Eating
Right
You’re on your own for the first time. You don’t have your parents looking over your shoulder to make sure you eat your vegetables or go to bed at a reasonable hour. While your newfound freedoms may be exhilarating, they may not be good news for your body. The foods you eat affect your energy, concentration, and memory, because your body and brain need the right amount of nutrition to function properly. So before you reach for a candy bar or a chilidog, remember that the right choices from the different food groups will help you feel your best. Most students eat what they like without paying much attention to what their bodies need. Dorm rooms are filled with all kinds of unhealthy snacks for the late-night munchies. Even someone with the best intentions probably finds it difficult to resist the less-healthy choices—it’s easier to grab a burger than find a more nutritious option.
R. Dale Bernauer, M.D.
4150 Nelson Rd., Bldg. D, Ste. 1 Lake Charles, La. 70605 PH: 337-474-6960 FAX: 337-474-6970
A non-surgical technique to fight against arthritis and sports injuries. Do you need a joint replacement or suffer from arthritis or sports injuries? We offer a non surgical solution. Regenerative Therapy is designed to regenerate joint cartilage and decrease arthritic changes and pain. This therapy uses a combination of injection therapy, laser therapy, exercises, bracing and other modalities. Parts of the program can be covered by insurance while parts are not. A commitment to the whole program is necessary for success. This is how it works: The physician introduces natural medicine into damaged, arthritic cells by means of a precise injection. This process is followed by infrared laser as well as several other modalities in order to accelerate the process. Depending on tissue damage, severity of the condition and the size of the joint that needs to be injected, people usually need a series of 1 to 6 treatments to improve. There is usually no downtime, and people can go back to their usual activities or work immediately. The treatments can help most musculoskeletal problems such as knee pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, tendonitis, sprain, strains, torn ligaments and cartilage damage. For more information and to schedule your treatment call 337-474-6960. PAGE 36
AUGUST 7, 2008
What your body needs Nutritional requirements vary from person to person, depending on age, sex, size, level of activity, and so on. In general, however, your diet should provide you with a balance of protein, dairy products, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Many nutritionists recommend that the majority of our diet come from grains, vegetables, and whole fruit. Whole-grain carbohydrates — such as brown rice and whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta — are better choices than their more processed counterparts (such as white bread and regular pasta) because they retain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables and fruits are much better fresh than canned or frozen, since they don’t contain added salt, sauces, or sugar. Don’t just concentrate on fruit; experts say that you should actually eat more vegetables than fruit for an ideal balance. Protein is another essential part of any diet. This includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, or non-animal sources such as dry beans and nuts. Dairy products such as cheese,
yogurt, and milk also provide protein, as well as calcium. A few servings of lowfat dairy such as yogurt or skim milk and two to three servings of additional lean protein-rich foods every day add nutritional benefits without too much fat and cholesterol. To snack or not to snack When you’ve been up late cramming for an exam, you may crave sugar, caffeine or fatty snacks because you think they’ll give you a boost—not to mention they’re readily available. But make sure that unhealthy snack foods play a small role in your overall diet. Popcorn is good, but don’t use too much salt or butter. Try an apple with peanut butter, yogurt mixed with low-fat granola or walnuts, or a tortilla with cheese, heated in the microwave and topped with salsa. Yum! Moderation is key Ultimately, you need to take the right approach to food. Don’t feel guilty if you occasionally indulge in junk food. Most experts advise that moderation is the key. Pay attention to the size of your portions and how often you eat that food. Don’t count every calorie. It’s more important to concentrate on getting the nutrients you need by eating a wide variety of food and including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Remember, there are all kinds of food available to you in the dining hall on campus. It’s up to you to choose the right ones. Source: Nemours Foundation