Gifts for Any Budget

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

As author Eileen Elias Freeman said, “It’s not the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.”  So for those on a tight budget, here are some inexpensive Christmas ideas for your last minute shopping.

Under $5

·         Booklet of favors- clean room, wash dishes, his/her choice of movie, etc.

·         Handmade ornament

·         Friendship bracelet-matches the hippy-style jewelry you could pay much more for in stores!

·         Baked goods- pinterest.com has tons of delicious and eye catching recipes

·         Video greeting card- create a video to send to those who may live far away or may not be sharing the holidays with you

·         A “quote a day” jar- fill a jar full of inspirational quotes so everyday he/she can pick an uplifting motto for the day

·         A thoughtful letter- sometimes what we have to say is more thoughtful than what we give

·         Picture frames

Under $10

·         Collage of pictures- for friends, family, or a significant other

·         Funky ice trays- come in the shape of princess wands, skulls, you name it!

·         Scented candles

·         Scarf or gloves

·         Exotic teas or coffees- put together a small sample from your local grocery store

·         Nail polish- pick a fun color or the popular “crackle” polish by OPI

·         Disposable camera- it can be fun and exciting not knowing how pictures will turn out

·         Garden gifts- seeds, tools or gloves

·         Gourmet popcorn tins

·         Board games- brings out the kid in all of us

·         Cooler- perfect for tailgating!

Under $20

·         Tech friendly gloves to use with smart phones

·         Makeup- Sephora offers great gift packs during the holiday season

·         Earmuff headphones-can be found on gifts.com

·         Personalized makeup bags

·         Fold up emergency flats- perfect for the walk home after a long night out!

·         Funky phone cases- customize with pictures or designs.  MLB, NFL, etc. for guys, and pictures of friends, pets, or bright designs for girls

·         College survival cookbooks

·         Books- with so many genres, there is a book for everyone!

·         Stationary- many websites even allow you to personalize it

·         Personalized mouse pad, calendar, mug, luggage tags, business card holders- great for parents or friends in the workforce

·         Digital frame key chain

·         Funny shirts- check out donkeytees.com

·         Custom m&ms- get someone’s favorite NFL team, name, or even face on an m&m

·         Electronic over the door basketball hoop- you are never too old for some old school fun

·         Wallet or money clip

·         Personalized golf tees or golf balls

Muscle Memory for the Brain

Ever wondered how muscle memory works or how to train your brain? Here is an interesting article:
http://www.buildingpersonalstrength.com/2010/03/muscle-memory-truth-revealed.html

Contributer: Katie Avra

Finals Week Survival Guide

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

Preparing for Finals

1. Stay healthy- just because you are face down in a book doesn't mean you should sacrifice your health.  Stick to healthy meals and hit the gym.  Exercising not only wakes you up but releases endorphins that make you happy.

2. Don't wait until the last minute- start studying as soon as you can.  The more you spread it out, the less likely you will be pulling an all-nighter, cramming information.  It is better not only for long term memory but will keep you less stressed during the studying process. 

3. Plan it out- create a studying schedule you know you can stick to. Leave some time for yourself and spread out your topics.  Figure out which exams you will need to spend more time on and allocate wisely.

4. Choose your study group wisely- if you know you study best by yourself, don't give in to studying with friends who may make your studying counterproductive.  If you do decide to study with others, make sure you are all on the same page as far as getting items accomplished and staying on task.

5. Take breaks- it's not realistic to think you will study a week with no break.  Plan meals with friends for just half an hour to sit and chat.  It will clear your mind and help you feel better about spending so much time studying.

6. Do what works best for you- if you know studying a certain way (for example making flashcards or a study guide) has proved to work well on past tests, stick to that method. 

7. Consult classmates and professors- make sure you have all then study materials you need and do a quick run through of everything on the test.  If the teacher has given you a study guide, USE IT! If the teacher offers a review session, ATTEND!  Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions- some professors provide extended office hours during finals week.

8. Check exam times and know what to bring- the last thing you want to do is miss your final so, double check the time and location of your final. Also, check to see if you need a Scantron, Blue book, etc. Bring extra pens and pencils and extra batteries if you have a calculator.

9. Find out the type of exam- Preparing for a multiple choice exam is much different than preparing for an essay based exam.  Teachers are usually willing to divulge the format of the test, so use that information to your advantage. If the exam is online or open-book, you still need to prepare! Sometimes these exams are much more difficult.

10. Give it your all- hang in there because the semester is almost over.  Don't leave any chance for a bad grade and try your hardest to make this your best test yet.  If the test is cumulative, don’t overestimate how much you will remember come test time.  Take the time to go through all the necessary materials and, as badly as you want to, don’t rush.

11. Sleep and remember to breathe- if you manage your time well, you should have time to get in your 8 hours.  Drink coffee when you need it but remember that appropriate amounts of sleep affect your productivity levels.  Stress can cause sleepless nights, so try breathing exercises or mediation to clear your mind before bedtime.

During the Final

1. For a paper-based exam, read through the entire final exam before you start answering any questions at all. This way, you will know what you’re facing and can determine the best starting point. Some students benefit from answering the most difficult questions first, while others do better completing all the easier ones. Do what works for you.

2. If the final is an online exam, find out if you can revisit questions, or if after you click past a question you cannot go back to it again.  Be careful and allot your time wisely for timed exams.

3. If you’re using a Scantron and you skip a question to finish later, make sure you lightly note to go back.  Messing up the question order on a Scantron can be detrimental so be extra careful.

4. Keep a close eye on the time you have allotted. If you have a watch, wear it! Some classrooms may not have a clock or one that is working correctly, so better safe than sorry.

After the Final

1. Let it go! If you did your best, there is nothing more you can do. The exam is over so no use rooting through notes to see if you remember any of the questions to double check yourself.

2. Take a breath, relax, and then move on to the next final.  Give yourself a reward- it may boost your confidence and motivation for the next exam.

3. Do not share with other students what was on the final exam. This could not only get you in trouble, but it may also ruin your chances of getting a curve.

4. Once grades are posted, if you aren’t satisfied, see what you did wrong so you can learn from your mistakes- you still have the option to email a professor or stop into his/her office to look at your test.

“Smart Drugs” Not so Smart: A College Campus Invasion

Contributer: Katie Avra

(Part 1 of 2 Part Series)

The staff members of Academic Enhancement are not medical experts or counselors in prescription drug issues. Please consult a medical professional for any and all drug-related questions or concerns. This article is not intended to replace or mimic professional medical or health advice.

WHAT ARE SMART DRUGS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

On college campuses across the country, students are competing for the highest grades, scholarships, and opportunities. We, in the campus community, have witnessed so-called “smart drugs” quickly and easily moving into the hands of college students seeking an academic edge. An increasing number of students are abusing “smart drugs”, such as the prescription Adderall, to boost their academic performance. “Smart drugs”, like Adderall, are stimulants that one is prescribed and is intended for students with diagnosed learning disabilities. These drugs increase focus and minimize distraction; students using “smart drugs” claim they help with concentration and productivity.

Students are looking for easier study methods, better grades, and more opportunities to surpass their peer competition. Experts reported, to MSN Today Health in May 2011, that 1 in 10 students abuses Adderall. Alarmingly, at UK, Dr. Alan DeSantis of UK’s Communication’s Department, reports that 1 in 3 students have tried using “smart drugs” by their junior year (Carroll, 2011; DeSantis, 2011).

HOW ARE STUDENTS GETTING AND ABUSING “SMART DRUGS”?

Many first year students who were prescribed and used Adderall in high school, are now coming to college with their prescription.  If those students don’t use their medication daily then a surplus is created. It is likely that this surplus medication makes its way into the hands of eager buyers (DeSantis, 2011).

Some students are getting their prescriptions and then selling their surplus medications to other students. College students looking for an academic boost are a captive audience for illegally obtaining and abusing “smart drugs”. As the papers, research projects, and exams pile up, these strenuous academic periods make taking stimulants increasingly appealing (DeSantis, 2011).

WHY ARE STUDENTS ABUSING “SMART DRUGS”?

·         Alertness Aid for Studying

·         Increased Focus and Concentration

·         Gaining an Academic Edge: Peer Competition

·         Preparing for Raising Academic Expectations

·         Responding to Fewer Educational Opportunities: Scholarships, Internships, Research Positions 

WHAT DO “SMART DRUGS” DO IN YOUR BODY?

“Smart drugs” increase your heart rate and raise the dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a brain relay messenger) that helps to control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them (Newton, 2009; Romanelli, 2011).

Possible side-effects listed on Adderall’s Product Information Sheet for adults are potential:

(Shire Biopharmaceutical Company, 2011)

·         Anxiety

·         Agitation

·         Dizziness

·         Insomnia

·         Asthenia (body and muscle weakness)

·         Urinary tract infections

·         Diarrhea

·         Loss of appetite

·         Weight loss

THE FACTS ON “SMART DRUGS”

Dr. Frank Romanelli, of UK’s College of Pharmacy, reports that Adderall helps users focus and be more alert. Students who take the drug claim it helps with memory but Dr. Romanelli confirms that it just makes “things easier to remember” which is a potential secondary effect. Dr. Romanelli explains that students may become either physically and/or psychologically dependent on the drug.  For instance, if a student writes a paper while using Adderall and gets an A on that paper then the student makes psychological associations between getting A’s with using “smart drugs” (Romanelli, 2011).

WHERE DO YOU AND UK FIT INTO THIS?

Dr. Romanelli reported, “If UK doesn’t have a problem [with “smart drugs”] than we are abnormal.” He also reports seeing an increase in ADHD and other psychological diagnoses over the last 10 years and that has led to more questioning. UK’s Communication’s Department has been conducting social study surveys twice a year for the last 6 years. Dr. Alan DeSantis, who leads the survey, has discovered that UK has a slightly higher rate of abuse than other universities. Please look for our follow up article from the social science perspective (Romanelli, 2011; DeSantis, 2011).  

HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES TO ABUSING “SMART DRUGS”

·         Regular Exercise

·         Healthy Eating

·         Caffeinated Beverages (in moderation)

·         Good Sleep Habits

·         Early Studying and Exam Preparation

·         Stress and Anxiety Management

·         Speaking with a Counselor 

If you or someone you know would like more information about drug-related issues please contact a medical professional or UK’s Counseling Center at (859) 257-8701 or visit them at 201 Frazie Hall.

Video news stories

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43050779/ns/today-today_health/t/steroids-school-college-students-get-hooked-smart-drugs/

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6430949n

SOURCES

Carroll, L. (2011, May 17). Steroids for School: College Students get hooked on smart drugs. Retrieved August 18, 2011, from MSN Today Health: http://today.msnbc.com/id/43050779/ns/today-today_health/t/steroids-school-college-students-get-hooked-smart-drugs

DeSantis, D. A. (2011, October 28). Professor in the Communication's Department at the University of Kentucky. (K. Avra, Interviewer)

Newton, D. P. (2009, April 26). What is Dopamine? The neurotransmitter's role inthe brain and behavior. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mouse-man/200904/what-is-dopamine

Romanelli, D. F. (2011, September 1). Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky. (K. Avra, Interviewer)

Roxby, P. (2011, April 2). Do 'smart drugs' really make us brainier? Retrieved August 18, 2011, from BBC Health News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12922451

Shire Biopharmaceutical Company. (2011). Adderall Product Information Sheet. US Food and Drug Administration.

Write Your Way To An A

Amanda Laborio

Marketing Intern

As the semester wraps up and finals quickly approach, so are the deadlines for end of the semester papers and research projects.  You may have already turned in other written assignment, but you may still be hesitant about how to best tackle a longer paper or project. No fear, the following is a list of suggestions for making the writing process less stressful and more rewarding.

Don’t wait until the last minute.  I know for most students this sounds impossible, but I promise it is not that difficult. You don’t need to have your paper finished a week in advance. This tip simply means to take some time to think out your topic before you start writing. While you're riding the bus or walking back to your dorm after class, take some time to reflect on what themes have been covered in the course and how they relate to the assignment. Even if you don’t have time to sit down and type until the night before the paper is due, organizing your thoughts prior to the last minute will make developing your paper much easier.

Get other people to read what you write.  After working on a paper for an extended time, it becomes increasingly difficult to spot simple mistakes. Let one of your peers read over your paper to check for these types of errors and they will be much more likely to spot them. In some cases, also try having someone from outside of your field of study read over your writing. They will be able to pick up on issues of clarity and making sure that what your writing is understandable to others.

Pay attention to your professor. Professors each have a special pet peeve when it comes to the writing of their students. Whether it’s an English professor who harps on transitions or a Biology professor who hates commas, listen to what your professor is asking for and then give it to them. At this point in the semester you have probably had a written assignment returned to you, complete with a grade and some comments from the professor. Read those comments and don’t make the same mistakes in your next paper. 

If you can use fewer words, do. Using the words “really,” “very,” and “actually” repeatedly may make your paper reach its ten pages, but they won’t get you an A. Not only do these words not add any meaning to your paper, they distract your professor from the point you are trying to make.  Also, this is not the first paper your professor has graded. They can see right through any shortcut attempts you make to hit that page count without adding worthwhile content.

Cite. Cite. Cite. Every teacher since the fourth grade has more than likely drilled this into your head. Using information without citing the source is a form of plagiarism. At the University of Kentucky, plagiarizing is not taken lightly, with possible punishments being an “E” in the course, suspension, or even expulsion from the University. Luckily, there are numerous resources available to you for citation assistance. The Purdue Online Writing Lab, or OWL has information on all aspects of paper writing, but is especially good for citation information and keys to formatting your papers in the appropriate style. There are also many sites that will help you create the listings for your works cited or bibliography pages. My personal favorite is KnightCite. 

Still struggling? For extra help with tackling your next paper, visit The Writing Center located on the 5^th floor of William T. Young Library. You can schedule an appointment through their website, http://wrd.as.uky.edu/writing-center.

Is Thanksgiving just a Retail Holiday?

Contributer: Katie Avra
For many, this time of year is about family, good food, and warm memories. For others, November 24^th is a green light to the approaching holiday shopping season. Before the leftovers have cooled, these Black Friday shoppers are out the door in search of the best Black Friday deals. The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving (Wikipedia, 2011). Since its origin in 1966, Black Friday has become a holiday in its own right. It takes place the day after Thanksgiving and marks for many Americans, an anxiously awaited retail marathon.

Not being a Black Friday shopper, I wanted to find out about all the hype. If you Google search “Black Friday,” as I did, you will find numerous websites solely dedicated to this retail extravaganza. If shopping was a competitive sport than Black Friday would be its “Super Bowl.”

The Black Friday websites cater to the MVPs of shopping. The sites offer scanned copies of shopping ads for nearly all stores participating nationally. Many stores are closed Thanksgiving, like Best Buy and Target, but open at midnight on Black Friday cutting retail employees’ holiday short. This year some stores such as Toys ‘R’ Us and Wal-Mart will be opening at 10pm on Thanksgiving Day. Some stores have time limits on their sales, specials, or “door busters” that end at noon or midnight on Saturday. Stores are also advertising deals all this week campaigning for pre-Black Friday sales.

Check out the websites below for more information on Black Friday and getting the best deals:
Shopping and sales information:
o   www.theblackfriday.com
o   www.blackfriday2011.com
o   www.blackfriday.info

Tips for getting bargains: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45385396#45385396

Consumer Report’s “Naughty or Nice List” of retailers and their return policies: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45384317#null

Want to still participate in the shopping madness but you’re not into the crowds, parking nightmares, or fighting it get the best deal? Try Cyber Monday; it is the online alternative to Black Friday in-store shopping. Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving and this year it is on Monday Nov. 28^th . You can have great deals with the convenience of staying home!

Here are a few Cyber Monday websites:

·         www.dealscybermonday.org

·         www.cybermonday.biz

·         www.cybermonday.org

Healthy Dining at Thanksgiving

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

The holiday season is a time for celebrating, remembering, and sharing.  While the events, socializing, and goodies make for a great time, our waistlines may not be happy with our decisions.  Here are some helpful tips when deciding what to pack on your plate this Thanksgiving to avoid packing on the pounds!

            Thanksgiving is all about hearty meals with rich ingredients and major portions.  From cream-based dressings, to sugar-filled desserts, choosing the best option is sometimes a battle of “which worse is worse?”

·         Stop stressing! Family may be coming in from all over and you have a million things to prepare, but guess what? Everything WILL get finished (or done if we are speaking of turkeys).

·         Start your Thanksgiving with a big salad. You will be getting delicious greens and shaving calories off of your future meal.

·         Choose the foods most important to you and don’t waste precious calories on grandma’s cranberry sauce you barely enjoy or on rolls that may have been in the oven a little too long.

·         Help in the preparation of dishes or bring a healthy version of your favorite side item or dessert.  By being involved in preparing the food, you not only get to spend time with family and friends, but you can influence and monitor unhealthy ingredient choices.

·         You are not the turkey- you do not need to be stuffed. Eat until you feel full.  Drink a glass of water, socialize for a while, and then decide if you need a second helping.

·         Pay attention to portion sizes.  A serving size of mashed potatoes is ½ a cup or the size of your fist. A serving of pie should be 1/8^th of the pie- many pies are only cut into 4-6 pieces!

·         Track your food- if you are writing down what you are eating you will be less likely to grab that second, third, or fourth helping.

·         Holiday drinks pack on the pounds just as quickly as the food. Stick to water as much as possible and monitor juices, sodas, and alcohol.

·         Slow down! It’s not a race, so enjoy every bite.

·         Add a little extra cardio to your day.  Want to have that piece of pecan pie? Check out how long it would take to burn it off and you may think twice about going for the biggest piece.

·         When determining which leftovers to take home, choose foods you know you won’t crash your healthy eating.  If you could eat a whole pumpkin pie, forget about taking it home.

·         Leftovers can be made into very healthy options.  Turkey, sweet potatoes, and vegetables create a very balanced meal and there are many healthy recipes that include these foods.

The best advice to remember during the holidays is that you are there to celebrate the people.  Eat well, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t sacrifice your health!

Pets in College

Written by Marketing Intern, Laura McGehee

            Moving away from home can be a big step for many college students.  To fill the void of missed parents and friends left behind, many students invest in a pet to keep them company throughout their college experience.  While owning a new pet can be a very positive experience, there are many factors to take into consideration when deciding if a pet is right for you.

            First things first- Check with your housing offices to make sure animals are permitted.  Many apartments and houses allow pets for free or a one time deposit, while others charge a monthly fee or may not allow pets at all.  Once you clear the details with your housing manager, check with your roommates.  Kelsey Sprang, college pet owner and UK senior to a Yorkie named Olivander, stated, “Make sure you have help from your roommates to tag-team caring for your animal.  It makes it much easier on you and your pet.”  If your roommates have no pet allergies and are on board with your decision, it is time to decide which pet is right for you.

            For many individuals with very busy schedules, a large pet may be too much responsibility to handle.  Fish are a low maintenance pet option and are permitted in most residence halls on campus.  UK graduate student Katherine Avra, owner of a gold fish, Bentley, and an emerald catfish named Gumpert, says, “I love my fish because they are happy, get along, and are fun to watch.”  There are thousands of types of fish available at pet stores and just the presence of an animal in the room can lift your spirits.  Other small pets suitable for college students include hamsters, turtles, lizards, and rabbits. 

            Hamsters, like most college students, are nocturnal.  They require minimal care, but can be very fun playmates.  Hamsters come in many sizes/colors and, if not woken up during their sleep cycle, can be very friendly pets.  Turtles and lizards are perfect for pet lovers with hair allergies.  They may not be cuddly, but they can be an interesting companion for many students. They are relatively inexpensive and require a small cage with little maintenance.

            If you feel you are up to the challenge of a larger, more dependent pet, a dog or cat may be an appropriate choice.  When determining if you are ready for such a responsibility, factor in the costs such as vet visits, food, heartworm medicines, etc., the demand of your class and work schedules, and if there will be someone to care for your pet in case you are caught with an emergency.  Sprang says, “Make sure you are financially stable.  Pets get sick unexpectedly and a trip to the vet can be expensive.”

Cats are great for college students because they can be litter box trained and would not require you to leave class to let them out.  They are loving and sensitive and most are very calm.  While they may not be a guard for your house or apartment, they are very quiet, allowing you to study while enjoying their company.

Dogs can be a little more work, but are considered man’s best friend.  Certain types of breeds are better than others when it comes to college living and choosing the dog perfect for your situation is extremely important.  If you are living in a spacious house, a Labrador or Golden Retriever can be a perfect companion.  Most college students, however, have limited space and a medium to small sized dog would be more appropriate.  Saving a dog from your local animal shelter is always a respectable choice. John Hughes, UK senior and owner of a Chocolate Labrador, says, “I saved my dog from a shelter and in return she has taught me a huge lesson in responsibility and care.”

While having a pet in college may not always be easy, if you can handle the responsibility, it’s definitely worth the work.  Sprang says it perfectly, “It’s hard to leave him everyday, and it can be stressful letting him out between classes.  But, he’s such a goofball and it’s fun knowing I have him to come home to everyday.” 

So weigh your pet options carefully, examine your financial and time responsibilities, and decide if a pet is the right choice for you!