Tip Sheets and Story Ideas

Contact: Susan Nielsen, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing News Bureau, 509/324-7372,
509/991-9151 (cell), susann@wsu.edu
Teresa Koeppel, student intern, (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu

Winter Health Tips

Fit for winter—When it seems the only calories shed after the holidays come from pushing away from the table, don’t panic. Many people absolutely dread the thought of facing those stated resolutions to lose weight, get in shape, and love their bodies by swimsuit season. Instead of staring helplessly at the fridge and losing all hope, take note of these tips that can help keep you on track for a fit and healthy 2005.

First things first. That means consulting a physician or general practitioner before beginning any new diet or exercise regime. Having assessed the best approach to exercising for you, Ruth Bindler, associate professor at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing suggests three basic tips to stay on track. First, schedule a specific exercise time you can stick to. Choose to exercise in the morning before you start your day, during your lunch break, or in the evening before dinner. But whatever your preferred time, stick to it. Second, find an equally motivated training partner. Exercising with a friend not only makes working out more fun, but also encourages you to stick to your goals. Finally, monitor your progress. Keeping an eye on results can serve as inspiration to continue with your new habits. For assistance in reaching Bindler, bindler@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications director, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu, or Teresa Koeppel, student intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu.

Eating right—After a lavish holiday season full of cookies, pies, stuffing, brunches, and lunches, many face the realization that now ’tis the season to be turning over a new leaf and eating right. This year take charge of your waistline and combat those few extra “holiday pounds” with a winter resolution to watch what you eat more carefully.

Keeping tabs on your eating doesn’t have to be distressing. Following these three simple tips from Ruth Bindler, associate professor at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, can point you in the right direction to achieve a healthful, happy you. First, be sure to eat a decent breakfast. Second, try cutting down on snacks in the office or in the car. Third, be conscious of how much you eat and pay attention to suggested serving sizes. Bindler recommends to stop eating when you are no longer hungry. Believe it or not, your stomach is on your side and will tell you when it is satisfied. These tips will put you on the right track to better health. For assistance in reaching Bindler, bindler@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications director, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu, or Teresa Koeppel, student intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu.

Exercise is not always tedious—Exercising doesn’t have to mean going to the gym three hours each day. Everyday opportunities to burn a few extra calories with your normal routine exist when you know where to look. Simply modifying a few basic habits can leverage every calorie-burning activity. Margaret Bruya, assistant dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People’s Clinic at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, offers these tips.

First, add as many steps into your day as possible. This may mean taking the stairs instead of an elevator, parking further away from the shops, and walking to your mailbox instead of treating it like a drive-thru window. Another option is to take a brisk, 10-minute walk during your lunch break. You don't have to do all of your exercise activity at one time. By the end of the day, a few minutes here and a few minutes there add up. Finally, make time to stretch periodically throughout the day. Believe it or not, stretching can actually burn calories by increasing limberness and encouraging blood flow. For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu, contact Susan Nielsen, College of Nursing marketing and communications director, at (509) 991-9151, susann@wsu.edu, or Teresa Koeppel, student intern, at (509) 324-7218, icncommunications@wsu.edu.

Established in 1968, the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The college is the nation's oldest and most comprehensive nursing education consortium. Celebrating 36 years of world class nursing education, the college offers baccalaureate, graduate and professional development course work to nursing students enrolled through four consortium partners, EWU, Gonzaga, WSU and Whitworth College, and in five communities across the state. Each year the college educates more than 700 graduate and upper-division undergraduate students and prepares more entry-level nurses than any other state educational institution. For more information about the College of Nursing visit the Web site at nursing.wsu.edu.

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