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opinion
KANSAN.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2016
Text your #FFA submissions to 785-289-UDK1 (8351)
Sitting on the bus at 7:59 and you realize all the people that are going to be late to their 8AM classes like you
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/THEKANSAN
the math problems that are smeared out on the wall by the gateway exam room remind me of the broken hieroglyphics in movies that warn the main character of certain doom
@UNIVERSITY
DAILYKANSAN
@KANSANNEWS
"I absolutely love Jude Law as an android sex bot" - my humanities professor
KANSAN.NEWS
Can anyone else say they've been blocked from the legislature website because they search it too frequently? No, just me?
Is it possible to do permanent damage to your nose from allergies?
I've been awake for 24 hours straight. #jetlag
Asked my roommates if we could put a disco ball in our kitchen. They said no so I got one for my room instead, hoping to make them jealous.
Everything is turning lovely hues of green again, just like Wayne Selden's gorgeous eyeballs.
America was built on mac and cheese
The worst buzz kill is finding out the syrup is empty. I just wanted pancakes.
Just heard theres a beer internship where you get paid to travel and write about drinking beer. Brb dropping out.
My daily goal is to get my eyeliner as sharp as my tongue.
Editor's Note: It's called World of Beer, you're welcome :)
Horror movie concept:
Finding out how long your button up has actually been unbuttoned.
Illustration by Jake Kaufmann/KANSAN
RYAN LISTON
@rlisten235
On Monday, Barack Obama became the first U.S. president in 88 years to visit Cuba. While his joint press event with Cuban President Raul Castro touched on some continuing disagreements between the countries and ended with an awkward attempt at a handshake, the visit marks a major step forward in restoring relations with
Cuba.
Since Cuba is located less than 100 miles from Florida's coasts, it is imperative that the United States government seeks to revitalize relations. Cuba's proximity should be a key reason to foster improved trade and communication instead of allowing overarching distrust to continue.
While Castro answered questions from the media on national television, Cuban citizens watched in surprise as their leader addressed controversial issues. Seeing their leader challenged could inspire Cuban citizens to begin advocating for their own rights and freedoms.
Stabilizing the relationship with Cuba, however, is not a sign of approval
with the conduct of the Cuban government. Another potential benefit of improved relations is the empowerment of the Cuban citizens.
Furthermore, the citizens of Cuba may benefit from a restored partnership between the countries. Trade could help stimulate the Cuban economy and relaxed travel laws may allow for more orderly immigration or travel between the two countries, which has already allowed many Cuban families to reunite.
In a speech on Tuesday, Obama implored the Cuban government to realize the potential of the Cuban people to strengthen the country. He also told the Cuban citizens that they ultimately are the people who will be able to improve the nation.
You need not fear the different voices of the Cuban people, and their capacity to speak, and assemble, and vote for their leaders," Obama said. "In fact, I'm hopeful for the future because I trust that the Cuban people will make the right decisions."
Additionally, with Cuba back in America's spotlight and the promise of ending the Cuban embargo, the Cuban government may feel pressure to improve
President Barack Obama
their citizens' quality of life and the treatment of those with opposing views to the regime. The United States government's former tactic of punishing Cuba with sanctions led to no meaningful change for decades. The time is clearly here for the US government to change its tactics.
Restoring relations and building an international partnership is in both the United States and Cuba's best interests. With the improved relations, both countries could see economic growth and an expansion of opportunities for businesses. Even more importantly though, the Cuban people may be able to capitalize on this moment and set a foundation for better governance.
Ryan Liston is a freshman from Lawrence studying journalism.
▶ RACHEL GONZALES
@KansanNews
Gonzales: Healthy eating benefits the student body
Spring can be a stressful time of the year for students. From the excitement of March Madness and spring break to the stress of school and work, there are plenty of distractions that often take students' focus away from their health. When the body does not
While eating at restaurants or eating junk food may be cheap and convenient, the real costs of eating poorly are not always immediately apparent. Eating healthy isn't always easy, but it is certainly worth it.
receive the nutrients it needs, people will experience a lack of focus, energy and happiness. It is essential that students make their diet a priority for the benefit of themselves and others.
One of the most important reasons for students to eat healthy is that it will increase their brain activity and overall productivity. Your brain needs energy to run properly, and it gets that energy from food. A
Besides productivity, other brain functions such as mood and temperament are affected by the food that one eats. According to Lacie Glover of NerdWallet Inc., foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, whole grains and vegetables, have been associated with an overall lower risk of depression, as have foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as nuts, salmon and other fatty fish.
2012 study published by Population Health Management found that eating an unhealthy diet puts you at a 66 percent increased risk of productivity loss.
it. Some of these long-term effects include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. It is important for students to realize that what they eat now has the potential to affect immediate and future health.
begins with each individual Jayhawk making the conscious decision to eat better. Such a movement will allow for a more productive and successful academic environment. Oftentimes our diet is determined by the diet of the people around us. If your friends are getting a pizza, let's be honest, you'll probably eat some too. Maybe all it takes is one person to stand up and say "Hey, lets make a salad instead."
The movement toward a healthier student body
Committing to a healthy diet has never been easier. With the power of the internet and the abundance of resources on campus, there is no shortage of information available to students about how to have a balanced diet. The Student's Guide to Nutrition, published by Best Colleges is an excellent, easily comprehensible guide to start with.
Eating healthy may seem like a hassle, but both short and long-term benefits will make it worth
Rachel Gonzales is a Junior from Fort Collins, Colo. studying journalism and sociology.
- Edited by Ryan Wright
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