The Essentials

If you’re looking to avoid H1N1, you may have taken advantage of the antibacterial hand sanitizer popping up around campus.

New dispensers are stationed in the entrances to nearly every academic building. Industrial-size bottles of Purell are making their way around conference tables at staff meetings.

But wait . . . antibacterial? Isn’t the swine flu a virus?

We called Gary Whittaker, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, for an explanation.

True, Whittaker said H1N1 is a virus. But the sanitizers, which are alcohol-based, will destroy viruses as well as their unicellular counterparts.

(The university has been careful not to buy sanitizers with triclosan, an antibacterial agent which may have negative health and environmental consequences; and Gannett advocates regular basic handwashing to reduce the spread of disease.)

Still, Whittaker is dubious about the Purell proliferation.

“My concern is that people use this as too much of a safety net,” he said. “Yes, that will kill the virus [on your hands], but influenza is clearly an airborne virus.” So wash or disinfect all you like, he added, but if you’re around a sick person who’s sneezing or coughing, clean hands are no guarantee of protection.

“It won’t do any harm,” Whittaker said, “but it’s certainly not going to prevent the flu from spreading.”

Meanwhile, he wonders if the whole question is perhaps moot.

“I’ve seen these things all around,” he said of the dispensers, “and I’ve never actually seen anyone use one yet.”

- Lauren Gold

It’s been a summer of hard training for Matt Goldberg ’11 and John Lagedrost ’11, but the work is about to pay off. When 45,000 runners from around the world gather in Chicago’s Grant Park for the Chicago Marathon Oct. 11, Goldberg and Lagedrost will be among them. The Cornell duo is running to raise money for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).

Friedreich’s Ataxia is a degenerative neuromuscular disorder that affects one out of every 50,000 people, including Lagedrost’s younger sister Joanna.

Goldberg and Lagedrost, running as the FARAmones, started the summer with hopes of raising $2,000 for the organization. As race day approaches, their totals are nearing $9,000.

“It has been wonderful seeing the outpouring of support for a good cause, even in the face of the worst economic recession in recent history,” said Goldberg.

- Lauren Gold

Undergraduate research assistants working with Janis Whitlock, a research scientist in the Family Life Development Center, have developed a new set of outreach materials about young people who self-injure. Whitlock runs the Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults.

The fact sheets were written to help professionals, parents and youth understand and respond to self-injurious behavior.

The materials address top misconceptions about self-injury, coping techniques, academic literature and information for parents and friends.

Gannett Health Services is working closely with county and state health department officials, along with an interdepartmental incident leadership team at Cornell, to monitor information and implement recommendations related to the new H1N1 influenza (a.k.a. “swine flu”).
So far, good news: As of May 6, there have been no reported cases within the Cornell community and few in upstate New York. Most illnesses caused by the virus appear to be mild. And the prevention strategies that work during the annual flu season limit the spread of this flu as well.
A few facts to keep in mind:
• You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products.
• Infection is spread by contact with people who have H1N1 flu or contaminated surfaces.
• Gannett’s web site has up-to-date information and prevention posters to print and post at http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/.
• You can also send questions or suggestions to: flu-info@cornell.edu, or call the NY state flu hotline: 1-800-808-1987.

Healthy eating is important even in difficult economic times, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension support specialist Erika Ichinose Pijai, above right.

Pijai was the featured speaker at the March 13 Affordable Food Summit in Queens. “People think it costs more to eat healthy, but that is not necessarily true,” she said. “There are ways to shop smart and eat healthy without breaking the bank. While it may be difficult to do at first, it’s important to think past the sticker price on the food package and be mindful of the long-term costs. When you invest in eating healthy foods now, you are investing in your and your family’s future health.”

Farmers’ markets, grocery stores and roadside stands are now lush with tomatoes of all colors and sizes. Amazing, when you think that these fruits, members of the nightshade family, were once considered poisonous. From the smallest grape tomato to the largest heirloom, the health benefits of these seasonal fruits are extraordinary, according to Gannett Health Services. Tomatoes are packed with fiber and nutrients and are excellent sources of lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin A. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes. Because of this property, tomatoes may help reduce the risk or severity of several chronic health conditions, including some forms of cancer. When buying tomatoes, select those with the most vibrant colors. They’re terrific raw, cooked, juiced or sauced, but you can achieve even greater health benefits by cooking your tomatoes in olive oil, as the oil will assist your body in absorbing lycopene. Gannett recommends that you explore this nutritious resource while it’s still in season.

As we move toward summer’s end, take time to enjoy the many waterfalls, lakes, and rainfalls that enrich our local region and which, with a minimal amount of effort, can also enhance your physical and mental well-being. Simply listening to the sound of running water can relax your mind. Wading into a still pool or a pebbled shore can cool your body and lead you to explore the plant and animal life that inhabits the watery world. Wade in deeper and you can experience the exhilaration of weightlessness. How fortunate that we live in a region abundant in this natural element. Adult humans are approximately two-thirds water, and we need to be replenished regularly. Keeping well-hydrated (with water and foods containing a high percentage of water) has proven health benefits. Gannett staff recommend consuming the equivalent of eight glasses of water a day (or about half your body weight in number of ounces) to help you achieve the following: improved energy level, increased mental and physical performance, decreased levels of toxins and waste products; improved skin appearance; weight loss; reduced headaches and dizziness; and proper digestion. So here’s a toast to water – the most “gorges” element of all.

Barbecues are classic summer fun. Here are some safety tips from Gannett Health Services:

To prevent foodborne illnesses: wash your hands and surfaces often with hot, soapy water. Prevent meat juices from touching other foods, and wash utensils that touch raw meat or poultry before using for cooked food. Keep marinated food in the refrigerator and boil marinade used with raw meats before you use it to baste food on the grill. Don’t under-cook meat. Toss out meat or side dishes containing mayonnaise, cream or eggs that’s been un-refrigerated for more than two hours.

To reduce carcinogen exposure: cook smaller pieces of meat at lower temperatures. Precook food in an oven or microwave, then grill briefly to get a barbecue flavor. Precook ribs or sausages in water. To reduce flare-ups on the grill: Choose vegetables or lean cuts (fish, chicken) over processed meats (hot dogs, sausages); trim visible fat; remove skin. Choose low-fat marinades containing acidic ingredients, (e.g. vinegar, citrus juice). Flip frequently so that neither side absorbs or loses too much heat.

To avoid burns: Grill sober: Alcohol use can delay your response time and impair your judgment. Never pour lighter fluid on coals that have already started to burn. If you need to coat a cooking grate with cooking spray, remove it from the grill, spray away from burning coals or gas, then return it to the grill.

Whether you’re exercising, gardening or recreating, it’s likely the spring weather beckons you outdoors. Plan outside work and play for the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less intense. If midday excursions (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) are unavoidable, stay in shaded areas. Protect yourself against damaging UV rays by wearing loose coverups, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). If you take medication, ask your pharmacist if it can cause photosensitivity, advises Gannett Health Service. Keep a bottle of cold water with you and drink frequently. If you are uncomfortable in the heat, consider moistening a bandana with cool water and wearing it around your neck or under a hat. Cooling your head or neck can help your whole body stay cooler.

Writing down your thoughts and experiences each day can be a great way to celebrate successes and work through difficult issues. Studies show there are health benefits associated with putting it down on paper. When you write about good things that happen to you, get specific: identify why each thing happened and why the event was important to you. Document your daily “good things” for at least a week. Studies show that when you think about the high points in your day and express your gratitude, you feel happier. Similarly, research suggests that when you acknowledge and process painful or disappointing events in your writing, you can let go of associated stress more easily. Writing in a journal before going to bed is a good way to bring closure to a day; it allows you to enjoy a more restorative night’s sleep. Visit Gannett for other stress-reduction tips.