This quarantine has given people more free time and the ability to eat whenever one wants. Because of social distancing practices, some people find it harder to keep a healthy diet at home. While the temptation to eat can be higher, reaching for healthy food instead of junk food is the goal. According to Samantha Byers, who is a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences, her food choices have slightly changed since she moved back home with her parents. "My breakfast has remained the same (oatmeal) but my lunches and dinner differ a lot," Byers says. Byers used to meal prep for her lunches, whereas now she has either leftovers or tries to heat up a quick meal. Before she moved back, she … [Read more...] about Healthy alternatives to daily meals
Health
Webinar hosted to break stigma surrounding mental health
CSUSB’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) held their first webinar to take part in National Mental Health Awareness month. The webinar, titled “You're Not Alone: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health for College Students” was an hour-long discussion tackling mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, that college students face. Mental health is more prominent in students, with more than 40% of students facing depression and 66% of students experiencing overwhelming anxiety. Depression and anxiety are some of the most prominent mental health issues that students experience over the course of their college career. From not knowing exactly where their future … [Read more...] about Webinar hosted to break stigma surrounding mental health
Q & A with former US Marine on life straight into quarantine
Since being discharged from the military in early April, Stacy Gonzalez explains how life has been difficult to adjust to without the benefits and pay she was receiving and the hopes she has of finding a job to become financially stable during this pandemic. Q: How long were you in the Marine Corps and what was your job? A: I was in for four years, which is one full enlistment, and my job was Supply Administration and Operations, which translates into Supply Chain Management. Somewhere during my two-year mark, I transitioned into finance and budgeting. Q: Coming out of the Military into the COVID-19 pandemic, what were some challenges you have faced on a daily basis? A: … [Read more...] about Q & A with former US Marine on life straight into quarantine
Ways to practice wellness at home
Self-care routines can be beneficial to have in this time of a pandemic. Since social distancing practices to slow the spread of COVID-19 has left many with uneasiness, wellness practices have become a part of people's routines. There are many ways to take care of your mind and body all while still social distancing at home. Having structure in your day allows you to feel productive and allows you to get what you need to get done. Adding structure in your day can also help relieve feelings of anxiety. "When quarantine first started I was sleeping late and waking up even later, there was no structure in my day," said Bianca Ruvalcaba, a Senior on campus. "I noticed that about two … [Read more...] about Ways to practice wellness at home
Q & A: Medical assistant expresses struggles in current global crisis
Yadira Ortega, who has worked as a medical assistant (MA) for over a year at the East Side Health Center in Riverside, shares how it is to be an essential worker during this COVID-19 pandemic. Close to home in Riverside County there have been 5,039 cases along with 205 deaths. San Bernardino County has 2,964 cases along with 114 deaths, Los Angeles county has 31,677 cases and 1,530 deaths and Orange County with 3,502 and 76 deaths. Q: How many and what kind of patients do you serve? A: We see patients who need birth control, pregnancy tests or feel sick and need to see a doctor. We serve as many patients as we can in a day that has set appointments, plus walk-ins with three … [Read more...] about Q & A: Medical assistant expresses struggles in current global crisis
Mental health counselor urges the practice of self-care
By Tanya Jansen and Alexis Ramirez Community members are fighting to maintain their self-care rituals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not implementing tactics for self care, especially during quarantine, can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression and may cause irritability with people in one’s life, according to licensed mental health counselor Karin Brackebusch. During quarantine, certain levels of self-care can be lost, since going out with friends, getting out of the house, running errands, and exercising freedom to go outside are some of what constitutes self-care. There are many different ways in which a person can implement tactics of self-care, according to … [Read more...] about Mental health counselor urges the practice of self-care
Staying fit while staying inside
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken over everyone's routines, as people are only allowed to go out for essentials. Staying physically active, while always being indoors, continues to become more difficult due to social distancing practices. Some people are finding ways, however, to staying physically fit while being safe indoors. Gyms have temporarily closed down, and wearing a mask has become mandatory when going outside. Now that there is no access to personal trainers, motivators, and gyms, people have sought creative outlets to exercise. In the past month, two sisters from the Riverside county, Anna Gonzalez and Yazmine Martinez, have decided to share with the world their own … [Read more...] about Staying fit while staying inside
Dr. Keener hosts webinar to help reduce stress
In the midst of trying times, anxiety and stress levels can become overwhelming. Therefore, it is important that stress and anxiety be managed in healthy ways. A virtual workshop on "Top 10 Tips for Better Stress Management in a Pandemic" was held by Rachel Keener, PsyD and CAPS Therapist, on April 16, and the workshop had a total of 84 viewers. Of the 84 viewers who participated, one viewer, Andrea Aguilar, commented that before this workshop, she managed her stress in a variety of ways. One of these ways was participating in a yoga class, and she stuck with that tactic for a while. Another viewer, Raeven Jones, a Psychology Honors Student and a Psychology Peer Advisor, said that … [Read more...] about Dr. Keener hosts webinar to help reduce stress
Nurses fear for their loved ones as novel coronavirus continues to spread
Southern California nurses fear spreading COVID-19 to their loved ones, while being on the frontlines of battling the pandemic. Every day they work with coronavirus patients is another day they put their families at risk. Adeline Manese, a registered nurse at Kaiser Fontana, said, “When the pandemic first started, nurses were not allowed to wear masks unless necessary.” Manese stated that only nurses who were taking care of respiratory patients or performing sterile procedures were allowed access to masks, and they were prohibited from bringing protective equipment from home. As the number of COVID-19 patients steadily increased, the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) … [Read more...] about Nurses fear for their loved ones as novel coronavirus continues to spread
Q&A with Albert Angelo
The CSUSB Student Health Center's Senior Health Educator, Albert J. Angelo, discussed health education regarding students and the COVID-19 pandemic. Angelo is part of the Health Promotion Team on campus which seeks to helping students in health education and engaging in healthy habits. Q: What is the main goal of the Wellness Center? A: The main goal was to keep students educated and engaged while we’re in this weird situation of quarantine. My heart goes out to you guys, especially to those that are graduating because we had all these fun things planned, graduation ceremony and everything. It’s a way of trying to educate students and trying to keep you guys engaged because … [Read more...] about Q&A with Albert Angelo