Tag Archives: health

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CVU Community, Volume '22, Issue 1, Wellness

Should school start later?

By Bevan Roberts-Williams

The time that school starts has always been a debate between students and schools. Most teenagers don’t enjoy waking up for school or going to bed early. As a result, these students are tired throughout the school day. Is the lack of sleep impacting the student’s ability to work? Are students attentive during their first period? Should CVU change when school starts, or is the responsibility on the student?

According to John Hopkins medicine, teens need more sleep than the average adult, but school start times in the mornings can make the amount of sleep students get be less than sufficient. When teenagers experience sleep deprivation, the effects can certainly be detrimental to their grades. Teenagers may experience mentally ‘drifting off’ in class, a shortened attention span, and concentration difficulties.

A CVU senior, Molly Simons, has said that she is “barely” engaged in her first period class. Along with this, she has reported feeling especially tired on her longer days of school. Despite this, she does not wish the school day started later, stating “I like getting my work done sooner in the day.” On average, Molly sleeps 7 hours and 45 minutes, which is far less than the recommendation of 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Adult bodies, and children before they hit puberty, have a natural sleep cycle that starts at 10-11pm when the brain essentially tells you to go to sleep. According to Johns Hopkins sleep expert Laura Sterni, teenagers experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm (a natural, internal process that regulates sleep). For teenagers, the need for sleep is delayed for about two hours, making falling asleep early more difficult for them than the average adult.

A CVU senior, Zach Zizza, sleeps about 5 hours a night, but must “consume enough caffeine” to keep him awake. He does not feel that he gets enough sleep, but it “doesn’t matter” to him when school starts in the morning, especially considering his first class starts at 11:35.

A teacher at CVU, Lacey Richards, says this about her first period class, “my students are significantly more tired in the morning, but by the fourth block they’re pretty out of it as well.” She also states that she has worked at CVU for 16 years, and the start time has improved significantly, saying it “makes sense for school to start later.” When asked if she thinks the start time should be later, she says “I think it’s pretty good where it is. I think if we started later it would begin to interfere with sports and other afterschool activities.” 

There is no clear solution for the sleep deprivation of students, because of their natural sleep cycle and the inability to start later. The lack of sleep affects both the students and the teachers, by hindering the students’ ability to focus during the earlier hours of the day.

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Opinion & Review, Sports, Vermont, Volume '22, Issue 1, Wellness

Get Moving: The Ultimate Guide to Jumpstarting Your Fitness Journey

BY Filip Popa

Getting started at the gym can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to fitness or haven’t worked out in a while. But with the right mindset and approach, you can quickly become comfortable and confident in the gym setting. As a trusted source for information on the gym and working out, I, Filip, am  a great resource to turn to. With 2 years of consistent exercise under my belt, I’ve demonstrated a dedication and commitment to fitness. I also have made good progress and learned a lot through my mistakes and advancement, showing practical experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of working out. I’m currently lifting above standards, meaning most of my lifts are 2x my bodyweight in lbs. (Squat and Deadlift), and am actively seeking out information and resources to improve my  fitness. As a 17-year-old, I am also relatable to a high schooler audience who may be interested in starting their fitness journey as I am a junior here at CVU.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a gym that is right for you. This means finding a convenient, affordable facility and offering the equipment and amenities you need to achieve your fitness goals. Take the time to shop around and compare different gym options in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and take tours before making a decision. Some examples of some decent gyms around the area are as follows:

  • Planet Fitness: This gym chain is known for its low monthly membership fee of around $10, as well as its “judgement-free zone” policy. It offers a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group fitness classes. https://www.planetfitness.com/
  • The YMCA (also known as the “Y”): The Y is a non-profit organization that focuses on community wellness. In addition to providing a wide range of fitness equipment and classes, the Y often offers additional services such as swimming pools, basketball courts, and childcare. Membership fees vary by location, usually around ~$39, but tend to be more expensive than Planet Fitness. https://www.gbymca.org/
  • The Edge Fitness Clubs: This chain of fitness clubs offers a range of membership options, including access to multiple locations, personal training, and small group training. It also has a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group fitness classes. Membership fees tend to be more expensive than Planet Fitness usually around $14.99 per month for an Edge Red membership to $34.99 per month for an Edge Total membership, but may offer more amenities and options for those looking for a higher-end gym experience. https://edgevt.com/

Ultimately, the best gym for you will depend on your individual fitness goals, budget, and preferred amenities. It’s important to do your research and consider all of your options before making a decision.

Once you’ve chosen a gym, it’s time to get started. The best way to begin is by setting specific, achievable goals for yourself. These might include losing weight, building muscle, improving your overall health, or simply feeling more energetic and confident. Write down your goals and refer to them often to keep yourself motivated and on track.

Next, create a workout plan tailored to your goals and fitness level. A great workout to start with is a full-body circuit training routine. This can be done using a combination of free weights, machines, and bodyweight exercises, and can be easily modified to suit your individual needs and abilities.

For example, a full-body circuit training workout might include the following exercises:

  • Bodyweight squats
  • Push-ups
  • Lunges
  • Bench press
  • Bent-over rows
  • Planks
  • Bicep curls
  • Tricep dips

Perform each exercise for 45-60 seconds, with minimal rest in between. Complete the entire circuit 2-3 times, depending on your fitness level. This workout can be done 2-3 times per week, with at least one day of rest in between. According to Healthline, as you become more fit, you can increase the number of sets and add more challenging exercises to the circuit.

Incorporating cardio into your fitness routine is an important way to improve your cardiovascular health, boost your energy levels, and support overall health and well-being. There are many different types of cardio exercises to choose from, including running, cycling, swimming, and dancing.

When doing cardio, it’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that you can sustain for an extended period of time. It’s generally recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the week.

To get the most out of your cardio workouts, it’s important to warm up before you start exercising and to cool down afterwards. This can help reduce the risk of injury and make your workouts more comfortable. It’s also important to stay hydrated and to listen to your body, taking breaks as needed.

As you become more fit, you can increase the intensity or duration of your cardio workouts to continue challenging your body and improving your fitness. It’s also a good idea to mix up your cardio routine by trying different activities to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. With a consistent cardio routine, you can enjoy the many benefits of this important type of exercise.

First, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough protein to support muscle growth and repair. Protein requirements may be higher for those engaging in strength training or other forms of resistance exercise, as these activities can cause microtears in muscle fibers that need to be repaired in order for muscles to grow stronger. Good sources of protein include lean meats, dairy products, eggs, beans, lentils, and nuts.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a healthy diet for active individuals. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy that it can use during exercise, and they are particularly important for endurance activities like cardio. However, the amount of carbohydrates needed may vary depending on the type and intensity of exercise being performed. It may be helpful to experiment with different carbohydrate intake levels to see what works best for your individual needs.

In addition to protein and carbohydrates, it’s also important to consume a variety of other nutrients, including fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber. These nutrients can help support overall health and well-being, and they can also help you feel more energized and ready to tackle your workouts.

Finally, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant results. Getting in shape takes time and effort, and everyone’s journey is different. Be patient, stay consistent, and trust in the process. With dedication and perseverance, you will start to see and feel the benefits of your hard work.

The length of time it takes to see results from your fitness efforts can vary depending on a number of factors, including your starting fitness level, the type and intensity of the workouts you are doing, and your diet and lifestyle habits.

In general, you may start to see some early improvements in your fitness within a few weeks of starting a consistent exercise program. These may include improvements in your endurance, strength, and flexibility. However, more noticeable changes in your appearance, such as weight loss or muscle gain, may take longer to appear.

As you continue to work out consistently, you may start to plateau, meaning that you stop making progress or see fewer improvements. This is a common occurrence and can be caused by a variety of factors, including not enough variation in your workouts or not increasing the intensity of your workouts as you become more fit.

To avoid plateaus and continue making progress, it’s important to mix up your workouts and try new activities, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, and make sure you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to support your fitness efforts. It’s also important to be patient and trust in the process, as getting in shape takes time and consistent effort. With dedication and perseverance, you will start to see and feel the benefits of your hard work.

Ultimately, getting started at the gym can be intimidating, but with the right mindset and approach, you can quickly become comfortable and confident in the gym setting. Choose the right gym, set specific goals, create a personalized workout plan, pay attention to your diet and lifestyle, and be patient and consistent. With these steps, you will be on your way to achieving your fitness goals and improving your overall health and well-being.

If you’re looking to further progress your fitness knowledge, here are some things you could start looking into:

  • Progressive Overload: This refers to the concept of gradually increasing the demand on your muscles through weight training, in order to continue making progress and adaptations. In order to continue improving, you will need to progressively increase the weight, reps, or sets of your workouts over time.
  • Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for optimizing your training and recovery, and for supporting overall health. It’s important to pay attention to the quality and quantity of the food you eat, as well as to consider your individual needs and goals. You may want to consider seeking the guidance of a registered dietitian or a certified sports nutritionist if you are looking to take your nutrition to the next level.
  • Recovery: In addition to proper nutrition, adequate rest and recovery are also important for optimizing your training and performance. This can include getting enough sleep, using proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, and using active recovery or rest days as needed.
  • Variety: Incorporating a variety of exercises and training modalities can help to prevent boredom and keep you motivated, as well as to target different muscle groups and energy systems. This can include adding in new exercises or workouts, trying different types of equipment, or participating in group fitness classes.
  • Professional guidance: If you are looking to take your fitness to the next level and are not sure where to start, seeking the guidance of a personal trainer or coach can be helpful. They can assess your current fitness level and help you create a personalized plan to achieve your goals.
Opinion & Review

Opinion: Take Time to Escape the Pandemic

 Mr. Calvin Lord

When this pandemic first struck, there was an adjustment period of sorts. We all gathered our things, made sure our support systems were ready, and frantically tried to learn all of the safety measures that were so suddenly necessary to accomplish simple things, like going to the grocery store. But after a month or so, things started to fall into patterns. Coping methods became second nature. The new way of life that had felt so unreal began to feel habitual.

Now, a whole two months later, we’re all settling in for what looks like the long haul. The news and the government tip side to side, trying to provide us with hope and comfort without allowing us to put ourselves in danger. 

We’re able to see each other’s faces now, the top halves of them, at least. There are still heavy restrictions on social congregation, and this is, unfortunately, shaping up to be one of the longer-term effects of the virus. Many people, like myself, have surely taken up new hobbies and pastimes by now, to fill the solitude in their lives.

 

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It’s hard though, to ignore that lonely melancholy. Sometimes it just can’t be pushed down. When that happens, and this might seem counterintuitive, the best thing one can do is to bask in it. Find ways to bring it out and feel it through. One of those ways is exploration. Exploring your town, county, or local roads is one of the few ways to get out of your house and move without putting anyone else in danger. And it can have fantastic psychological effects.

It’s common knowledge, at this point, that going for walks can help you clear your head, and get your brain moving. But what about finding a pretty corner of the woods? When was the last time you had that childish sense of adventure awakened in you, that vison of the world that bends to your imagination, carving paths and stories around you as you walk and climb? It is a wonder that is so easy to forget.

 I assure you, it is equally easy to bring back. Everyone’s got that one road they always thought was so pretty but never walked down, or that cool path into the nearby woods with a bramble and weeds barring the way.

Go down that road. Let the little subtle world surround you, and breathe. You’ll find yourself in a place where it’s okay to be alone, even lonely, without it feeling so shocking, scary, or utterly fundamentally wrong. By introducing yourself to somewhere entirely new, you can break the painful cycle we’re all drowning in. You’ll find it’s easier to be in the moment, and stop thinking about the world and the future.

Some would call this escapism. And yeah, that’s exactly what it is. A little bit of escapism is okay right now. We have to get away from this pandemic, in whatever ways we can, to stay human. It’s not like the virus is something we can exactly rise up to and face head on, not any more than we’re already doing by just staying home all day. 

So, go for a walk. Escape with me.

 

Uncategorized, Wellness

Daylight Savings or Losing Time?

Ms. Asha Hickok

Every March, Vermonters, along with almost every other state in the United States, get ready to set their clocks ahead and lose sleep for the sake of later sunsets. This practice typically marks the beginning of Spring and welcoming back warm weather, but at what cost? 

Currently, in the US there are two states who do not follow the practice of Daylight Savings. Those two states are Hawaii and Arizona. However, the rest of the country still follows the changing of the clocks. In recent years, this has become a debate amongst senators throughout the US, as well as citizens.A poll conducted by AP-NORC found that 71% of respondents want to end the active practice of changing clocks. The reasons for this are varied. 

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The US Department of Energy found that 0.5% of total energy saved daily during Daylight Savings. While this may not seem like a significant enough percentage to encourage a change in outlook of Daylight Savings, the US Department of Energy found that 99.8% of the US population uses electricity on a daily basis, so 0.5% can be a catastrophic number in reference to the size of the US population.

Additionally, an increase of light, according to the Brookings Institute, actually prevents an increase in robbery rates. 

However, in parallel to the pros, cons can also be highlighted surrounding Daylight Savings. In a research study done by Medium it was found that switching the clock two times a year can actually result in more health issues, such as a 10-20% increase in cancer rates. Concerned about health issues, local congress people around the world are moving to support adapting a standard time year round. 

In Washington state, Congress is close to, adopting year-round daylight savings. Senator Marco Rubio, from Florida and the former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has spoken out against the time change on Twitter, using the hashtag: #locktheclock. 

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Uncategorized, Wellness

One Hour, One Pint, Saves Three Lives

Ms. Sabine Foerg

Looking for a new way to give back to your community? A local Red Cross blood drive could be your next good deed. Many CVU students, faculty and community members did their part at CVU’s annual March blood drive. 

CVU held its annual Red Cross blood drive in the gym all day Thursday, March 12. Any student or faculty member aged seventeen or older, weighing a minimum of 110lbs in good health, was likely eligible to donate. 

According to Red Cross, the blood drive draws in people for many different reasons, ranging from giving for family members and friends in need, to simply the free snacks and drinks provided after the procedure.

Blood drive

“I am giving blood because it isn’t too painful for me, and I think it is the right thing to do. There are a lot of people who can’t donate, and I can, so I feel like it is the right thing to do because I have that ability,” says CVU Senior Maggie Sides, who donated at CVU’s blood drive. 

The process, Red Cross says, is simple for donors. The donor must fill out a questionnaire and sign in with ID before going through a brief “mini-physical” and a health survey. “The actual donation only takes eight to ten minutes,” according to Red Cross. One pint of blood is donated per donor. According to the Red Cross, every pint of blood could save as many as three lives. 

The CVU blood drive is run by the Student Council along with the Red Cross. “We have been publicizing the event with posters and banners, and student council members have been sitting at an information and sign up table during lunch one week before the blood drive and the week of,” says CVU sophomore and Student Council member, Finnegan Mittelstadt. 

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Uncategorized

Vermont Puts ‘Tobacco 21’ into Action

Ms Luna Cofiño

In May of 2019, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed Bill S.86 into action, a bill that increased the legal age for buying and using cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and all tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. Businesses are now implementing the changes outlined in the bill and establishments around Vermont are examining their guidelines, including CVU. 

Although similar legislation failed in 2016 and 2017, the issue has never been completely dropped in Vermont. In 2016, a measure to raise the tobacco purchasing age passed in the Vermont House by a vote of 81-61. According to his deputy chief of staff at the time, then Governor Peter Shumlin (D-Vermont) did not support raising the smoking age. Without his support, the bill did not pass in 2016 or the year after. 

Tabacco

This year, Vermont legislators Sen. Deborah Ingram (D – Chittenden) and Sen.Virginia Lyons (D-Chittenden ) worked hard for preliminary approval of the legislation that would gradually raise the tobacco smoking age to 21. Jessica Brumsted (D-Shelburne) presented the bill on the floor of the House on April 23, 2019. In her opening statement, she said, “Our aim is to reduce tobacco use by youth and protect developing brains, which are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of nicotine and nicotine addiction.” After making it through several rounds of legislation, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed ‘Tobacco 21’, making it final on May 21st, 2019. 

It is no doubt that recent evidence has pushed lawmakers to address the obvious issues this year. Recent studies have linked lung and respiratory issues directly with e-cigarette use, and the number of high school students now using these devices has skyrocketed.  The National Youth Tobacco Survey in 2018 revealed that in the U.S. from 2017-2018, e-cigarette use among high school and middle-school students increased alarmingly – 78% and 48% respectively. Now, as more and more specific cases present themselves throughout the country, evidence emerges about the harming effects of e-cigarette devices. 

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Volume 8, Issue 2

Deviously Sweet Deception: Why Cereal Might Not be as Healthy as You Think

Ms. Elyse Martin-Smith, CVC Breakfast Correspondent

Don’t you just love the crunch of a fresh bowl of cereal in the morning? The milk, smooth and cold, acts as a wake-up call to get you ready for the day. However, while you were eating, have your eyes ever wandered to the nutrition facts on the box? Although some cereals are notoriously unhealthy, like Reese’s Puffs and Lucky Charms, many other unhealthy cereals are less obvious.

This leaves us asking the questions, “Which cereals are truly healthy?” and, “How do you decipher the healthy cereals from the bad?”According to the New York Times, “Honey Nut is America’s best-selling breakfast cereal, and by a comfortable margin.” Honey Nut Cheerios are believed to be healthy because of their high fiber and oats content. Also, the Original Cheerios have low amounts of sugar and are traditionally a healthy breakfast.

On the flip side, Cheerios’ sweeter relatives such as Honey Nut Cheerios and Frosted Cheerios conceal multiple unhealthy aspects. Honey Nut Cheerios actually have “about nine times as much sugar as plain Cheerios per serving,” says Danny Hakim, author of the aforementioned New York Times article.

Hakim goes on to say that, “an Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis of a number of popular cereals — a report that linked sugary cereals to the ‘nation’s childhood obesity epidemic’ — put Honey Nut Cheerios’ sugar content second only to Fruity Pebbles.” Surprisingly, the sugar content of a seemingly harmless cereal is in reality very high! The EWG also claims that one cup of many cereals, including Honey Nut Cheerios, contains 12g of sugar which is more than three Chips Ahoy! cookies.

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Volume 6, Issue 1

Why the Present Moment is a Gift

Ms. Koko Vercessi, Editor-in-Chief 

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now” -Eckhart Tolle

Image Courtesy of ublicdomainpictures.net
Image Courtesy of Publicdomainpictures.net

It’s easy to get caught up in thoughts of the future and regrets or mistakes you made in the past, but why is it so important, and so much healthier to live in the present moment? The present moment is the place where we can live and think freely and become centered in ourselves. Worrying about the future and having regret the past makes us miserable and filled with anxiety and feelings of restlessness.

Many practices such as yoga and meditation promote mindfulness and centeredness in one’s self. These types of practices allow people to take time to become aware and mindful of the present moment and appreciate the beauty of the world around them that many tend to miss in the wild frenzy of the future-driven world that we live in. Humans are constantly driven to think about the future in order to have purpose and aspirations to reach. A future-driven mindset is healthy in some ways as it can help you maintain a strong focus on your goals. The problem with allowing yourself to be consumed with thoughts of the future is that you will be in a state of constant anxiety and dissatisfaction with your present state. Everything that you do will not be for your own fulfillment in the present moment, but for tomorrow’s goals and dreams, goals and dreams that may naturally change over time, making those moments of anxiety and worry obsolete and unnecessary.

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Volume 6, Issue 1

Will CVU Get Free Condoms?

Ms. Jam Giubardo

condoms
Courtesy of lifesitenews.com

HINESBURG, VT– On March 15th, 2017 a memo from the Vermont Health Department and Vermont Department of Education called upon the CVU administration and the student body to decide if CVU should make free condoms available to all students.

The VT Dept. of Health and VT Dept. of Education’s memo consisted of a list of facts regarding cases of STIs and STDs in recent years. The reports show that over 80% of the STI cases have been Vermonters 24 years of age or younger. This caused them to call upon Vermont schools to establish a free condom policy.

Freshman health teachers asked Freshmen to develop proposals about their thoughts on free condom availability and why. Students outside of the cores were also encouraged to state their position on the debate.

Freshman personal health teacher, Trevor Mead, was asked what he thought about the memo and he said, “I love that at CVU administration values student opinions so much, to basically place this in their hands. It is important that the students have a say on topics that most directly affect them.” He also added, “It is also great that Adam [CVU’s Principal] has left room for people who don’t think it’s a good idea to have a voice as well.”

Other teachers and administrators agree that the opportunity is an effective and progressive way to mitigate the presence of STI’s and STD’s among high schoolers and are ready to see what the school decides to do.

Opinion & Review, Volume 5, Issue 2

Dawn of the zombies: sleep-deprived teens need to get off the screens

Mr. Nathaniel Mick

The recommended number of hours a teenager should sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation, is seven to nine; in reality, only fifteen percent of teens are getting that amount. Between blue light from screens, distractions from devices, homework, procrastination, and early school starts — teenagers have a lot to deal with. It’s no surprise that so little get sleep, but that’s no excuse for more than eighty percent of teenagers to lack sleep so often.

There’s a certain beauty to the irony that I am falling asleep at my keyboard as I write this.

The problem with sleep is that it is easy to go without it for a night, but that could mean up to a week of recovery. Many teenagers, and adults, haven’t felt what being truly rested feels like in a long time. With so much going on in life, it’s easy to put off sleeping for later. After all, sleeping takes up valuable working time, and seems so trivial. However, recovering a night of sleeplessness isn’t as simple as it seems. Sure, missing a few hours the night before a big test can be reversed with a few more hours of sleep the days after. Unfortunately, when you miss a few hours for a week or two, things start to get complicated.

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Volume 5, Issue 1

New Café Cart at CVU – Quick Food Made Easier

By Ms. Emma Lieberman, Staff Writer/Videographer and Mr. Bryan Claussen, Anchorman/Staff Writer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Vfg2fB0cQ

Editor’s Note: According to Cafe Czar, Leo LaForce, “We have made sure that the cart does not block the enACT monitor … they worked so hard on.  I think the cart actually helps bring attention to the great information the monitor offers especially in conjunction with areas in which the enACT and the Cafe work so well together to bring beneficial changes.”  LaForce has already helped to bring composting, recycling, re-usable silverware and plates, and other moves toward sustainability in CVU’s cafeteria.

Opinion & Review, Sports, Volume 4, Issue 2

To-daze Sports: Athletes Take Concussions Head On

Mr. Michael Regan

According to a study by journalists at PBS program Frontline, 96.2 percent of deceased pro footballers had the condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, before dying. “If you’re worried about concussions, you’re in the wrong business.” said Carolina Panthers fullback Brad Hoover. Concussions are a huge problem in the NFL, but are also just part of football by its violent nature. For this reason in the last 10 years the NFL has added more than 15 rules to the game’s official rule book, in order to protect players heads and general health. These rule additions range from penalties, to automatic medical timeouts to mandatory concussion tests. This is all part of a massive effort to protect pro athletes from brain injury, and CTE.   

Image courtesy of CNN
Image courtesy of CNN

CTE is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the brain of people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The majority of the 5.3 million Americans who suffer from CTE were athletes who took part in contact sports. The symptoms of CTE are both debilitating and life-changing for both the individual, and for his or her family. According to Brain Injury Research Institute the symptoms of CTE are but not limited to; memory loss, difficulty controlling impulsive or erratic behavior, impaired judgment, behavioral disturbances including aggression and depression, difficulty with balance, and a gradual onset of dementia. The Brain Injury Research Institute also said that there have been “several notable cases” including the suicide deaths of NFL player Junior Seau, and professional wrestler Chris Benoit who committed suicide after murdering his wife and son.

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Opinion & Review, Uncategorized, Volume 4, Issue 2

Not Milk? Is Moo-juice Really Bad for You?

Ms. Lexi Lewis

If you were around during the early 2000s you might recall the infamous “Got Milk?” posters hung up in about every school or cafe. showing celebrities like Miranda Lambert, Harrison Ford, Ryan Reynolds posing for the camera wearing a milk made mustache endorsing and promoting the consumption of milk.

With such societal praise and love of a product like milk it must be healthy right? Well, the fact is that milk may not be as healthy as it’s made out to be.

Image and campaign by PETA
Image and campaign by PETA

This statement may shock some people, seeing as the FDA recommends 3 cups of milk a day. The culture we are in is conditioned into consuming milk and other dairy products because they are considered an essential part of a healthy diet and the well known food pyramid. 

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Uncategorized, Volume 4, Issue 2

Pets-icide: Common Garden Plants Could Hurt Your Animals

Ms. Lexi Lewis

The first day of spring means hope for many local garden enthusiasts that they could soon pursue their spring and summer garden. However, if you are one of those people you might want to rethink your garden plan if you have pets. Common garden plants you may choose to plant this year in your yard or even the ones you chose to keep in your home may be poisonous to animals like dogs, and cats.

Pets like dogs and cats are known to eat almost anything and with more than 700 plants identified as producing toxic substances that can harm common pets it is likely that they could come into contact with one of those plants. Flowers that you may find in a garden like lilies, daffodils, and tulips all are potentially lethal to your pets if ingested in copious amounts.

garden
Image courtesy of Adam Bunting’s private rectory garden.

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Opinion & Review, Volume 4, Issue 1

Opinion: One Vegetarian Makes the Environmental Case Against Meat

Ms. Natalie Casson

The well being of our environment has been rapidly decreasing in the past decade, and likely global climates will be unable to handle more change.  We all know turning lights off and driving cars less helps our planet, yet almost every person is harming the environment dramatically on a daily basis: during our meals.  It was recorded in an article by the National Public Radio that in 2012, in America, we consumed over 52.2 billion pounds of meat.  That number feels almost too big to grasp, so let’s put it into perspective.  Let’s compare it to wheat—one of the most fundamental crops in our world today.  Your average American citizen will consume around 132.5 pounds of wheat annually.  With 318.9 billion US citizens, we are consuming over 42.2 billion pounds of wheat a year.  10 billion pounds short of our meat consumption.

When I found this out, I was astonished.  Animals take up space, produce waste, and require huge amounts of food, chemicals, and water.  In 1909, it was recorded in the same article that around 9.8 billion pounds of meat were consumed: 42.4 billion pounds less than today.  Despite the population being lower, the proportions still don’t add up.  The meat consumption within the US has been growing exponentially and is continuing to do so.

Meat, pound per pound, has a much larger impact on our environment than any other food we consume.  The most unfortunate part of it all is many people, including myself before I began research, are not aware that what they eat affects the environment.  Often times people don’t jump to food when they think about the contributors to climate change and pollution; however, it has an incredibly large impact in many different ways.  In being conscious when choosing what we eat, we can reduce our carbon footprints and our effect on the environment.

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Volume 3, Issue 2

Measles Could Target Vermont’s Children Next

Ms. Nina Mollo 

As the scare of Ebola has come and gone in the United States, measles have fallen under the radar. That doesn’t mean that measles outbreaks have stopped. In fact, in the last year alone there have been over 644 reported cases in the U.S.. That is the most, by far, the United States has seen in over fifteen years. These outbreaks are only occurring because we have let our guard down and put millions of children at risk.

Would you send your child to a school where the classrooms are practically a germ pool where diseases like the measles are waiting to attack your child’s immune system? If the children of this country were vaccinated, going to school wouldn’t be the number one way for a child to contract a virus in the U.S..

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Volume 3, Issue 1

Moody Foodie

Mr. Eli Spencer

Food, air and water: these are three vital components of life. Despite their importance to humankind, they are less and less available in their pure and natural forms.  Why is this the case?  Because in the name of profit and mass production, we (the modern industrial world) have taken these necessary elements of our existence and altered them. The same companies that have corrupted the nature of the food we eat have also corrupted how we think about the food we eat: the first via mass production; the second, via mass media.

Equally important to ask, what are we doing to our food, and how our these changes affecting us? Food, like so many things, can have positive or negative effects on us depending on the choices we make surrounding it.

However, to make good choices, we need good information. Unfortunately, it seems that the average American consumer gets most of their information about food from advertising.  The companies who generate that advertising don’t necessarily care about our health, just our money — and getting us to spend it on their products.

This article will provide you with well researched data on food from valid, credible sources. It’s purpose is to help you be a more informed consumer, a better eater, and, ultimately, a healthy human being in better control of your moods.

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