Pie Palooza Birthday Bash dining events are great places to experience potato magic, featuring flavorful potato preparations like Southern-style potato salad and sweet potato pie.
Potatoes are rich in more than just flavor. They contain vitamin C, which aids in tissue repair, collagen production, and healthy bones. Potatoes have potassium that will keep your organs functioning at their best. Their resistant starch even improves gut health and digestion.
If you’ve somehow yet to enjoy a potato, worry not, they are low in allergens. The National Institute of Health classifies potato allergy as rare. Those prone to allergies can try potato dishes like home fries, which contain few additional ingredients.
Stop by your dining hall and eat a potato for your body, mind, and soul. Potato power will make running your Luxeathon™ so easy, it’ll feel like cheating. To learn more about potato varieties, benefits, and culinary uses, tune into this month’s episode of Luxeathon Living™, where we will have a panel discussion about all things spud!
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There are so many things to focus on during your Luxeathon,™ so a healthy relationship with food can get left behind. Fueling your body is crucial to performing at your best! “Healthy eating” doesn’t mean setting rules or restrictions for yourself. At Campus Dining by Thomson Hospitality™, we want to reassure you that a healthy relationship with food can be all-inclusive, tasty and nourishing. Explore these tips to try it out for yourself and live your Luxe Life™ deliciously.
When it comes to food, your body knows what’s best. Try paying attention to the hunger and fullness cues in your stomach throughout the day. Looking at a Hunger-Fullness Scale can help determine when you’re ready to grub. Remember not to let the plate dictate when a meal is finished. It’s always okay to get a second helping or save some for later depending on your body’s needs. As you enjoy a meal, check in with yourself. Are you starting to feel full, or still needing more? Eating until comfortably full will help you maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Ever gone for a chip while scrolling your phone, only to end up finishing the whole bag without realizing it? There is no shame in snacking, but it’s important to ensure every bite is savored. Try being intentional about meals and snacks. Putting food in a dish, sitting down, and fully tasting it without distraction is a great way to do this. Being present during your meals will help you feel satiated and be less likely to overeat.
Each macronutrient has essential health benefits. Protein allows the body to grow, build, and repair tissue. Carbohydrates (carbs) provide energy and help metabolize glucose. Fats allow you to store energy and produce important hormones. USDA recommendations for daily macronutrient levels are 45-65% carbs, 20-35% fats, and 10-35% proteins.
Try to use this guide and think of your plate like it’s a pie chart. Fill half of it with complex carbs like veggies or grains for energy, a quarter with proteins like lean meat or tofu for protein, and a quarter with healthy fats like nuts. Remember, this is just a guide, and meals don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to enjoy foods simply because you like the taste, or it’s what’s available to you.
Putting restrictions on certain foods or food groups can lead to an unhealthy mindset about nutrition. While some foods have fewer nutrients than others, everything can be included in moderation. Rather than focus on what to remove, think about what you can add to your diet. If treating yourself to a cookie, why not pair it with yogurt for added protein and nutrients? In a study by the Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research, approaching food with this intuitive mindset resulted in lower odds of depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and unhealthy eating behaviors.
Your relationship with food doesn’t have to be complicated. Trying out these simple changes will create balanced and sustainable eating habits. Eating good will have you feeling good and ready to tackle the remainder of your journey.
With 33 million cases in the U.S., it’s likely you or a loved one are living with a food allergy. The thought of eating your allergen can be terrifying, as even trace amount triggers severe or deadly symptoms. You’ve got enough to worry about this semester! Life during your Luxeathon gets crazy complicated, but mealtime shouldn’t be. Implementing a few simple precautions can put the fear of allergic reactions out of your mind. Here’s some information to keep you safe from food allergies and free to focus on getting to that winner’s circle.
Food allergies cause a reaction in your immune system from eating a specific food. This can give you hives, throat-swelling, or even cause the body to go into a potentially fatal state of shock (anaphylaxis). Some of the most common and severe allergens are peanuts, shellfish, and soy. There is no cure for allergies, so it’s crucial to avoid your allergy-inducing food.
Having a food allergy can be scary, especially since major allergens are popular cooking ingredients like eggs, milk and nuts. Allergy awareness is a top priority for Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality. We have a variety of allergy-free menu options and clear labeling for meals that contain major allergens. For those with seafood allergies, check out some vegan dining options in our previous article Eating With Ease (page 10). If you’re unsure about a meal’s allergy content, talk to your dining staff. You can also submit a Don’t Be Shy, Self Identify form or speak to your campus executive chef.
Keeping clean is key to protecting yourself from trace amounts of allergens. Before you eat, wash your hands thoroughly and use a wipe to disinfect your table. It’s beneficial to be wary of commonly touched surfaces like door handles. Try carrying hand sanitizer with you to prevent any contact with allergens
Every 10 seconds, a food allergy sends a patient to the emergency room. If you know you have one, avoiding trigger foods may not be enough. You may want to ask your doctor about carrying medication to combat emergency reactions.
If you’re not sure if you have any allergies, don’t wait until a reaction to find out! Allergies typically spring up during childhood but can develop at any age. An allergist will discover any allergies you may have using allergy tests and family history. It’s also helpful to recognize symptoms that you’ve eaten an allergen. Within a few minutes to hours of eating, look out for hives, red skin, itching, swelling, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these, seek medical attention. To learn more about reactions and protecting yourself, check out the ACAAI Public Website.
Staying safe and healthy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Try implementing these precautions next time you’re at the dining hall, because fueling up is essential to keep you performing at your best. Allergies may limit your diet, but they will never limit your capabilities.
Plastic does not biodegrade. That means if you throw a candy wrapper on the ground, it’s staying there longer than you’ll be alive. It can take up to 1,000 years for plastic to decompose, therefore every bit of plastic made and thrown away adds to the problem. It’s hard to live a luxurious life on a planet covered in trash. Here are some of the impacts of plastic, and how you can thrive with less of it.
Plastic overconsumption isn’t fun for anyone. It damages farming soil and poisons groundwater, which results in poor public health. The plastic in our environment also has a detrimental effect on animals. Every minute of every day a truckload of plastic is dumped into the ocean. Plastic abundance in the ocean can trap and choke marine life, killing, 100,000 animals each year.
Unfortunately, only 9% of all plastic produced is recycled. Often plastic products are singleuse. Straws, plastic bags, and Styrofoam packages are not recyclable, and even jam recycling machines. They’re likely to end up in a landfill, the ocean, or blown away into nature. Two million plastic shopping bags are used every minute worldwide, and there is no undoing that environmental impact.
Even if we recycle it, the production itself of plastic products is damaging. Plastic is made from burning fossil fuels and according to The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, it was responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. These emissions cover the earth and trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming.
So, what can we do? The key to reducing plastic damage is to reuse, reuse, reuse. Try to avoid single-waste plastics like bags, bottles, straws, and utensils as much as possible, swapping them out for reusable versions. You can also support brands that use eco-friendly or reusable packaging for their products, including paper, glass, or compostable plastics.
Not only are reusable straws and bags totally chic, but their positive impact is palpable. In Hong Kong, a campaign to end plastic straws resulted in a 7.1 billion reduction in use and a 40% drop in annual plastic straw consumption. By choosing reusable straws and encouraging friends to do the same, we could greatly reduce ocean landfills and harm to marine life.
The reusable straw movement is more than just a movement. It represents a shift in global values. First, we choose reusable straws. Doing so displays that working together to make small changes can keep the earth cleaner. This encourages civilians and lawmakers to keep putting in the work and making sacrifices for the planet.
Try out some reusable bags next time you go shopping, or sip your tea with a cute metal straw. You’ll look great, and you can feel great about the positive effect you’ll have on the earth.
If you’re ready to ditch plastic straws, congratulations! You’ve just made an honorable decision that will keep our earth clean. Now it’s time to find your straw soulmate. With so many options for sustainable sipping, looking for the best one gets confusing. To make things easier, here are a few reusable straws for every budget, aesthetic, and lifestyle. If you want to look at even more sustainable straw options, tune in to this month’s episode of Luxeathon™ Living where we show off fashion forward reusable straws.
PROS
These are one of the most popular choices for reusable straws. Stainless steel is both durable and resistant to rust, making it the perfect material for a reusable straw. Stainless Steel Straws typically cost $1 to $5 per straw, which is reasonable for how long they’ll last. They are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
PROS
Silicone straws are soft and flexible, making for a comfortable fit similar to the classic plastic straw. They can be easily folded for portability. Silicone is BPA-free, non-toxic, and dishwasher-safe. Unlike stainless steel, it’s temperature resistant and won’t heat any beverages you enjoy. Stylish sippers will love their wide range of colors, and the straw itself can come molded into fun shapes like hearts and stars. Best of all, these straws are budget-friendly at $1 to $3 per straw.
Stainless straws are metal, so they can’t be customized. Their strong material means they aren’t collapsable and thus not ideal for on-the-go use. They conduct heat, which may make your warm beverages way too hot in your mouth. For those with sensory issues, a straw with a more subtle texture is recommended.
The flexibility of silicone can be great for portability, but it might cause some drinking mishaps. Their lack of structure makes these straws prone to flopping, especially in large cups. If you don’t wash your silicone straw thoroughly, it can hold onto stains, odors, and flavors. It’s important to remember that silicone is still a nonbiodegradable plastic. If you use a silicone straw, try to make it last. It’s only as sustainable as its life span!
PROS
Glass straws are one of the most elegant options for a sustainable straw. They are super smooth and can be frosted for an ultra-luxurious look and feel. Their transparency allows you to see your drink in the straw- so cool! Glass straws are non-toxic and dishwasher safe, so they will last you a long time.
PROS
These straws are on the pricier side, ranging from $2 to $8 a straw. They are also fragile and prone to breaking and chipping if dropped. Glass straws are recommended primarily for athome use when you want to feel extra luxurious.
Bamboo straws have a unique and earthy aesthetic. Each sip gives a smooth, natural texture you’ll love. Bamboo straws are especially eco-friendly because they are both reusable and biodegradable. That means once your straw has reached the end of its lifespan, you can compost it! They’re the least expensive reusable straw on the market, at $0.50 to $2 per straw. Bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial and resistant to bacteria, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria build-up.
PROS
These straws aren’t dishwasher safe, and they’re less durable than other options. They also absorb flavor and color, so they’re not perfect for coffee or tea lovers. Unfortunately, bamboo straws only come in a natural beige. These straws are recommended for water drinkers who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
Collapsable straws are usually stainless steel and have collapsable segments. This gives them the long-lasting power of stainless steel with added portability. Collapsable straws often come with a customizable carrying case and silicone tip so you can make them look extra chic. They may even have an adjustable height for whatever you’re sipping from.
PROS
While not technically a straw, reusable water bottles with built-in straws are a great option for stylish sustainability. If you drink from these, you’re avoiding plastic waste in both your straw and cup. Many water bottles are dishwasher-safe and very durable. They come in tons of colors and patterns to make your bottle stand out. Reusable water bottles are the most portable and convenient option. When you’re ready to sip, just pull out your water bottle. Your straw is already there!
Because collapsable straws have segments, the small space between them can trap residue. The segments can also collapse accidentally while you’re trying to sip your drinkembarrassing! Just like traditional stainless-steel straws, collapsable straws aren’t very customizable. They’re also the most expensive straw options, at $5 to $10 per straw.
Because you are getting a water bottle and a straw, these are a more expensive option. Prices vary based on capacity, ranging from $15 to up to $40. The straw is attached to your bottle, so these can’t be for two drinks at once. The water bottle option is best for those who drink one beverage throughout the day and are looking for on-the-go convenience.
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing
stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Allison McBride, Contributing Writer
Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer