The complex relationship between students and coffee

by Lizabeth Kasmer Guest Writer

Coffee is a drinkable liquid that stimulates the mind and body.

Lock Haven University (LHU) students find this addictive substance helpful yet harmful to their busy lives. Students participate in extracurricular activities outside of their regular class schedules, such as jobs, on and off-campus events, clubs, and sports.

College students often drink coffee to avoid a midday crash during the semester. Inside LHU’s Starbucks, several sleep-deprived college students voiced coffee’s contribution to their daily lives.

Brady Proctor said, “I don’t often drink coffee, but I enjoy it; I mostly drink tea and soda, which both typically have caffeine. When I drink coffee in the morning, it wakes me up.”

When asked whether caffeine would impact his reaction time and balance, he said, “I think it would make me react quicker, but I do not think it affects my balance in a positive way.”

Zach Waltrup and Janessa Swartz shared similar thoughts. While they agree coffee energizes them, Waltrup and Swartz also think their coffee consumption determines whether or not they get headaches.

“Coffee positively and negatively affects me,” Swartz said. It’s something that wakes me up in the morning, but if I don’t have it in the day, it gives me a massive headache.”

In addition to energy boosts students, like Tabitha Gallaher, also enjoy the creativity behind coffee.

“I like the fact that coffee is so customizable; there are many different flavors of coffee blends, creamers, and syrups,” Gallaher said. “After my first cup of coffee in the morning, I have energy and motivation to do what I need to do, but when it wears off, I feel tired, unmotivated, and sleepy.”

Based on students’ personal experiences, coffee positively impacts their day when they first drink it. Students also note that they experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, drowsiness, slower reaction time, and poor balance. However, students reported that, when they consumed coffee, their energy would be restored.

On-campus baristas see the effects of caffeine firsthand. Taylor Hicks, a Starbucks barista and student, noticed the energy it brought to her peers. “You can definitely notice the pickme-up attitude from students when you are taking orders and making drinks,” Hicks said.

College students’ dependence on coffee led Health Science Professor Coffee, Page 9 career, according to Kantner, is the impact she makes on the residents.

“Even just saying hello to the residents in their rooms makes their day better.”

She finds that residents who partake in or even just watch these activities appreciate the company. Simply having fun with residents and giving them a reason to smile makes Kantner’s work worthwhile.

Stay healthy this spring

by Rachel Palmer Guest Writer

It seems like a lot of people are getting sick right now. This might be because spring is one of the worst times for illness. The changing barometric pressure, temperatures, and wind can compromise the body’s immune system and make it difficult for people to fight off infections.

The following list details several helpful tips to avoid illnesses like the coronavirus, norovirus (a strong stomach bug), and the common flu this spring.

WASH HANDS OFTEN

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone wash their hands after eating meals, using the restroom, touching an open wound, changing a baby, and after coughing, sneezing, or touching their nose. When in doubt, wash!

It is important to wash not only palms and fingers with soap and water, but also wrists, between the fingers, and under the nails every time to ensure no leftover germs or grime are left behind.

Washing for fewer than 20 seconds usually means hands haven’t been cleaned thoroughly enough. The easiest way to keep track of washing time is by humming “Happy Birthday” from start to finish twice. Another option is using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, though it is not as effective as washing with soap and water.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

The recommended amount of sleep for young adults is between seven and nine hours every night. Sleeping at least seven hours helps to process information learned during the day and improves control of emotions as well as decision making.

Sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, inattention, impaired memory, and poor impulse control.

Consistent sleeping patterns are also important. It’s best to aim to go to sleep and wake up at around the same time every day. Experts say that “catching up” on sleep after one or more nights of very little sleep is bad for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle and should be avoided whenever possible.

Take Precautions When Necessary

While taking precautions has become a more widespread concept after the pandemic emerged in 2020, people often forget how easy it is to pass illness to others. Germs can live on surfaces for 24 hours, so when someone is not feeling well, it is good practice to limit the items shared between people (drinks, utensils, towels) and sanitize surfaces often.

Face masks and COVID-19 tests are also available on campus at Glennon Health Services and other public buildings like Stevenson Library. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, he/ she must report his/her results to covidcoordinator@commonwealth.edu.

If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms but tests negative for COVID-19, Glennon Health Services can help with a diagnosis and symptom treatment. All health services provided at Glennon are free for students.

Frequently washing and sanitizing hands, getting plentiful sleep, and taking any necessary precautions are three useful tips to best combat illness this spring. With warmer weather just around the corner, make sure to spend time outside with family and friends rather than being cooped up inside suffering from a stomach bug.