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.