health center news & views
Issue 20 March 2010
The Athena Project Wasting Time Effects of Quitting
Have you experienced abuse from a Are You a Time Waster? The effects of quitting after smoking:
romantic partner? Help is available... • Over or Under Sleeping 20 minutes: Blood pressure drops to a level
Available research suggests that domestic Most college-age students need 9 hours close to that before you had your last cigarette.
abuse—physical, sexual, and/or emotional each night. Sleeping in class is unproductive The temperature of your hands and feet
abuse—occurs at an alarming rate. for you and your instructor. Set a schedule increases to normal.
and stick to it. Remember you are paying 8 hours: Carbon monoxide level in the blood
Domestic abuse can result in: drops to normal.
to be here!
• Distressing thoughts about the abuse 24 hours: Your chance of a heart attack
• Nightmares • No Plan for Your Time
Manage your time; do not let it manage decreases.
• Trouble concentrating you! Follow your schedule. Remember to 2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves.
• Avoidance of situations that remind give yourself some free time. Your lung function increases up to 30%.
you of the abuse
•Anxiety • Electronic Devices 1-9 months: Coughing, sinus congestion,
How much time do you spend on the fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia
If this describes you or someone you know, internet, text messaging, playing games, regain normal function in the lungs, increasing
free help is available. talking on the phone? Learn to set limits on the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs,
your entertainment time. and reduce infection.
The Athena Project at the University of
• Shopping 1 year: Your chance of having a heart attack
Memphis (UM) is a research clinic established
This can eat up time and money! Plan your is cut in half.
to assist women who have experienced
trips out, do multiple errands in one trip, 5 years: Stroke risk is reduced to that of a
domestic abuse. Women participating in the make lists!
Athena Project receive a thorough assessment nonsmoker five to 15 years after quitting.
of current psychological difficulties. If a woman • Socializing 10 years: Your risk of dying from lung cancer is
is having significant post-trauma problems, Make time for friends after schoolwork is about half that of a continuing smoker; risks of
done, you will enjoy it more! cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder,
she may qualify for free treatment as well.
kidney, and pancreas decrease.
By avoiding these pitfalls and organizing
Open to all women ages 18 and older who 15 years : Your risk of coronary heart disease
your time, you will actually find you
have experienced domestic abuse. You is that of a nonsmoker.
have more time for studying, completing
do NOT have to be affiliated with UM to
assignments, hanging out with friends and From the American Cancer Society
participate. All services are free of charge
having a rewarding college experience. Free Smoking Cessation Counseling in
and participation is strictly confidential. For
This will reflect your dedication, plus you Student Health Services for students.
more information, contact Dr. Beck at (901)
will enjoy college life with much less stress!
678-3973. Contact Preeti Rao at krao@memphis.edu.
March-National Nutrition Month 22-26 Tigers Feel Grrreat Fitness
16-17 Sign up email for Tigers Feel
4 Free Hiv Screening Seminars Pre-register PAN 101
Grrreat Fitness Program
PAN 200 1 -3 PM (watch your inbox!) 24 Kick Butts Day : Smoking
Cessation Information
8-12 Have A Safe Spring Break 18 Cooking With The Chef watch for Mr. BUTTS!!!
(Learn To Cook!)
15-19 Problem Gambling Week 28 – April 6
Manning 400 11:30-12:30
National Eating Disorders Week
Questions? Requests? Did you know that discarded batteries are a serious hazard to
e-mail: jdefouw@memphis.edu the environment? Take your used batteries to Room 230
or call: 678-4745 of the Ray Herzog Building on campus for recycling.
top photo: Tom 2, courtesy Lindsey LIssau
For more info: http://bf.memphis.edu/pp.recycle.php
Tiger Scoop Available Online:
http://saweb.memphis.edu/
health/newsletters.htm