52 Small Changes to Happiness- Week 6: (Brett Blumenthel and Health Guidance article the Importance of a Multivitamin)

There are times that we eat well and there are times that we do not.
Multivitamins are a combination of the nutritional minerals and vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. The body is a combination of chemical reactions where each of them needs a nutrient or nutrients for them to function properly. By making sure that all the nutrients are present, the body can function smoothly and in an effective manner that results in vitality, energy and good health. Though multivitamins cannot substitute a healthy diet but it can surely provide some good nutrients.
There are mainly two groups of multivitamins; the synthetic and the whole food multivitamins. The synthetic multivitamins are prepared in laboratories by creating essential vitamins and minerals. The whole food nutrients on the other hand are from natural sources and contain concentrates of fruits and vegetables. Besides, they also contain additional nutrients that help the body absorb the vitamins and minerals that are essential.

Taking multivitamins for kids and teenagers is important because this is the growing stage and they need a constant energy for the healthy existence of body and growth of new cells. For this, there is constant need of vitamins and minerals. The same is also needed by athletes and pregnant women because they need this supplement as their body needs constant nutrition. The multivitamin can offer all minerals and vitamins that are needed for the healthy growth.

The immune system also experience rapid growth, when the body suffers from an infection the white blood cells multiply rapidly and this is affected by the nutrition status of the body. Taking multivitamins enhances the immune response of the body and keeps the body healthy. Adults also need multivitamins because it is in the 20’s that people developing vitamin deficiencies. Also with age the increase in responsibilities and managing home as well as career can be tiresome. To cope up with this kind of situations it is important to have multivitamins.

For the elderly, multivitamins are necessary because at this age the body starts losing the tendency to absorb nutrients from the food, and providing nutrients directly in the form of multivitamins can help their body being supplied with all the necessary nutrition. This is not only good for the body but also works great for the skin. However, it is important that you choose a multivitamins carefully because there are some products out there in the market that are not effective.

While buying a multivitamin, it is important that you read the product label and check the dosage. In case you have any doubts about the product then it is important to consult a pharmacist. Another factor to be considered while taking multivitamins is that you should take the vitamin at the same time every day. In case you forget to take the vitamin on time then take it as soon as you remember. Also, keep in mind not to double the dose. To get the best effects of the multivitamin take it with a full glass of water and in case you are eating products containing caffeine then take the tablet 30 minutes after having caffeine, because caffeine inhibits the absorption of vitamins.

So it is important to take your Multi-vitamin!

Cancer conversations raise awareness and save lives [The Broccoli Bulletin]
TUESDAY, 31 JANUARY 2012 22:20
ANN MAI, THE SHORTHORN GUEST COLUMNIST

From left to right, Latoya Oduniyi, Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Educator, and Angela Pollard, Mrs. Fort Worth International 2012, explain cervical cancer causes and prevention tips.
PREV1 of 2 NEXT

“Cancer used to be a taboo word. It should not be taboo. We should be speaking about it.” – Angela Pollard, Mrs. Fort Worth International 2012.

Cancer is not a likely conversation topic among college students, let alone the general population. Last Friday, UTA Health Services hosted a Cervical Cancer Awareness event, which facilitated discussions about cervical cancer. The event aimed to raise awareness in the university student, faculty and staff populations about the risks of cervical cancer and what preventative measures can be taken, as well as inform them about the resources that are available to them, according to Latoya Oduniyi, Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Educator.

While I was having my lunch at the Palo Duro Lounge, I noticed the informational tables and posters and decided to have a look around. I was immediately drawn to the sparkling crown and smiling face of Mrs. Forth Worth International 2012, Angela Pollard. I learned that she had lost both her mother and her mother-in-law to cancer. Mrs. Pollard says of her activism with promoting cancer awareness and prevention: “This is the way my husband and I are dealing with grief. This is where I can give back to the community and educate. Knowledge is power, and if you don’t use the knowledge that you have, you’re not going to lower your risk [of contracting] cancer.”

Cervical Cancer: What you need to know

All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women aged 30 years and older. In 2005, 11,999 women in the U.S. were told that they had cervical cancer, and 3,924 died from the disease.

It is important to get tested for cervical cancer, because 6 of 10 cervical cancers occur in women who have never received a Pap test or have not been tested in the past five years.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In addition to encouraging students to have regular check ups and advising everyone to question the doctor, Mrs. Pollard also advocates other important measures such as a positive lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet and exercise. I agree with the beauty queen’s philosophy: “Your lifestyle is the one thing you can control to lower your risk of contracting diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes in the future.”

After getting Mrs. Fort Worth’s autograph, I collected many pamphlets and resources at the information tables. As a vegan, I was excited, and not too surprised, to see many of the foods that I already eat on a regular basis, on the list of top ten cancer fighting foods (check back for some recipe posts featuring these advantageous foods).

Regardless of our dietary preferences, I think we can all agree that the omnipotence of junk food on campus is a disservice to the well-being of the student population and does not facilitate learning. If one is not mindful, the wrong food choices will cause fatigue and decrease concentration in the short term, and they will greatly affect our health in the long run. However, that’s not to say that a healthful lifestyle on campus is impossible.

Get Involved with Health Services

What: Women Go Red | Heart Health Event
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
When: Feb. 3, 2012
Where: Palo Duro, University Center
Odyuni explained that students can take action to be healthy around campus.

“If it’s readily available in front of you that’s great, but if you live in a world where healthy options are not always visible, you have to take extra steps to make things healthier,” Odyuni said. “People might not be aware that these things are available on campus. It’s a little more work, but it’s doable.”

We are ultimately responsible for the food choices we make. Odyuni encourages students to find different ways to integrate healthy items into their meals and snacks throughout the day, even if doing so may not be popular or what the establishment usually sells.

Healthy snacks for students on the go

Granny Smith apples with peanut butter | Mrs. Fort Worth’s favorite
Grapes | Latoya’s favorite
Almonds and clementines | My favorite

Customizing a meal to make it more wholesome is not a new habit for me. Simple actions such as asking the server to replace meat with beans, replacing cheese with guacamole, replacing white rice with brown rice or asking for more spinach in your sandwich can go a long way to benefit your health. Of course, in addition to a healthy diet, exercise also plays a role — just 30 minutes a day can make a positive difference in our overall health.

Come back soon for a more in-depth post on how to customize your meals at UT Arlington to be healthier and vegan-friendly.