As The Whit’s health columnist for the past seven months, I’ve touched on topics pertaining to mental health, nutrition and specific illnesses. My hope was to couple educational information with a hint of wit, engaging readers in topics they might not have thought about otherwise. Thanks to Nathan Goldberg and the rest of the 2010-11 Whit e-board’s encouragement, I’ve been able to accomplish just that.

I’d like to leave you with one final health topic: friends and keeping them around for the long haul.

As a transfer student who wasn’t the same age as her peers, I started at Rowan in fall 2009 thinking, “I’m not here for friends. I’m here to finish a degree and get back to working full-time.” Yes, I really did say that. However, my cynical outlook soon changed. I immediately got involved with The Whit as an editor and writer, and I was able to meet numerous people in my two years as a journalism student.

So, where do we go from here? Thanks to Facebook and other social-networking sites, goodbyes can instead be, “ttyl.” With one click of a button, you can regularly communicate with anyone you wish. Unfortunately, even the best of friends can manage to lose touch.

Qualities we once looked for in friendships as children in elementary, middle, high school and college don’t remain the same. Some of you may graduate, go to grad school, or maybe you’ll start your career, meet someone and start a family. Either way, life is changing, and so will your needs. The essential key to holding on to the dear friends you’ve made in your college career, however, are the same as they have been for all of your friends: interaction.

Socialization is good for your health. Hold on to the relationships that have kept you sane for the better half of your college career, they will only become more precious as you get older. Congratulations class of 2011.

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. For most, this is a great time of year, but for allergy sufferers, it’s a nightmare. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, approximately 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies as their primary allergy. The foundation states that the largest incidences for outdoor allergies are to trees, grasses and weed pollen.

The most common mistake people make are rushing to the doctor’s office thinking that they’re sick. Over-the-counter medications are highly effective in preventing and curing your allergy symptoms. Allegra just moved over-the-counter last month. It was originally prescription-only, and costs less than most copays for prescription strength medications. Other options are Claritin and Zyrtec. What about Benadryl? The only problem with this old miracle-worker is that is can cause severe drowsiness. That’s not exactly conducive for studying for finals.

If you’re hesitant on trying medications, consider some old remedies. Placing a cold rag on your forehead can lessen the nasal swelling that is giving you those sinus headaches. Despite the warm weather, it’s best to keep the windows closed both in your car and in your home. Keeping the pollen outside is your best bet. If you’ve got to cut the lawn, wear something to cover your nose and mouth. And, before going to bed for the night, take a shower to wash all of the allergens off of your body. Place your clothes in a hamper with other clothes you plan on washing, and use warm water.

Simple steps like these can help ease your allergies before the big interview, commencement day or help you deal with your daily grind.

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.

The event included a one-mile and a game of Plinko, where students could win t-shirt and water bottle prizes According to senior health promotion and fitness management major Jason Staffieri, walking is a great way to start the day.

“You can’t go wrong with a mile,” Staffieri said.

According to last spring’s National College Health Assessment, only 44 percent of Rowan students met the recommended amount of exercise.

Guests were greeted by students handing out bags full of health information packets, a bag of Craisins, coupons and Avery NoteTabs for planners and notebooks.

Physicians and staff of Rowan’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center gave free confidential screenings for drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, depression and other mental illnesses. Licensed psychologists Amy Hoch and Laurane McGlynn were also available for mindfulness meditation exercises.

According to assistant director and licensed psychologist Dr. Michael Silverstein, mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation based on eastern Buddhist principles.

“It teaches you to be aware of your own presence, instead of worrying about the future,” Silverstein said.

Health Promotion and fitness management senior Marcus Thompson took a break while working at the expo to enjoy the massaging skills of Rizzieri Aveda School student Kelley Berkuta. The hand and arm massage he received left him speechless for any comment.

The Gloucester County Coalition generously gave information on cancer screenings and lung capacity tests. Next to them was the Reiki table run by RN, Catherine Schmelz. Environmental studies and geography senior, Anjelica Sinigaglio took advantage of Schmelz’s Reiki session.

“I saw a holistic healer for a while,” Sinigaglio explained. But she had never practiced Reiki and figured this was a great place to try it out.

Lifestyle and wellness coaches Kimberly Schwartz and Linda McLaughlin represented Transitions Lifestyle System, an approach to teaching people how to eat healthy. Common beverages were placed on their table as part of a sugar test. It turns out, Tropicana Orange Juice holds more sugar than Propel Water and Sobe Vitamin Water, but it’s followed by Powerade, Red Bull and Pepsi.

Underwood Memorial Hospital and Kennedy Health System were on hand for blood pressure and glucose screenings, along with information on balance and sleep, and nutrition.

Knit 2 Embrace, a new gathering on campus that brings students together for knitting as a form of relaxation in the Rowan Boulevard Conference rooms gave out information, as the Center for Addiction Studies and Awareness put students’ alcohol knowledge to the test in a five-minute quiz.

Greek life was no stranger to the health fair, as some members of Tau Kappa Epsilon offered a “drunk obstacle course.” Participants put on goggles and attempted to jump over small objects in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking.

Several other organizations in the area such as FamCare, Planned Parenthood, Rowan Public Safety, “Ask the Registered Dietician,” and the Alzheimer’s Association were also in attendance.

Dr. Joseph Broderick, Jr. of Broderick Family Chiropractic in Sewell gave free thermography scans, while nearby American Red Cross accounting manager Ashley Dobleman encouraged students to participate in the blood drive on campus, taking place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Rec Center today, April 14.

“We’re trying to collect 200 pints of blood,” Dobleman said. “For every one donation, it saves three people.”

The Gloucester County Department of Health offered HPV, Menningitis and T-DAP vaccines free of charge, as two Registered Nurses were on site awaiting interested participants. Alongside them were the Student Health Center and Interim Director Suzanne VanDerwerken, MD.  Pamphlets on health issues from STD’s to nutrition were strewn over a table, next to small dishes of snacks.

VanDerwerken compared health to wearing a seat belt.

“Never overlook the great power in simple things,” she said.

These are the essentials – the things that will keep you going when you’re ready to pass out instead of studying. Hang in there – the end is near.

You can find all of these items and prices at Shoprite in Glassboro, on sale through Saturday.

1. Oranges: You’ve heard that the vitamin C helps fend off colds, but did you know the fruit includes a type of antioxidant that improves memory? It can also help your bones, teeth, respiratory problems and blood pressure. (Jaffa Oranges, 5 for $1.99)
2. Nuts: Things like cashews, walnuts and almonds help elevate your mood and increase energy levels. Chomp down on a handful of them instead of a bag of chips while you’re cramming in a couple weeks. (Planters Nutrition Nuts 8.75 to 9.75-oz. can, $3.99)
3. Chocolate: Good news for chocolate lovers; studies prove that cocoa flavanols found in chocolate can help decrease fatigue and increasing blood flow to the brain. Go for dark chocolates with 85 percent or more of natural cocoa and less sugar. It’s a little pricey, but worth every square. (Lindt Chocolate – Excellence Extra Dark 85% Dark, $2.49 for 3.5 oz.)
4. Hummus: It’s not just for vegans. It helps with good blood flow and high energy. Hummus can be used as a dip or as a sauce, best paired with raw veggies to cut down on gas or bloating thanks to its slow digestive nature. (Tribe Hummus, 8-oz. pkg., Select Varieties, $1.74)
5. Green Tea: Instead of guzzling down soda or coffee weighed down by sugar, consider brewed green tea. Tea bags are inexpensive and it only takes a few minutes to boil water. Green tea has been known to have antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral properties. New studies even say it helps burn fat. (Bigelow Organic Green Tea 40-ct., Regular or Decaf, $2.99)

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since my dad passed away from lung cancer and how badly he suffered his last few months.

My parents’ divorce was final on the day of my fourth birthday party. My father moved away to different cities, here and there, while my mom raised my two older sisters and I. There are no memories of my dad before age six; just had broken pieces of what I’ve heard from others.

I grew up accustomed to his absence, knowing he was either on vacation or even living in Florida. But, I never once resented him; until high school. The teenage angst years kicked in, and although he had moved back to New Jersey when I was 11, we still hadn’t bonded. By about 18, I snapped out of it, and realized how grateful I was for him to be back in my life. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have him for much longer.

On my 20^th birthday, I got the call. The infected lymph node that he had examined proved to be a sign of the cancer that would turn our world upside down. That was August 2004. Fast-forward to the winter 2006 and the once independent man that my sisters and I always cherished had dwindled into a sick, old man. His black hair, once thick and shiny grew no more. His skin now thin and pale, his words, few and far between.

He was dying, and there was nothing we could do about it. He moved in with my oldest sister that spring, Samaritan Hospice, visited daily, and just like that, he was gone. Dad left us three days shy of his 56^th birthday on June 23, 2006. We held his hands, told him it was okay to go and reassured him we’d be okay.

Dad won’t see me walk on stage to finally get my college degree, walk me down the aisle if I get married, or get to hold my babies as he did my sister’s children. But, he’ll always be a part of me. After all, I have his name.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that there are, “approximately 19 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.”

Maybe you’re thinking, “Nah, not me. I use a condom every time.”

But what happens once you’ve contracted an STD? Are you too scared to speak to the doctor? How will it affect you in the long run?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 24,000 women in the United States become infertile each year due to undiagnosed and untreated STDs and most STDs have been associated with increased risk of HIV transmission. The CDC also states that African-Americans accounted for almost half of new HIV infections.

Fortunately, there are now new ways to combat the risk of STD-related illnesses, such as vaccines. Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are important steps to preventing liver disease and cervical cancer.

Need a refresher on HPV? Maybe you’ve seen the commercials for the HPV vaccine for females, and you’ve heard all of the scary details. But, did you know the HPV vaccine has most recently been approved for males? Gentlemen, it’s time to educate yourself. According to the CDC, “some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can cause penile, anal or head and neck cancers.”

It’s an uncomfortable subject, but when faced with a sense of maturity and openness, it’s hard to ignore. If you’re ready to be tested, go to findstdtest.org to find a testing facility close to home or campus. Or, for the newest treatment guidelines, go to cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010 for the latest information in the form of free podcasts, webinars and print or online text editions. Don’t be afraid to stop by the Student Health Center. They have pamphlets and certified professionals to guide you in the right direction.

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.

The final half of the spring semester has begun, and for some that means one of two things: jump and cheer, or collapse into a ball of stress. If you find yourself suffering from a tension-headache; tackling assignments, exams and job hunting can become overwhelming.

But if a dose of over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol, Advil or Excedrin isn’t working or you just don’t like swallowing pills to solve your headache, there are other things you can do to lessen the pain.

How do you know if you have a tension-headache? The Mayo Clinic’s list of symptoms includes: “dull, aching head pain, the sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head, tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles and occasionally, loss of appetite.”

Now you have to figure out what’s causing your tension-headache. According to the National Headache Foundation, “poor posture, close work under poor lighting conditions, or cramps from assuming an unnatural head or neck position for long periods of time,” can be the culprit. More common causes listed are irritating noise and lighting.

While these physical and environmental causes can sometimes be unavoidable, emotional disturbances such as family problems, grief, job and school conflicts and depression can worsen your tension-headache. But, there’s hope.

According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment can be as simple as changes to your daily routine such as working on that poor posture that your grandmother always brought up at the dinner table. By using good posture, your muscles can remain relaxed. Hot or cold compresses can help alleviate some pain by reducing muscle strain on the neck and other problem areas. Of course, the biggest trick to lessening your tension-headache frequency is by taking steps to reduce stress. Set goals, make lists and organize your life as best as you can to avoid feeling overwhelmed later.

Of course, a nice massage from your closest friend or significant other doesn’t hurt either.

If your headaches aren’t going away, and they’re posing a threat to your daily routine, it’s time to see your doctor. The National Headache Foundation reminds those seeking medical treatment, “If your doctor suggests medications, you should realize that they may take several weeks to become effective and they can have side effects.”

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.

Plane ticket: check. Suitcase: check. Money: check. Insurance card: what?

Before taking that long awaited trip for spring break, it’s important to remember more than just your swim trunks. We often dismiss the idea that something could go wrong while visiting another state or even country. And, while some of your friends may laugh when you’re the only one with a Band-Aid in their carry-on, they might just thank you later.

Aside from sunblock, here are a few things to consider packing to keep your spring break a happy and healthy one:

1. First-Aid kit. This doesn’t have to be any larger than the size of a cell phone. Most drugstores sell miniature first-aid kits, complete with Band-Aids, wipes, and gauze pads. They run about 99 cents.
2. Your medicine. If you take insulin for diabetes or simply allergy medicine daily, don’t forget to pack these for the trip. Make sure it’s got your prescription label on it. While you could probably go a day without your allergy medicine, a week without some other important meds could land you in the hospital. That’s no fun.
3. Insurance card or medical ID bracelet. Although it’s unlikely, you can’t be too safe. Whether you’ve got a chronic condition or not, it’s important to bring your insurance card. Sometimes even the smartest travelers have accidents and need medical care. Tip: Write an emergency contact number on the back of your insurance card.
4. Condoms. You too ladies. Don’t put yourself at risk for HIV, STD’s or pregnancy. If you’re going to be drinking and acting slightly out of character on spring break, it’s something to consider.
5. Bed sheets. I don’t care if you’re staying in a five-star hotel on a sunny island in the Caribbean. Please save yourself the disgusting truths of hotel bed sheets, and bring a set with you. Bed bugs, unsightly stains, and other microscopic mysteries are lurking in that bed.

Not traveling?

If you’re not going away for spring break like me, but making day trips and visiting old friends, I’ve got you covered. If you plan on partying with your old high school friends or just plan on making a night out of AC, Philly, NYC or just a local dive bar, don’t forget to drink water. Long drives filled with sugary drinks and coffee might taste good, but won’t last too long. This is especially good to do if you’ve been drinking. Finally, spending hours in front of the computer is meant for the rest of the semester. Get up and get your body ready for bathing suit weather. It’ll be here before you know it.

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.

Before ground was even broken for Cooper Medical School, Rowan’s Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Emergency Management Michael Kantner and the Director of Security for The Cooper Health System in Camden, Paul Murray began their collaboration.

According to Kantner, Cooper will use their security officers for internal security, and Rowan’s new hires will be used as external security.

However, no police or security will be pulled from the Glassboro campus.

“We’re not going to lessen coverage here. I’m not going to jeopardize our relationship with the Glassboro community,” Kantner said. “It would be a disservice to take them from here.”

In January, reports shocked the region when nearly half of the Camden Police force were being laid off. However, it’s important to remember that this decision did not come in lieu of the Camden Police layoffs, according to Kantner.

Kantner and Murray had previously worked together in Camden when Kantner was a detective for Camden PD. Planning for the partnership began before being asked for such a program. About eight months ago, the two decided that collaborative efforts would be best for the new health campus.

“Networking has helped us put this plan together,” Kantner said. “We’re sharing services. In today’s tough times, sharing services is efficient and probably a necessity.”

Kantner said that the hiring process will consist of looking at resumes that have already been submitted, and results of the December Civil Service test that all new police officers must take in order to be employed in the law enforcement field.

The new substation where the officers will operate from will be located in the old Camden Bank Building on North Broadway and Cooper in Camden. Kantner says they’ve been working with an architect to remodel the old building and get it ready for this spring, pending the approval of the budget.

“Cooper’s concerns are Rowan’s concerns,” Kantner said.

We live busy lives and don’t often have time to pay mind to each and every ache and pain, nor do we like to spend our money at the doctor’s office. But what if ignoring that pain led to something much more serious?

Twenty-year-old junior RTF major Kathy Paterson first noticed a pressure-like pain in her right big toe her senior year of high school during a musical rehearsal in February 2008.

“My first thought was it was just growing pains,” Paterson said. “I ignored it so much it wasn’t there. I was running on it. It didn’t stop me.”

By August 2008, Paterson left for her freshman year of college at West Virginia University. She took part in activities like many others do, joining the rugby team her second semester. But the pain she had long-ignored came back again. This time, she couldn’t move her toes upward without feeling pain.

By her sophomore year at West Virginia University, she noticed a change in her walking pattern. Paterson went to a sports medicine doctor by fall 2009, who took x-rays and gave her shoe inserts. The hope was to lessen the pain, and settle the bone (the bone was rubbing against other things in her foot – creating the pain and inflammation).

“It didn’t work,” she said.

By February 2010, doctors wanted to perform surgery on Paterson’s toe. She was diagnosed with Sesamoiditis, a foot condition that is located on the ball of the foot, just under the big toe that causes pain and swelling.

Finally, after many different medical opinions, insurance worries, non-evasive procedures and devices, and hesitation, Paterson underwent surgery two weeks ago.

“It makes me a little bit more cautious. Now I’m the one telling friends, ‘You should have that checked out — just in case.’”

But Paterson’s story isn’t one to make you feel upset or worried over the “what ifs.” Break the cycle. Go to the doctor. They can handle it.

“You can’t let it stop you if you have that much pain,” Paterson said.

Samantha Costa is a senior journalism major, Certified Pharmacy Technician and freelance writer for Patch.com and the Courier-Post. While some columns may include factual health information, it is not to be taken as true medical advice. If you have any health questions, please speak to the Student Health Center or your doctor.