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Show AggieLife Wednesday, April IS, 2009 Page 7 Alleviating springtime allergies By CATHERINE MEIDELL staff writer As all the plants are budding and blooming in the dawn of spring, many students are groaning thinking about the bottles of allergy medicine it will take to keep their noses from running. According to www. achooallergy.com, 55 percent of Americans test positively to one or more allergens. The most common allergens include dust, mold, pollens, animal dander, eggs, milk, penicillin, peanuts and latex. Right now, pollens are the most prominent allergen because spring is officially known as allergy season, according to the Achoo Allergy FAQ. Achoo Allergy explains that spring is the worst ' time for an allergic disease called rhinitis, which is most commonly known as hay fever. Alex Schmall is a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering who experiences hay fever from the middle of spring into early winter. He said the symptoms he experiences include a runny nose, a lot of congestion in his throat and itchy eyes. When his eyes get itchy, he said he cannot rub them or they will become swollen. Throughout allergy season he said he experiences these symptoms multiple times a week. Schmall said he has never been to a doctor for his condition because he found Benadryl works wonders for him every time he feels the allergy symptoms coming on. "Sometimes at night and during the day it has gotten to the point where I'm hacking for 10 to 15 minutes. Then 1 take a Benadryl when I can breathe for 40 seconds. It sucks. You can call it an episode," Schmall said. The Benadryl takes effect quickly for Schmall. He said his allergy symptoms become less intense immediately and then a little while after that he can function normally again. Some are allergic to more than foreign particles floating around in the air. Dalton Bennett is a freshman and accounting major who is allergic to cats and some types of grass along with the pollens that the spring season brings. "My dad has hay fever and grass allergies and my mom is allergic to animals. I got a nice combination of both of them." Bennett said. Bennett said he, like Schmall, has never seen a doctor, but has found ways to get rid of the tickling he gets in his throat when all the flowers are in full bloom. His own remedy is a combination of Wal-Mart ALLERGIES AFFECT 55 PERCENT OF AMERICANS. In order to stop allergies before they start, students said they rely on at-home remedies. TYLER LARSON photo illustration brand allergy relief medicine, eye drops and sometimes Claritin. If a person has allergies and knows that they are going somewhere that could spark their allergy symptoms, taking medicine ahead of time is a wise idea, Bennett said. "If the allergy symptoms take you by surprise, then medicine takes one to two hours to work," Bennett said. By taking medicine before allergies kick in, Bennett said other students can attempt to alleviate the inconvenience of spring allergies. -Catherine. meidell@aggiemail.usu.edu Eating healthy: A day in the life of a dietitian By MACKENZIE LOVE staff writer It's midnight and a seven-page paper is due, along with studying for several exams. When most students reach for the bag of M&Ms or a Mountain Dew, it's important to know the body and mind can work betler when following good nutritional guidelines. If students want to know whether or not they are getting the nutrition they need, MarLee Harris, registered dietitian, can help. Harris works at the USU Student Health and Wellness Center and does one-on-one nutritional counseling. Harris said nutrition is an element that should be important in the daily life of students. "Just have fun, live in the moment but also plan a little bit as to how you're going to take care of your nutrition," Harris said. Harris graduated from USU in dietetics and after an internship with Idaho State University came back to USU. Harris said she has worked as the center's dietitian for about two years. Harris' day starts at 8:30 or 9 in the morning. She meets with students and covers topics ranging from weight loss and eating disorders to general nutrition questions. She also holds cooking classes, grocery shopping tours, works with athletes and helps dietetic students who are looking for internships. Her day ends at 5 or 6 p.m. Harris also works with USU Dining Services and the healthy living challenge they promote. Harris spends Monday, Wednesday and Friday working at the Student Health and Wellness Center and Tuesday and Thursday at the Living Learning Center and Counseling Center on campus. She also issues a healthy living challenge within her nutritional counseling that helps students live better by discussing topics that include getting enough exercise and eating breakfast. Harris tries to accommodate each student and their individual needs when counseling. "We work with each person individually because some people have different tastes or different schedules," Harris said. "I sit down one on one and try to figure that out with each person so that it works for them." Harris said the number one thing students can do to help their nutritional needs is to stay hydrated. Harris recommends having a water bottle and drinking at least eight fluid ounces of water each day. "It's something that is kind of quick, free and something they can do that will help make a big difference in how they feel," Harris said. Harris also said students should take time to plan out what they are going to eat and have a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein that will give energy and sustain the body. "One thing with snacks and meals is that you want to get some carbohydrates to give you energy, but protein as well to sustain that energy," Harris said. "You'll also feel like you're satisfied longer when you include that protein." Balanced meals should include fruits and vegetables, she said. Harris said students should aim for five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables each day, even if it's packaged. Harris said, "That's better than no vegetables or fruit, so it's OK to buy frozen and canned especially if money is a little bit tight." When students do get chocolate or sweet cravings, Harris said it's OK to allow an indulgence once and a while. "Don't think that any food is a forbidden food because then you'll want it more," Harris said. "Recognize that it's human and OK to eat those foods. You just want to be aware of why you're eating them and actually enjoy it." Harris said students should eat what they like but try something new every once and a while. She also said food should not be worried about, but enjoyed. "Food should be fun so don't stress about it," Harris said. "Plan a little bit, take some time and a little bit of money to make sure that you're feeling well fueled. It's going to make a big difference in how you feel." To schedule an appointment . with Harris, students can call or visit the Student Wellness Center. More information on simple nutrition guidelines can be found at www.usu.edu/nutrition. -mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu The USU Music Department and the Caine School of the Arts present UtuhState USU GUITAR ENSEMBLES Saturday, April 18th Performance Hall 7:30 pm Admission $5 Free for students. Tickets are available at the CSA Box Office (797-8022) or at the door. Ik ^APARTMENTS ,* ~ This Saturday'V '(' 10-5pmor^ Stop by the office, Private Bedrooms • Fully Furnished • Close to USU & Bus Stop • Onsite laundromat MARLEE HARRIS, DIETITIAN AT THE USU HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, explains what a proper well balanced plate during a meal should look like. Harris said her day includes consulting with USU Dining Services to bring healthy food to students as well as one-on-one consultations to help students learn how to maintain a well-rounded diet. KR1STY JORDAN photo School Year Rent $2350-$2650* *Price includes Utilities, Cable TV and Wireless internet. Every referral also earns you money off your rent. , OFFICE: 454 N 400 E emailLLarestgatemanagers@live.com (43 5 ) - 7 5 2 " 1 5 1 6 |