Tag: health

Community Health Boards’ Postcard Initiative
All Nova Scotians should have access to more funded and diverse opportunities for recreation and play, without barriers (WZ Community Health Plan). “Our current situation has highlighted that recreation, inclusive of arts, culture and sport, is a vital part of all our lives” — Recreation NS and Recreation Facility Assoc. of NS.
140 or more families in Kings Co. didn’t have adequate, affordable, appropriate housing in 2016 (Census). To be safe, all Nova Scotians deserve a dignified place to call home.
We need nutritious food to be strong. “Nova Scotians must become intolerant of hunger and poverty in our province” — Feed NS.
We support Food Secure Canada’s call to address root causes of food insecurity mainly by establishing a liveable income floor and supporting Kings County residents to access local affordable healthy food.
For those of you who do not know what community health boards (CHBs) are, they are a committed group of volunteers within the community that foster partnerships with other community members to improve and promote health and wellness locally. We are not medical doctors or therapists, but we’re community volunteers with various backgrounds with the same goal in mind. CHBs advocate for actions that will help create a healthier future for our communities according to what communities say is most important.
We engage communities in discussions about the social determinants of health (safe housing, social and physical environments, income, etc.) in order to develop Collaborative Community Health Plans and advise Nova Scotia Health on local issues and priorities.
CHBs also create partnerships and collaborations and distribute Wellness Fund grants annually to local community groups and projects that complement our priorities. For example, Flying Squirrel Adventures was awarded Wellness Funds for a program that offered free outings for all ages in inspiring outdoor settings. The program included facilitated activities and free time for participants to experience nature at their own pace.
Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, the outings were cancelled before the program was completed, but the organizers pivoted quickly and were able to use Wellness Funds to distribute nature craft kits to program participants instead.
Postcard Initiative
According to the four priority areas in our Western Zone Community Health Plan, the four CHBs in Kings County, Central Kings CHB, Eastern Kings CHB, Kingston-Greenwood CHB & Western Kings CHB, have launched a postcard project highlighting food security, community connection, recreation and wellness, and housing. The goal of the postcard initiative is to help members of the community share how the priority areas are most important to them. They also provide awareness and facilitate action for the improvement of health and wellness holistically. These postcards are being mailed to local MPs and senators (postage included).
Look out for our event in the ASU building next month! Postcards will be available for those that would be interested in adding a personal message to a postcard and having it mailed.
More resources and references can be found at https://www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/postcards.
Messages on the postcards are as follows:
- “Being there for each other means that everyone is included. During COVID-19, lack of reliable and affordable internet access in our rural communities has deepened existing inequities in terms of social connection, education, public health, and safety. Social connection and equity for Nova Scotians requires universal access to reliable and affordable internet.” (Message on community connection postcard)
- “All Nova Scotians should have access to more funded and diverse opportunities for recreation and play, without barriers (WZ Community Health Plan). “Our current situation has highlighted that recreation, inclusive of arts, culture and sport, is a vital part of all our lives” — Recreation NS and Recreation Facility Assoc. of NS.” (Message on recreation and wellness postcard)
- “140 or more families in Kings Co. didn’t have adequate, affordable, appropriate housing in 2016 (Census). To be safe, all Nova Scotians deserve a dignified place to call home.” (Message on housing postcard)
- “We need nutritious food to be strong. “Nova Scotians must become intolerant of hunger and poverty in our province” — Feed NS.
  We support Food Secure Canada’s call to address root causes of food insecurity mainly by establishing a liveable income floor and supporting Kings County residents to access local affordable healthy food.” (Message on food insecurity postcard)
March 16, 2021
Poor Nutrition Creating Height Gap of up to 20cm Amongst Schoolchildren Globally
In a study conducted by Imperial College, London, a global analysis has been released indicating that height and weight are the major determinants of the quality of diets for school going kids and adolescents. In this analysis, it is determined that the quality varies significantly across the globe. In the study conducted, the researchers assessed the height and weight of 65 million school-aged children and teenagers across the world whose ages ranged from five to 19 years across 193 countries. There was a 20cm difference that stood out in the study results between the 19-year old’s in the tallest as well as the shortest nations, this represents an eight-year growth gap for girls and a six-year growth gap for boys.
To explain this, one instance from the study showed that the average height of the girls in Bangladesh and Guatemala, the nation with the World’s shortest girls, is the same height as an average eleven-year-old girl in the Netherlands, the nation with the tallest boys and girls.
The international team of researchers who conducted the study noted that the variable in this study was childhood nutrition. The lack of quality of food might lead to stunted growth, while in some cases increases in childhood obesity can also be observed as contributing factors which affected the children’s health and overall wellbeing over their lifetimes.
The study collected data from the year 1985 till 2019. It revealed the nations with the shortest 19-year olds in the year 2019 were mostly in South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, East Africa, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala and Bangladesh. The study reported the tallest 19-year olds in the year 2019 were found in northwest and central Europe and included the Netherlands, Montenegro, Denmark and Iceland.
In the span of 35 years, a large improvement was observed in the average height of children that belonged to nations such as; China, South Korea and many other Asian countries. This means, that 19-year old boys in China in 2019 were 8cm taller as compared to 1985 which changed their global height ranking from 150th in the year 1985 to 65th in the year 2019, while in the case of many sub-Saharan African nations, the height of boys has been quite stagnant over these years and in the UK, the graph shows a decline with the global height ranking falling from 28th in the year 1985 to 39th in the year 2019 in the case of boys and from 42nd to 49th in the case of girls.
The study also analyzed the BMI- Body Mass Index of the children which is a height to weight ratio indicating if a person is falling within a healthy range of body weight according to their height. The research showed that the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, the USA and New Zealand have the highest BMI of the 19-year olds while the lowest BMI was found in South Asian countries (such as Bangladesh). The mean difference between the highest (heaviest) and the lowest (lightest) BMI was about 9 units of BMI which when converted to kilograms is around 25kgs of weight.
The research team revealed that the most significant reasons for these statistics is the lack of adequate and healthy nutritious diets and poor living environments since both heights as well as weight gains are closely linked to the quality of a child’s dietary pattern.
Some of the patterns in the study showed that children in some countries grow in a healthy way for up to five years but later fall behind once they begin attending school. This reflects the presence of an imbalance between the investment in nutrition in pre-schoolers and in school-aged children. This issue becomes even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic since schools are shut down across the world and there are many poor families that are unable to meet the nutrition requirements of their children and in some cases unable to even meet the 3-meals a day standard.
The improvement in heights and weights over the years in some nations serve as a positive reinforcement for improvement in the quality of nutrition in growing children as well as healthy lifestyles for their overall wellbeing. However, the declines in the graph in some nations do serve as an eye-opener that measures need to be taken immediately in order to make the upcoming generation of youth healthier.

December 2, 2020
A World of Opposition: How a Few Words Can Quickly Lead to Animosity
Earlier this month, the Humans of Acadia Instagram and Facebook pages published a short blurb written by an Acadia student that was almost instantly deleted from both accounts. The post was the student’s response to this question: “If money were no object, what would you do?” The student’s words quickly seemed to get lost in translation, resulting in numerous upset comments, and, eventually, the post being taken down. Conflicting responses wondered whether or not the student had said something genuinely offensive, as he wrote about his personal beliefs regarding one of our world’s most important issues.
This student, a third year Kinesiology major at Acadia, had expressed his thoughts on obesity. He claimed that, if money were no object, he would help fight this global issue which leads to so many other health problems. He also said that, based on the education he’s receiving on the topic at Acadia, he feels as though a great solution to a lot of these issues is exercise and other small changes. His post said that he believes that many chronic diseases will be severely changed if people “watch what they are eating and perform physical activity regularly”. When asked if he meant any offense by encouraging people to live active lives, he said that, based on the fact that obesity is linked with the leading cause of death in America, he simply wanted to help.
Neglecting to discuss social determinants of health, such as education, income, and others, this student hurt some people in the process of expressing his thoughts on the issue, since they felt as though he was shaming overweight people. His quick write up also left out some other details that he later said were important to him, such as the real answer to the question: “If I had all the money in the world, I would donate it to families who can’t afford healthier foods”. He also added that he’d love the opportunity to help educate others about the “importance of having a healthy lifestyle”. While most of the comments scolded the writer for how hurtful his words were, the post’s feedback was a great reminder of why it’s so important to listen to others and to choose our words carefully.
The writer of the post on Humans of Acadia meant no harm in the words he wrote, yet the backlash was harsh. Some readers were unwilling to understand that he was writing with a desire to help. In a world increasingly full of political and social polarization, we seem to be quick to anger and slow to listen. Constructive arguments are important, but angry backlash is rarely productive. This article isn’t to tell anyone when they can and can’t be offended, but the post on Humans of Acadia is a good reminder that it’s okay to be hurt by something and to let it be. We’re so often encouraged to stand up for what we believe in, but if we stand up for everything, people will stop listening.
Why was something controversial deleted so quickly? Is it because we know that we are becoming less and less capable of having civil, educational conversations about our disagreements? If that’s the case, then how can anyone be expected to share their opinions, especially when they think they’re sharing helpful ones? In a world with so much opposition, hate, and arguing, it’s easy to feel like we’re always walking on eggshells, unsure of when we’ll offend someone next. Even as I’m writing this article, I’m catching myself being overly careful with my words. We shouldn’t have to fear this, though; if we can make it our main priority to educate others, rather than to call them out, then we won’t need to delete posts or be afraid to speak our minds. And as humans, I think it is our duty to educate others.

December 2, 2020
Menopause
There comes a time in every woman’s life where her ovaries stop the production of eggs and her estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline. Over a period of time, monthly menstruation becomes less frequent, this period is referred to as perimenopause or the menopausal transition. Once a woman stops menstruating for one full year, it is then referred to as the postmenopausal period when they can no longer get pregnant.
Breast Cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. According to some studies, breast cancer will globally increase to over 2 million new cases per year by the year 2030. Additionally, it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Indian women after cervical cancer.
Menopause doesn’t cause cancer, but it increases the risk of getting it as the risk of getting cancer increases with age. Starting menopause after the age of 55 increases the risk of getting breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer in a woman. The major reason for this is because she gets exposed to more estrogen as she doesn’t start menopause till the age of 55. During a menstrual cycle, estrogen stimulates the uterus and breast tissues, hence the more menstrual cycles a woman has, the longer the tissues are exposed to estrogen.
The reason why a woman is prone to get ovarian cancer can also be explained by that same age factor. The later she gets her menopause, the more ovulations she has had, which leads to increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Menopausal transitions generally start occurring between age of 45-55 though some women can experience it sooner, and some later. It usually lasts about 7 years but, in some women, it can last up to 14 years. During this phase, her body’s production of the two major hormones made by the ovaries- estrogen and progesterone, vary greatly. Bones gradually become less dense which leads to women being more vulnerable to fractures. There are more changes that body undergoes during this period, such as fat cells change, body’s energy usage differs and women tend to gain weight more easily.
Menopause may also be triggered by a hysterectomy or surgical removal of ovaries that produce hormones. If a woman has surgery for removal of her ovaries or uterus and is not taking supplementary hormones, she would experience the menopause immediately.
During this phase of a woman’s life, she is having more than one transition. Apart from the physical and biological ones, women have emotional transitions as well, for example, having to care for aging parents, or adapting for one’s child moving into adulthood, with which comes so many changes.
Some women also opt for hormone therapy which, if done at the postmenopausal period, increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in later stage and avoid the risk of chronic illnesses. Inculcating some healthy habits in daily lifestyle such as regular exercise, healthy diets, avoiding any sort of smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight etc. can help in reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses and help lead a healthier life.
Note: This article is part of our Fall 2020 Print Edition that focuses on Women Health and Sexuality. Look across campus for a paper copy of this edition!
November 17, 2020
What is Mindfulness?
Have you ever found yourself to be struggling with staying in the present? The world has become immensely fast-paced as we are constantly finishing one activity and immediately moving to the next. This reality makes it difficult to take a moment and appreciate what is around us. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is a practice of intentionally taking time to engage in the present moment – without judgement. The “without judgement” aspect is essential as judgement sabotages the appreciation one can have for the current moment. In fact, mindfulness is now being researched by scientists and results have shown that the practice can be beneficial in reducing stress and fulfilling genuine happiness.
The actual practice of mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, but many denominations engage in a similar act that attempts to calm the mind by feeling the wonders of the present. One of the extraordinary things about mindfulness is that it helps individuals savour the beauty of pleasurable experiences, without having to worry about what’s next. In savouring those pleasurable experiences, many become better equipped to handle struggles in life as mindfulness makes us understand why we need to appreciate everything around us. Mindfulness is about altering the way in which we view the world and the experiences we have by looking at each moment as an opportunity to better ourselves as individuals. The better individuals we become, the more able we are to make deep and meaningful connections with those around us.
Furthermore, mindfulness has been shown to improve both mental and physical health. By utilizing mindfulness techniques individuals can: relieve stress, improve heart function, lower blood pleasure, improve sleep, and reduce gastrointestinal issues. Equally, mindfulness can improve mental health as psychologists have found the practice to be important in treating: depression, eating disorders, spousal conflict, anxiety, and other mental ailments.
But, how does one practice mindfulness? There are different ways to practice mindfulness, but the goal is always to remain attentive by focusing on your present thoughts and emotions, again, without judgement. Mindfulness techniques are a form of meditation and they can be done by sitting quietly on the floor, closing your eyes, and repeating softly a word or “mantra” that resonates. This enables thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgement, and ensure you remain focused on your “mantra” or breathing as you do so.
Another important aspect to remember when practicing mindfulness is to remain cognisant of the way in which your body reacts. Keep track of your body’s subtle twitches and jerks as it reinforces the purpose of staying in the present.
Moreover, stay alert of the cravings you feel as you sit there. Let them come into your mind, but do not give into these desires as doing so eliminates all the work you have done to stay present. Remember, those feelings do not control you – you control yourself. Replace the craving with knowledge that these urges will subside as you focus on the moment in front of you.
Practicing mindfulness is not easy and it requires discipline in order for it to work properly. However, once the power of mindfulness is grasped there is no sensation like it as it affords everyone the ability to forgive themselves. No matter what has, or is happening in your life, mindfulness gives everyone the opportunity to forgive themselves and seek better.
Give mindfulness a try, you may realize something about yourself you never knew before.
Sebastian Farkas is a fourth-year honours student and Sports and Wellness Editor of the Athenaeum.

October 21, 2019
How to Achieve a Balanced Lifestyle at University
Now that we are a month into the school year, you may be feeling a little more stressed as midterms approach. However, you can reduce stress if you stick to a plan that keeps both your mind and body fresh for when you need them most. The following are some tips for students seeking to live a balanced lifestyle:
Get enough sleep: This is probably one of the most important things you can do to ensure both your mind and body feel fresh. It is recommended that you get 8 hours of sleep every night, but that depends on who you are. Some people feel like they only need 6 hours to feel energized for the day, and some people feel like they need 10 hours, regardless, find the amount of sleep that works best for you. While the amount of time one sleeps may differ from person to person, the time one goes to bed is crucial. Dr. Matt Walker is the head of the Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab at the University of California, and he states the time of day when you sleep drastically alters the structure and quality of your sleep. Individuals who consistently go to bed before midnight show higher sustained energy and attentiveness levels than those who do not. Sleep is very important to your health, so it is important to make it a priority.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a properly balanced diet can make you feel well, and powers your mind for when you need it. Ensuring you have a healthy diet starts by understanding when its important to eat. Breakfast should be the largest meal of your day as it will fuel you throughout the day. Instead of eating large portions, stick to having snacks spaced throughout the day. Avoid foods that make your blood sugar rise and fall rapidly as you will become tired quickly. Drink enough fluids! People forget to stay hydrated and its very important to keep that in mind as failing to do so can alter your mind’s clarity. It is recommended that you drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, and if you exercise regularly that number increases dramatically. As they say, “you are what you eat”, making it crucial to fill your body with healthy choices.
Exercise Regularly: This is often the most difficult aspect students struggle to find time for. Exercising isn’t only about keeping your body fit, it also sharpens your mind. Exercising can be a significant time commitment, but you can avoid that by doing simple things everyday. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get consistent exercise. Make it a priority to always walk to where you are going. Additionally, spending 10 to 15 minutes in the morning to stretch or perform some light yoga is also an excellent way to get your body and mind engaged for the day without wasting a large amount of time. Lastly, make it fun! Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be exciting and something you look forward to. Whether that involves joining an intramural team or going for a hike with some friends, there are a lot of fun ways to make exercising enjoyable.
Make a Schedule: School can become overwhelming at times, but planning can help alleviate those feelings. Buy an agenda or some other scheduling tool so you can write down important dates and deadlines to ensure you are completing your work on time. Not only do planners help you to finish work on time, but they help to establish a plan for how you can go about finishing your work to the best of your ability. Prioritizing is essential to performing at your best when studying and making a schedule can help with that.
Take some ME Time: While performing well in your classes is important, you have to make sure that you are not overloading yourself. Taking on too much can run you down and make you less able to accomplish the things you want. Thus, taking time for yourself to relax and enjoy your surroundings is equally important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, or going for lunch with a buddy, taking time for yourself is essential to solidifying balance in your life.
These are just some simple tips to keep in mind when trying to understand how to live a healthy balanced lifestyle. There are many other ways one can go about living a balanced lifestyle, but it’s important to recognize what that looks like for you. Understanding what works and doesn’t work for you is pivotal to fulfilling the healthy lifestyle so many of us desire.
Sebastian Farkas is a fourth year honours politics student and Sports and Wellness Editor of the Athenaeum.

October 5, 2019
Research Feature: Chaiti Seth
My research aims to identify key leverage points for shifting towards more healthy, just, and sustainable institutional food systems, using Acadia University as a case study, and examining findings in the broader provincial context. This research builds on my prior work and relationships at Acadia investigating food system issues and university food culture.
Food is fundamental to all human life, and food systems – the ways that our food is produced, processed, distributed and consumed – have significant social, cultural, health, ecological and economic implications. The shift towards industrial food production has resulted in massive loss of knowledge and biodiversity, soil erosion, deforestation and habitat destruction, pollution, animal welfare concerns, waste production, as well as significant greenhouse gas emissions. The health crisis in relation to food is growing – societies are facing both over- and under-nutrition and diet-related diseases are prevalent amongst all populations. Most Canadians eat food that is neither healthy nor sustainably produced, and many face food insecurity or inequitable access to food.
Just as current food systems have many detrimental impacts, their potential for improving quality of life is also immense. Sustainable pasture and farmland management strategies can support biodiversity, conserve soil and water, and help sequester carbon. Combined with other lifestyle factors, nutritious food has enormous preventative and healing potential. The market for food represents a source of positive and sustainable economic activity and community-based food systems have the potential to contribute to local economic development and provide meaningful employment. Last, but not least, is the magic of food in bringing people together – for everyday gathering and special occasions, for nourishment and healing and celebration. Food is powerful, and the decisions we make about what we eat, and how we produce it, matter.
Studies assessing individual behaviours identify the most effective food choices and habits for a shift to a healthy and sustainable food culture. At a societal level, national and regional organizations are currently advocating for a strong national food policy, and the federal government is engaging citizens in an ongoing consultation process. Bridging the space between individual and policy levels, institutions play a key role in food systems. They are large enough to have significant impact but do not typically have internal policies or a strong vision for food systems. In this gap, food services providers (FSPs) – multinational for-profit companies that typically run institutional food services – often unofficially dictate food policy. Due to the standardization and scale of institutional food systems, FSPs wield significant influence on food production, processing and consumption patterns. Research shows that institutions can strategically leverage their purchasing power to generate greater wealth and health in their communities. Despite a few individual success stories, there are significant barriers to broadly shifting institutional food practices.
Universities can play an essential role in facilitating change in institutional food culture. They serve and can critically engage young adults as both eaters and future leaders in food systems, and invest in economic and community health through food procurement. There is a growing demand for healthy and sustainable food services at universities. Research shows a critical need for effective strategies that address systemic and cultural barriers to change.
For this research, I use critical social science and transdisciplinary methodologies, incorporating mixed methods with four primary components: semi-structured stakeholder interviews, participant observation, document analysis of food services contracts, and numerical analysis of procurement data. I have conducted 14 interviews with internal stakeholders including students, faculty, staff and administration as well as external stakeholders such as change makers at other institutions, public policy-makers and non-profit advocates to gather rich data from a diversity of perspectives. I will integrate findings based on thematic coding and analysis of these interviews with information about strengths and gaps in existing contract language from other post-secondary institutions. Numerical analysis of procurement data will help determine relative impact and feasibility of specific interventions.
My research aims to build knowledge for shifting towards healthy, sustainable and just university food systems and is intended to support institutions to find creative and innovative solutions that can contribute to building more sustainable and resilient local communities through food systems change.
February 13, 2019
Food for Thought: The Future of Food at Acadia
As Acadia’s contract with Chartwells Canada comes to an end in April 2019, Acadia University faces a decision that will impact students for the next several years. Chartwells Canada has provided our campus with food services for the past 12 years, but now is the time to evaluate what we want in the next contract, and who will be best able to meet our needs moving forward.
On November 6th, 2018, a student consultation on campus food services was held in the Student Union Building, where students were invited to share their ideas for the next contract. Brief yet engaging discussions were held at numerous tables, facilitated by the students of Dr. Alan Warner’s Sustainable Food Systems course (CODE 3603). Participants got the chance to visit tables focused on different topics, including health, sustainability, affordability, accessibility, community, education, engagement, as well as service, partnership and accountability.
Many thoughts were shared at each table, including what students like about the current services, and what changes they want to see. This feedback will help build a list of Acadia’s desires for the next contract, which will be given to Chartwells Canada as well as other catering companies. The companies may then use this list to prepare a potential service plan that fits the school’s needs.
Health is an important consideration with regard to the food provided for on-campus students. Having healthy food available throughout the day, such as fresh fruit and veggies, is an aspect of the current meal service that is well appreciated. However, it was remarked that an expansion of healthier options would be valued, especially for those with dietary restrictions who may have a harder time finding certain nutrients. Another way to promote well-being could be to restrict the availability of unhealthy food. Although, the idea of pizza and desserts ready at all times sounds appetizing, it does not facilitate a healthy diet.
Another big concern is sustainability. Currently, Chartwells Canada provides some food from local sources, such as the raw eggs in the My Pantry area and certain vegetables. However, there is room for more sustainable initiatives in the next contract, as students would like to see a decrease in food waste and in the use of disposable dishes (which may require an investment in more reliable dishwashers). An increase in meatless meals and fair-trade products would also contribute to a sustainable system.
The cost of a meal plan at Acadia is nothing trivial and motivates many students to move off campus in search of cheaper food. The affordability of on-campus food is an important consideration for the contract, and suggestions to ease the costs included having a choice of different meal plans based on dietary preferences and allowing unused flex cash to be carried over for the next academic year. Deals currently offered for off-campus students, such as 5 lunches for $25, are agreed to be a good idea, though more promotion of these deals would be appreciated.
Accessibility in terms of food services means having access to foods that meet health and dietary restrictions, at times that fit students’ varying schedules. Extended hours are desired; currently, dining hall closes at 10pm every night and only opens at 8am on weekends. These hours may be limiting for students on sport teams with early practices and other full schedules.
Strong community relationships are needed for a successful system, and while Chartwells Canada has several local partnerships at the moment, students would like to see more. Chartwells Canada also hosts monthly theme nights at dining hall which highlight the cuisine of different countries. More experiences like this would contribute to a meaningful sense of community.
Students also emphasized the importance of education for both the food providers and consumers. Staff should always be aware of the ingredients they’re serving so that they can accurately inform people with allergies. Transparency is key. Students should be able to easily find out where their food is from and how it’s made.
Engaging students in informative workshops would be a step in the right direction. Chartwells Canada seems to have several opportunities to promote engagement with students. The dining hall website provides students with daily menus, a calendar of events, and even the opportunity to submit a recipe which could be featured in the menu.
Finally, taking into consideration the service, partnership and accountability of a food provider is essential. The friendliness of current employees is highly valued by students, and good relationships should continue to be emphasized in the service. Meanwhile, more local partnerships should be explored. For example, a system to spend meal plan credits at the Farmers’ Market is desired by some students.
All of these considerations will be taken into account when a new contract is created at the end of April 2019. Food has an enormous impact on our lives and the decisions made next year will affect Acadia students for the next 10 to 15 years. Many students took this opportunity to have their voices heard and ensure a healthy and sustainable system is created. If you missed the student consultation but have an opinion to share, don’t hesitate to contact the Acadia Students’ Union Executive Team with your thoughts.
Natalie Weder is a second year Biology student
November 25, 2018
Surviving Flu Season 101
At this point of the fall, you’ve either had the flu/cold or are about to receive it. If for some reason you manage to escape flu season without so much as a sore throat and runny nose colour me impressed because you must be invincible. For those of us regular folks, it is more of an inevitability when it comes to being cursed with the sickness. In order to help those who have not yet been infected and bring some relief to those sick ones who have, welcome to Surviving Flu Season 101: tips and tricks to preventing that flu:
1. Get Your Flu Shot
This may be the most obvious way to beat the flu but you would be surprised how many people don’t go down and get their flu shots (myself included). All you have to do for this one is suck it up and go down to the clinic for the shot. It really is that easy. While this trick is not going to guarantee keeping that pesky cold away, it is a good way to prepare yourself against the flu.
1. Avoid Unnecessary Stress
Stress really does hamper your ability to stay healthy. Between assignments, labs and exams it can be really hard not to be a little stressed out. Do yourself a favour and get your work done. The sooner you study and complete assignments the less stress you will have later when the due date is fast approaching. Avoid unnecessary stressors and take a break during your day to unwind. Maybe give meditation a shot.
1. Catch those Zzz’s
Your body needs the opportunity to charge and recharge the energy drained during the day. Getting your sleep is important for your body to be working to fight your immune system. When you aren’t sleeping for the proper amount each night, your body is more prone to catching infections. Try staying in bed an extra 10 minutes a day, by the end of the week you will have slept an extra hour.
1. Clean Your Desk
With a little dusting and a disinfecting wipe, your desk can go from flu central to a germaphobe’s dream in just a few minutes. Desks are a hotspot for germs to sit and linger. Your keyboard? Covered in germs. Pencils? Probably gross. Your cellphone? Trust me you don’t want me to go there. Curb the germs and invest in some disinfectant instead.
1. Wash Your Hands
This has been preached since you were in elementary and somehow there are still people who just don’t understand. Don’t worry I’ll repeat it for you. Wash. Your. Hands. Think of all the things you come into contact with throughout the day. A lot of things = a lot of germs. So just humour me and wash and sanitize your hands before and after eating and using the washroom.
Done all the above and yet you still managed to catch a cold? Don’t worry I’ve got some tips for you as well. Surviving Flu Season 101: Tips and tricks to making it out of the sickness alive:
1. Take Some Time To Rest
Sleep, relax, take some of the stress off your body. The more you rest when you first get sick, the more likely your body will be able to repair your immune system and fight against the virus. This may even call for you to miss a lecture for an extra hour of sleep. Your mind won’t be able to properly function while battling a virus and so taking the time to heal will get you back out in the world faster and healthier than if you had not.
1. Breathe in the Steam
Fill the bathroom sink or a bowl with some boiling hot water and breathe the steam in for several minutes until you start to feel some relief. This can ease congestion and open up your nose and throat giving your congestion a much-needed break. This tip may not heal you but it sure will have you feeling good even if just for a few minutes.
1. Drink! Drink! Drink!
Make sure you drink a lot of fluids. Although juices will help it doesn’t hurt to force some water in your body. When you are sick you are at the most risk of becoming dehydrated. By refreshing your body and staying hydrated you can help turn that gross mucus into a more thin liquid that is easier to cough up.
Hopefully, my survival guide has helped you to overcome or postpone the annual virus that has been floating around. If you try your best and follow my tips you just might even make it out as a survivor by Christmas.
Rylie Moscato is a first year English student and Wellness Columnist for The Athenaeum
November 19, 2018
The Good, The Bad, and the Non-Compliant
The Valley is filled with a bevy of restaurants from which Acadia students are privileged to choose. Picasso’s, Lib Pub, Sushi Fang, The Naked Crepe, and many more well-attended establishments. The wider Annapolis Valley area is without a doubt a fantastic place to eat. I’m sure that nearly everyone that attends Acadia has had at least a few delicious meals at one of the previously mentioned restaurants. Sitting in my living room, reminiscing with friends about Wheelock Dining Hall and our days in residence, we began to talk about how dirty some people claim meal hall is. Instantly I was curious and began my standard Google-based investigation. I started by asking myself if I thought there were food safety or health code violations at Wheelock. If there were, how could they be verified? This led me to a larger issue. Are there health code compliance issues with the popular restaurants in town? Again, where would I be able to find this information? As always, Google had my back. Entering the phrase, “Nova Scotia Health Inspector” directed me to public health inspection records.
The Province of Nova Scotia Health Inspector’s website provides a form from which you can instantly request the electronic inspection records for any establishment in the province for the last decade. All you have to do is input some basic information like the name of the establishment, the address, and the period for which you would like to see records. I decided to examine some of the most popular destinations for students both in Wolfville and in the surrounding area.
They include:
- Pronto Pizza
- Picasso’s Pizza
- Paddy’s Brew Pub
- The Naked Crepe
- Troy’s Mediterranean Restaurant
- Library Pub
- La Torta Woodfired Pizzeria
- Sushi Fang
- Wheelock Dining Hall (Operated by our friends at Chartwell’s)
- Subway
In order to get a better picture of historic compliance issues I examined the Nova Scotia Food Establishment Inspection Reports for these establishments from January 1, 2008 through April 5, 2018. Records are removed from the online database after more than three years so the records I have access to are no older than that. How do the various student-frequented establishments stack up when compared to one another? As is the case of a few of these establishments, I feel it is necessary to get specific with what health inspectors revealed during their unannounced examination of these eateries. All health code violations are up to the interpretation of health inspectors. Not all violations represent a serious risk to health, however, it is worth noting that based on the documents I have examined, all of the restaurants do have some violations. I should reiterate, not all violations are serious. The definition of a “Deficiency” under the provincial health codes according to the Nova Scotia Provincial government is “Requirement(s) of the Regulations or Code not being achieved by the food establishment. The word deficiency is often used interchangeably with the words violation, or infraction.” Let’s see what the restaurants of Wolfville have crawling in their back rooms.
Pronto Pizza is one of Wolfville’s establishments frequented by weekend warriors and is also one of the most concerning establishments. On June 5, 2015, the inspection lists no deficiencies. On December 3rd, 2015, the remarks include a failure to store potentially hazardous foods properly, cleaning required of all shelving, rear wooden counter, milk fridge and some shelving and surfaces in 2 door commercial fridge, washroom toilet fixtures, under and behind equipment some wall areas and all floors. Further, inadequate sanitation systems were observed. However, most concerning of all reported deficiencies is listed as, “FAILURE TO OBTAIN A VALID PERMIT PRIOR TO OPERATING A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.” More than one year later on September 26th, 2016, the same deficiencies as December 3rd, 2015 reappeared but the permit issue was remedied.
Picasso’s Pizza makes a rad donair but during visits in October and December of 2017 the health inspector noted on both occasions that there was a “Failure to protect food from contamination” and the comments from the October inspection read, “Store chemicals separately from food & packaging. All food & packaging to be stored >6 in./15 cm. minimum off floor. Dry ingredients containers rusted and not acceptable for food contact.”
Next, we move to Paddy’s ,The Naked Crepe, and Troy’s Mediterranean Restaurant. All three of these businesses seem relatively well in order based on their inspection reports. Both Paddy’s and The Naked Crepe received no infractions on their most recent inspections. In the case of Paddy’s there were consistent infractions during four inspections over two years for “failure to store potentially hazardous food at a temperature of four degrees celsius or less.” The Naked Crepe had only minor infractions revealed in their September 2017 inspection. Troy’s received notices to comply over inadequate hand washing stations in their most recent inspection that took place in February of this year.
Next we turn to the Lib Pub. There is nothing significant to report here other than excellent food and drink. It has been more than two years since their last inspection during which time some basic temperature monitoring devices were reported as not calibrated properly and a dishwasher that could use “Daily water temperature and chemical sanitizer concentration records.”
La Torta Woodfired Pizzeria, I’ve never personally eaten here nor have I heard positive or negative reviews related to the pizza place. Their inspection on April 4, 2018 revealed only minor deficiencies that weren’t related to food safety.
Unfortunately the previous records of relative excellence or acceptability end here. Sushi Fang is without a doubt the worst example of food safety I was able to find. There are some direct quotes from their report that are worth sharing. All inspections took place between July 2015 and February 2018. There were regular violations indicated that suggest Sushi Fang’s operator does not adequately train their staff in safe food handling. Some noteworthy observations from the February 2018 inspection, “Food handler certification of the owner has expired” and, “Raw foods must be kept separate and always stored below ready to eat foods (corrected). All utensils and work surfaces must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition (corrected). Foods must be stored a minimum of 15 cm (6in.) off of the floor (corrected). Foods when returned to storage must be labelled and dated to ensure proper stock rotation. Fresh raw seafood intended to be consumed raw must be dated and ensure frozen >= 7 days at -20C to ensure parasite destruction.” Or, my personal favourite, “Vermin-proof /seal small opening in building.” This restaurant has some ridiculous violations that would indicate food safety is a serious problem there.
Of course, we have to check out Wheelock Dining Hall operated by our friends at Chartwell’s. During their inspections between the February 24, 2016, and December 18, 2017, there were eleven deficiencies noted with nine notices to comply issued. Some of the issues did have to do with food safety and “failure to protect food from contamination” the notes from the inspector indicate lack of sneeze guards and uncovered food being left out for long periods of time.
Subway has some pretty decent sandwiches but their record is rough. Over seven inspections in the last three years there were nine total deficiencies with nine notices to comply issued. The comments “The operator has failed to ensure the food handlers have the necessary training” appears five times over two years.
With all that being said, it seems these health codes are in some cases too specific. They capture issues that are not related to food safety. For example some of these establishments were issued deficiencies based on “lighting intensity” or the lack of a schedule to maintain their dishwashers. On the whole, the restaurants I’ve examined here are probably ok to eat at. The fact is, you should always use your best judgment when eating out. For example, eating sushi in the Annapolis Valley is probably already a risky activity.

I would encourage my readers to verify the validity of this article by visiting: (https://novascotia.ca/agri/foodsafety/reports/Request.aspx).

Disagree with me? Write for the Ath.
April 10, 2018
Opinion: If you’re not into abstinence…
Let’s talk about getting tested.
I know what you might be thinking. You would definitely know if that guy you brought home had chlamydia… like for sure you would have noticed if something was off. And that girl was way too pretty to have gonorrhea, you’re totally certain! None of your friends would ever contract something like that and there’s no way you wouldn’t know if you had one yourself.
If this sounds like you, let me tell you what I’m thinking: you’re wrong. Do you want to know why you’re wrong? Because good-looking people can absolutely get STIs and most STIs don’t have ANY symptoms in over 50% of infected people.
If you have sex (vaginal, anal, oral or whatever else you might be doing) and you aren’t using a physical barrier between you and your partner, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. If you are in a relationship, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. Even if you only have sexual contact with people who “look clean”, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. And if you think you have some weird 6th sense that tells you when people have a venereal infection, you’re wrong and you could totally contract an STI even if your third eye isn’t seeing it.
Here’s the deal. If you have sexual contact with someone without a physical barrier, call up the Mud Creek clinic or go online to book an appointment with a nurse at the Acadia Clinic. It’s a little awkward- sure- but is it more awkward than looking up that person you brought home from the Vil last weekend to tell them over Facebook message or Instagram DM that you gave them something? Is it worse than wondering if your genitals are infected with something that might affect your chances of having children at some point? These infections do not go away over time and can wreak havoc on your system if left untreated!
To avoid an incredibly weird conversation with someone you found attractive enough to sleep with, you’ll go to go to the doctor’s office and tell the receptionist that you’re here ‘to get tested’ in a very hushed voice. You’ll sit in the waiting area and scroll on your phone, hoping that no one asks you why you’re there. While you’re pretending to cough (you’ll say you think you have strep if anyone asks) and avoiding eye contact with anyone who comes into the room, consider that you’re doing a good deed.
Instead of pretending this is some taboo subject that no one has any experience with, let’s be real. Nearly everyone knows someone who has had an STI. So why are we all pretending that it doesn’t happen? Why are we stigmatizing getting tested- something that would help us all?
So, here’s my suggestion to every sexually active Acadia student: talk about it! Go get tested with your friends- make a day out of it and grab an ice cream at The Real Scoop or a beer at The Axe afterward. Don’t make it some big secret. You should be proud of yourself! You held yourself accountable for your actions and made an adult decision to get tested. Good for you!
We’re pretty much all adults here (sorry to the 17 year olds in first year- I’ve been there and I feel for you) so why can’t we act like it? If you’re sitting in the waiting room in the basement of Dennis and your buddy from class comes in, ask what they’re in for. If they fake a cough and say it might be strep, you don’t have to call them out- but if they ask you what you’re in for, why lie? You’re there to get tested to make sure you don’t have to Twitter message anyone about having given them the clap. Own it! Shout it from the rooftops! I peed in a cup! I got swabbed! I don’t have an STI! –You could even use it as a pickup line!
Of course, if you’re absolutely mortified about getting tested and you couldn’t even manage to lie about maybe having strep, there is one other option. And hear me out- it’s not that bad. YOU CAN ALSO JUST USE A CONDOM.
So that’s it. Book an appointment or use a condom. Take the free condoms in the SUB and in the clinic and take advantage of the free health care that we all pay for.
Shout it from the rooftops: safe sex is good sex and safe sex means getting tested!
March 24, 2018
‘IUDid’: The Rise of Intrauterine Devices in Young Women
I was sitting in the doctor’s office nervously. I had taken off all bottoms and layed a sheet over me to protect my vanity. There were scary looking tools beside me. In fact, when I picked up my prescription, $400 later, it didn’t make me feel any better that the box was as long as my arm. How is the size of that gonna fit in here! From the get-go, I was uneasy but excited about the procedure. I did a lot of Googling and speaking to friends and my doctor to ease any worries, many of whom recommended it, with the bonus that it may stop your period altogether! From the articles I read, I was expecting much worse than what I got.
The doctor arrived in the room and right off the bat I warned her that I might start giggling. “Oh you laugh when you’re nervous?”, she asked and I shrugged because I was pretty nervous. The nurse who prepared the tools and did the pregnancy test beforehand offered me Advil™. I had read online that they recommend you take Advil™ 90 minutes before the procedure. This simple question freaked me out. Is it really gonna hurt that much? I was kicking myself for not following the advice online. I was already regretting the fact that I was heading back to work immediately after the IUD. Everything I read said to take it easy and give yourself a few days of taking-it-easy afterwards. Basically, you are at risk of cramps, discomfort and dizziness. Of course these symptoms are subjective and each body will react differently.
I kept psyching myself up and repeating to myself how strong I was and how I have such a great tolerance to pain. This still didn’t settle those butterflies. The only thing that made me feel better was the actual procedure itself and the feeling afterwards. You know that proud, accomplished feeling you get when you stick something in your vagina? Joking aside, the IUD does not go into the vagina as if it were a tampon. It goes even deeper into the cervix. The cervix is what dilates when you are having a baby. That’s right, the IUD goes into the place a whole baby will come out of. If you ever have children down the road, the IUD is taken out and a baby will stretch it out much more than the IUD device. I’m assuming it won’t be for some time as IUDs are a 99.9% effective method of birth control that lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 years! Another pro is that you will never forget to take a pill and your hormones are consistently being regulated without your intervention. I had a lot of facts from my research and my doctor had the pleasure of listening to me during my 20 minute appointment.
I’m a talker who is very curious about everything. Naturally, this led me to ask question after question as my doctor gave me my IUD. “Is my uterus normal?”, “Is there any way I can relax my cervix to make this easier?”, “Do you ever get tired of delivering babies?”, “Have you ever had a patient who’s IUD came out?” And so on and so forth. The questions were endless until I was learning plenty about giving birth and what the experience is like for both the mother and doctor. At one point, she looked up and asked me how I was doing. I was just fine. There was cramping, obviously- a foreign body is pressing into your cervix and the pressure alone will give you cramps, but asides from that, no pain. I had withstood worse cramps naturally when I was on my period.
There was a little struggle with the cervix, considering I have never had children. IUDs were a more common procedure for women who no longer want children later in their life. Because of this, the device can fit easily as the cervix has been stretched by pushing out a baby. That being said, the rise of IUD is young people is growing and it doesn’t show sign of stopping. There are many different IUDs on the market. I was prescribed Kyleena™, my doctor recommended this one as it was developed for women under 25 who have never had children. Of course, all IUDs are generally the same and advice from this doctor doesn’t discredit any other brands or recommendations your own doctor may make. Most of my friends also had Kyleena™, but one had Mirena™. Since I am not enrolled as a full-time student, I don’t have the luxury of health care (asides from OHIP). On January 1, 2018, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) declared that most prescriptions were free to those under 25! Fortunately for those prescribed Mirena™, you are completely covered and don’t have to pay a cent. Unfortunately, for those who are getting Kyleena™ (me!), you have to pay the full amount of $416.95.
It may seem like a large sum of money and believe me, it took me by surprise to lose that much from a paycheck, but if you crunch the numbers, it will pay for itself. I used to spend approximately $90 every 3 months for birth control (although now it’s covered in Ontario). This doesn’t even equate to the amount of money I’ve spent on feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, etc.) over the years. Those things are expensive and your period is something you have to invest in, starting at puberty all the way to menopause. Which for some, starts at 15- and goes to 50+.
IUDs first started their epic journey in 1909 when a Polish Doctor, Dr. Richard Rickter, fashioned a intrauterine ring. Unfortunately, this method of contraception wasn’t accepted for another 50 years and for good reason, considering a slightly scary past of infection, expulsions, perforations and deaths. Over time, the shape and design of IUDs changed significantly to the much smaller, more appealing design they have nowadays. Around the globe today, intrauterine devices are the most popular form of reversible birth control, with over 160 million users! Bear in mind this is just a brief history and it is a quite fascinating one. I encourage anyone who has the time and is curious, to read into it more. There are stories dating back to putting stones in camels and testing the first ones on a physician’s wife.
The moral of the article is that it is a fairly easy, straightforward procedure that doesn’t result in too much pain. There is a feeling of discomfort but nothing you can’t withstand. You are a woman who is capable of anything. Taking birth control or control of your periods into your own hands is liberating and powerful. For me, there is still the small voice that tells me, is this too unnatural? Is it even safe? Looking throughout history, the rise of IUDs has been a positive correlation because of the positive effects and high success rate. If you have any questions regarding IUDs or my opinions towards them, please shoot me a message, I would love to hear from you. As always, I hope you are happy and healthy, making decisions that will reward you or teach you. Until next time.
January 21, 2018
Yoga is for Everyone
The first message of today is this; we are all yogi’s (a person who does yoga), and all of humankind can do yoga anytime and anywhere! Yoga is simply a connection. It is connecting to the breath and all things around us. We are connecting all day long, and every single day of our lives. The way we connect in our lives is so important. Even when we think we are not connected, we are. As beginner yogi’s, we should realize that we have always been connected to others. We have been connected to family, friends, animals, nature, and to everything. Yoga is also the connection between your mind and your body. How do your thoughts manifest within your body every day? Negativity can have harmful effects, and positive thoughts and self-love have amazing impacts on your health. Yoga helps us moderate these thoughts and replace negative ones with better thoughts, and subsequently, better health!
Now that you are aware of this connectedness with everything and everybody, you can begin to tap into the true joy that is the Asana practice. Asana is the physical part of yoga. The twisting, the bending, the posing part. This is the part of yoga that is most difficult for people. Starting slow is critical. I recommend all of Yoga with Adriene’s videos on YouTube. She has oodles of very gentle practices with meditation incorporated into every pose. She is a great yoga teacher for beginners. I personally love her videos for my at-home yoga practice because she truly understands what it means to be connected.
Paying attention to your body and your breath is so important. I even recommend that you observe your breath and observe your posture while watching T.V. Observing creates a greater connection and allows us to have experiences. What I mean by that is that when you observe you are not letting the moment pass you by. We are so distracted by technology that sometimes we forget to observe what’s going on around us. Also observe your thoughts – going back to that mind-body connection. Numerous interactions I have had over the years have left me feeling embarrassed and I end up feeling poorly about myself. Observing those icky negative thoughts and then layering in some self-love and forgiveness can help you on your journey to self-acceptance and better health streaming out of that.
These are all tools that you can weave into your Asana practice to connect fully with your body. Done correctly and consistently, these tools can change your perspective drastically. Remember, even if you do not practice the Asana part of yoga every day, you are still a yogi. You are connected and a beautiful ray of light that shines on this earth.

All of the love,
Ash
September 17, 2017
Beat Anxiety: Tips and Tricks for Surviving Exam Season
When I first came to Acadia, I didn’t think exam season would be so stressful. Silly first year me was under the impression that University exams would be just the same as High School, and that I could cram the night before. Well folks, I was wrong. In High School, it was easy to pull an all-nighter and memorize the required information needed to pass the exam. If you can reproduce what you were taught, or solve the exact kinds of problems you were shown how to solve, High School exams are no problem. University, however, isn’t about memorization. It is about the ability to take what you’ve learned and apply it to new situations and new kinds of problems. While this may seem obvious, it took me a few anxiety attacks to figure it out. For my first exam at Acadia, I didn’t bother studying until the night before. Three hours into my study session and I realized how big of a mistake that was. I stayed awake until 6:00 in the morning, and then passed out with my head on my text book. My exam was at 9:00 am, and I woke up around five minutes before that. That experience threw me off for the remainder of my exams and before each of them I had severe anxiety. Unfortunately, this followed me throughout my exams for the following semesters as well. It wasn’t until my third year at Acadia when I began to grasp how to properly deal with exam anxiety, and I am here to share with my fellow students how I managed to do so.
1.Start Early
This may seem obvious, but it’s something that even the most seasoned exam writers need to be reminded of. The earlier you start in your revision process, the less anxious you will feel. Most exam season anxiety stems from feeling unprepared. Don’t make that an option!
2. Take a Break!
If you are constantly studying, you’re going to burn yourself out. If not, then you will certainly become irritable and it will become harder to retain information. Burn out is a sure-fire way to give yourself unnecessary anxiety. Go for a walk, take a moment to stretch, or grab a snack! Keep your body happy, and your mind will return the favour.
3.Proper Sleeping
Your brain is on over drive during exam season. You’re revising material from multiple classes, or learning material you’ve been neglecting, all at once. That’s a lot for the brain to take! Not to mention the added stressors from every day life on top of that. Your mind needs its rest just as much as your body does. The benefits from a good night’s sleep are endless. Some may be thinking: no way! The more sleep I get, the less time I have to study! Listen, I understand the anxiety that comes with that. But not sleeping properly during this stressful time will only make your body even more susceptible to symptoms of anxiety. Plus, proper sleep helps your mind settle all the newly taken in information into your long-term memory! Your lack of sleep will catch up with you, and in my experience this will happen at the least opportune times- like during your exam.
4. Let It Out
Don’t bottle it up. Once you start feeling the anxiety kick in, begin the steps to combat it. The earlier you catch it, the more successful you will be. Rant to a friend, call your mom, or speak to counselling services. If you begin to feel symptoms of anxiety, the tense feelings in your body will build up until it reaches its peak; usually right before, or during, your exam. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to somebody about these feelings, let your anxious feelings out in a different way! Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and listening to music are some good ways to let it out. It all depends on what each person feels is best for them. Find what helps you fight your anxious feelings, and practice it.
5. Fuel Your Body
Again, I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your body healthy! A stress-free body is a stress-free mind. I know it may seem like a good idea to survive off caffeine and junk food, but you aren’t doing your body any favours. The better fuel your body gets, the better fuel your mind gets. Opt instead for healthy snacks: fruit and veggies are the obvious choices for healthy foods, but you aren’t limited to just those options. Nuts are an excellent choice, you can’t go wrong with yogurt, and dark chocolate is a great option for those who still wish to be indulgent. If you need caffeine to get through your studying (like I do), stick with coffee and teas. Energy drinks will only cause your body to crash harder and faster. However, make sure you don’t overdo your caffeine intake. Hydrate your body with water, and you’ll thank yourself. Hydration will aid stress headaches, muscle aches, and combats fatigue. Your body can’t run at full capacity if you aren’t given it the proper fuel, and water is one of the most important sources of energy for your body.
Late nights, missed meals, and pent up tension will wreak havoc on your ability to concentrate. The above tips may seem obvious, but it’s good to be reminded of these things in the middle of a stressful time. If all else fails, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic de-stressing activities provided on campus. There are several activities hosted in the library beginning April 3rd and lasting through exam season. For a full list of these activities, be sure to check out the library’s Facebook page. Good luck, Axemen and Axewomen!
April 4, 2017
Orthorexia: How Clean Eating Ruined My Life
Two years ago on his birthday, my father suffered a heart attack. He thankfully survived and began his recovery journey with confidence and determination. Part of this recovery included a complete change in diet, and to show my support I took on the challenge with him. For the last two years, I have been participating in ‘clean eating’ and it has changed my life. So much so that I am writing this the day after I came home from a stay in the hospital.
Beginning a healthy lifestyle was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life. But I stuck with it and was so proud of myself for doing so. The better I ate, the better I felt. Instead of being addicted to junk food, I became addicted to healthy food and feeling good about myself. Of all the things a person can become addicted to, feeling good about oneself is a pretty good option. Right? That’s what I used to think. Now I know that an addiction is an addiction no matter how it’s dressed up. Clean eating started out very innocent with me. I only wanted to support my Dad and live a healthier life. The more I practiced clean eating, though, the more obsessed with it I became. The way I felt about myself slowly started to become dependent on what food I ate in a day, and I started to develop a very strict way of eating. Eating healthy wasn’t a choice anymore. It was a necessity. Eight months ago, I ate one Reese’s peanut butter cup in a moment of weakness and felt terrible about it. I felt so ashamed that I contemplated suicide. Even though I clearly did not go through with that, I still decided that I needed to be punished. If I eat badly then I am bad, and bad people deserve punishment. That was the night that I started harming myself. This became a cycle: clean eating, minor slip up, punishment, repeat.
My Dad’s birthday was earlier this week, and my Mom invited the whole family to the house for a celebratory potluck. The entire drive there I was doing everything in my power to keep myself from having a full-blown anxiety attack. Now, as far as group dinner go, potluck is probably the best style for somebody like me. There are plenty of options for me to still eat clean; especially since I bring at least 3 different dishes with me. What I feared were the two things that my family knows I can’t resist: ice cream cake and red wine. Knowing my family, I would be talked into having at least one of those options. So, I made it through dinner fine, skipped out on the cake because I was “just so full from dinner still”, and things were looking great. Then my sister brought out a glass of wine handed it to me and informed me that she had made it herself so I just had to try it. It was good. So good that I had three more glasses. This lead me to possibly one of the biggest mental breaking points I have ever had. My Mom found me a few hours later in the bathroom with blood on the floor from one of my punishments. She took me to the hospital where I spent three days being evaluated, questioned, and finally released after agreeing to see a therapist and a dietician on a regular basis.
Healthy eating is fantastic. Active living is also highly beneficial. But there really is such a thing as too healthy. I took it to a level of extreme that should never have been reached. I took it to the level of orthorexia. The scary part is that on the surface, everything looked fine. I just looked like a normal girl who lived a “healthy” lifestyle. But on the inside, I was falling apart. Now it’s my turn on the road to recovery.

March 22, 2017

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