Most of you know that using prescription drugs without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. Unfortunately, research shows some college students have the perception that “study drugs” are harmless and can make you smarter (DeSantis and Hane, 2010). This false belief may be responsible for a 67% increase in nonmedical use of Adderall from 2006 to 2011.

Researchers from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins recently looked at data from three national surveys to identify trends. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, the number of emergency room visits involving Adderall misuse increased from 862 visits in 2006 to 1,489 in 2011. Common problems associated with nonmedical Adderall use include anxiety, agitation, and insomnia, but the stimulant drug can also lead to increased blood pressure and in rare events, heart attack and stroke.

Source: Chen, et. al, Prescriptions, Nonmedical Use, and Emergency Department Visits Involving Prescription Stimulants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016

Have you ever been concerned about a friend who has had too much to drink, but you are not quite sure what to do? Alcohol poisoning occurs when a large amount of alcohol is consumed, usually over a short period of time. This leads to a rapid rise in BAC caused by having more alcohol in the body than the liver can handle. Knowing the signs can help you save someone’s life.

The signs for alcohol poisoning:
• Mental confusion, stupor
• Passed out or difficult to wake
• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
• Slowed breathing (fewer than 8 breaths/minute)
• Vomiting while asleep or awake

Tips to help someone:
1. CALL 911! Never assume a person will “sleep it off.” Even after someone is passed out, their blood alcohol level can continue to rise.
2. Turn a vomiting person on his/her side to prevent choking.
3. Keep the person awake, if possible.
4. Never leave the person unattended.

Under Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol, students who seek medical assistance, by notifying the appropriate authorities (i. e., calling 911, calling the police, getting an RA), for a peer suffering from alcohol poisoning or related problems will not face University disciplinary action for their own alcohol violations, unless they are responsible for other violations.

Pennsylvania law also provides immunity for an underage person who seeks help for a friend who has alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911! You could save someone’s life. Learn more from Penn State’s Party Smart Guide.

By Emily DuBartell, BBH May ’18

Whether you’re looking to get into shape or searching for ways to mix up your workout routine, we’ve compiled fun, inexpensive ways to stay in shape – most of which don’t even involve leaving campus.

1. Free yoga at UHS
Yoga is an ancient form of exercises that increases flexibility, sharpens mental acuity, decreases stress and improves your overall fitness. Adding yoga to your exercise routine also provides an excellent form of active recovery that will help with flexibility and prevent injuries. One of the main reasons people avoid yoga is the expense that often comes with taking a yoga class. Luckily, University Health Services offers free yoga classes from 4:00 -5:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in 205 Student Health Center. You don’t even need to bring a mat! UHS provides mats and props. This is a popular service so be sure to get there early!

2. Run on campus
If you want an activity that fits your schedule, running is a great option. Make a playlist to jam out to, grab your sneakers and maybe a buddy and go! Not sure where to start? Check out the Campus Run/Walk Map. Remember that you can always add to or shorten the lengths of the sample runs based on your fitness level. On the yellow loop, for example, if you want to shorten the run, turn onto Curtin Road from University Drive rather than running to Park Ave.

3. Go for a swim
Swimming is an excellent form of cardio and a great way to cross-train if it’s not a part of your regular exercise regimen. There is a great pool in White Building available to anyone with a Penn State Fitness membership. The McCoy Natatorium also offers a beautiful facility that is open to the public. You can enter using your Penn State Fitness membership as well, or by paying a $3 admission fee. If you want to swim regularly, you also have the option of buying a swim pass. Click here for more pricing information.

4. Hike Mount Nittany
If you’re looking to mix up your exercise schedule, hiking is a perfect choice. With the warmer temperatures around the corner, hiking Mount Nittany is an excellent way to get outside. You can choose to take either the Blue Trail (4.6 miles round trip) or the White Trail (3.5 miles round trip). Though the hike up to the top is difficult, the view is definitely worth it. Ideally, go on a clear day and you’ll get an excellent view of the stadium and campus! If you don’t have a ride, don’t worry. There is a CATA Bus stop in Lemont near the trail head! For more information about Mount Nittany, click here.

Do you find yourself dozing off during a class? Don’t blame your professor; it is more likely that lack of sleep is to blame. Dr. William Dement, M.D., Ph. D., a sleep expert from Stanford University, found that individuals who are sleepy during the day or who easily fall asleep when lacking stimuli have accrued “sleep debt.” Most people who are 18 or older require about 8 hours of sleep each night to function optimally and feel energized throughout the day. Sleep debt occurs when we don’t get the full 8 hours, and the debt accumulates over time.

According to Dr. Dement, accumulated sleep debt must be paid back hour for hour. If you lose 3 hours of sleep one night, you must sleep 11 the next night to make up for the loss. For many people who pull all-nighters or regularly do not get enough sleep, sleeping in a few hours later on the weekend will not completely pay-off the debt.

If you have sleep debt, try adding a small amount of sleep to your regular nightly schedule. Paying back your sleep debt will likely lead to more energy, improved focus, and a new sense of well-being.

Source: “The Promise of Sleep” by William C. Dement, M.D., Ph. D. and Christopher Vaughan

Written by Chris Koiler (BBH May ‘17)

Handling a full course load, leadership roles, part-time jobs, and community and club involvement are just a few of the stressors college students deal with on a daily basis. Dealing with personal issues and finding time for friends and family can also contribute to the significant amount of stress students perceive they have. Figuring out how to deal with the stress is a challenge in itself.

One way to reduce stress on a daily basis is to make time to engage in physical activity. Physical activity can have a positive impact on the amount of stress you perceive whether you enjoy running, biking, doing yoga or lifting weights. Making time for physical activity can contribute to increased physical and mental energy throughout the day by breeding a sense of well being and relaxed feelings. Improved mental energy and a relaxed body will help those long study sessions be more productive.

Physical activity also helps the body release endorphins which trigger positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain throughout the body. It is often easier to take one’s mind off of stressors while the heart is pumping harder during physical activity. Another benefit of being active is that it helps improve quality of sleep which in turn helps reduce stress. Getting a good night’s sleep is very important, and can help minimize some of the negative effects of stress. If stress has been an issue throughout your day to day life, try taking some time to engage in physical activity and receive the benefits that will positively impact your life.

Sources:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/emotional-benefits-of-exercise.htm

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/slideshows/7-mind-blowing-benefits-of-exercise/5

Penedo, F. J. & Dahn, J. R. (2005). Exercise and wellbeing: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 18, 189-193.

Looking for a fun way to warm up and stay active? Sign up for the Winter Thaw Run and Ride. The event will take place on Saturday, February 27th. A 5K run will begin at 10:30am and a fun bike ride will begin at 11:15am. Both events start at the IST Bridge (corner of Burrowes and Pollock). The 5K route will go around part of and through the golf course on the gravel road and will end at the HUB. The bike route will include 4 laps of the 5K route and will end back at the IST Bridge. Participants in the bike ride will need to bring their own bike and helmet.

There will be prizes for the top  5 male and female finishers in the 5K.  First place will receive an Osprey hydration pack from Freeze Thaw Cycles.  Second through fifth place will receive gift cards from Rapid Transit Sports.

All finishers of the bike ride will be entered into a drawing to win prizes from Freeze Thaw Cycles, KIND bars, Penn State Adventure Rec, and Purple Lizard Maps.

The entry fee is $10. Visit the registration table at the HUB on Feb 22-26 from 11am to 2pm. There will also be registration starting at 9:30 am on February 27 at the IST Bridge.

The event is hosted by Penn State Cycling and Club Cross Country.

Penn State students take the stage to voice their musings, challenges, and triumphs related to body image.

The first performance will be on Monday, February 1^st at 7:30pm at the Downtown Theatre on the corner of South Allen St. and Beaver Ave. This performance is in partnership with the “Cultural conversations 2016 For the Health of…” festival. Admission is $3 with half of the proceeds going to the For Good Performance Troupe.

A second performance of the Body Monologues will take place on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Freeman Auditorium in the HUB Robeson Center. There is no admission fee for this performance.

After each performance audience members and performers will have the opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions about the issues at hand.

The Body Monologues is part of an awareness campaign by HealthWorks and University Health Services focused on improving body image. The program is funded by the Laura R. Whitaker Fund.

Are you concerned that a friend might be in trouble? You want to help, but you’re not sure what to do?

Visit the HUB on Wednesday, January 27^th between 11am and 2pm to learn more about the Stand for State initiative. Info tables will offer free food, activities, and a chance to earn prizes!

The initiative promotes the prevention of sexual and relationship violence through bystander intervention. Stand for State encourages a sense of responsibility for fellow Penn Staters and offers tools to intervene safely and effectively when someone needs help. We all have a role in creating a safe community. For more information, follow #StandforState on social media or email standforstate@psu.edu.