Volume 125 Issue 58
kansan.com
Wednesday, December 5. 2012
PUPPY LOVE
TARA REYANT/KANSAN
IN THE DOG HOUSE
Jana Stuhr, a junior from Topeka, shakes Butch Cassidy's paw so he can earn a treat. Stuar played with the black lab when she volunteered at the Lawrence Humane Society on Saturday.
Students volunteer at the Lawrence Humane Society to relieve stress
MARSHALL SCHMIDT mschmidt@kansan.com
With finals around the corner, some students are unleashing their stress by volunteering at the Lawrence Humane Society.
Whether they play with cats, walk dogs or clean kennels, students find spending a few hours at the animal shelter improves not only their mood, but the animals' moods as well.
Karen Wrap, a senior from Modesto, Calif., and a Lawrence Humane Society volunteer, is in the middle of applying to veterinary schools. She said volunteering at the Lawrence Humane Society gives her experience working with animals and adds to her community service hours.
"The dogs seem so much happier getting fresh air and attention," Wrap said. "It's a stress relief, and after studying I need something to do."
Since the end of Thanksgiving break, Lexie Huelskamp, an adoption counselor for LHS, has noticed a significant increase of students seeking volunteer opportunities.
"It's very helpful because we don't have a lot of staff to walk the dogs." Huelskamp said. "When volunteers come in, it definitely affects the animals who don't usually get out of their kennel."
Jana Stuhr, a junior from Topeka, has been volunteering between three and four hours a week since August. Stuhr appreciates how her volunteer hours are flexible and convenient for a college student.
Since Stuhr lives in a scholarship hall that does not allow pets, volunteer is the best way for her to get her animal fix.
"I definitely miss my animals back home, so it's nice to be able to interact with the animals here throughout the week," Stuhr said.
Stuhr always makes time for Butch Cassidy, a Labrador retriever, though she wishes he could find a family to take care of him.
"I like coming here and playing with him, but it would be better if he wasn't here anymore because he'd have a home." Stuhr said.
Lindsey Debenham, a junior
from Topeka, said she enjoys playing with the cats but will find more difficulty volunteering during finals week. Even still, seeing the animals is always a stress relief for her.
"When I come, it's two hours that I don't have to think about school," Debenham said.
TARA BRYANT/KANSAN
For students who like animals, but do not want the responsibility of a pet. Wrap said volunteering at LHS is a great opportunity.
"Volunteering would be good for someone who can't afford it, doesn't have time or is getting ready to have a pet," Wrap said.
Jana Stuhr, a junior from Topeka, sits with Butch Cassidy, a black lab, outside of the Lawrence Humane Society in a pin where volunteers can take dogs out to run around and play. Stuar volunteered at the Humane Society on Saturday.
CAMPUS
TYLER BIERWIRTH/KANSAN
Haley Harrington, a senior from Lawrence, chooses her "tot" for the Toys for Tots drive run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve and hosted by SUA.
Toys for Tots drive brings holiday joy
HANNAH BARLING
hbarling@kansan.com
The holiday season for students means home-cooked meals and more importantly, no class. But the holidays also gives students a chance to volunteer in their community to help the less fortunate.
Student Union Activities has partnered with the Douglas County Toys for Tots campaign as a campus donation center for the area. Kicking off the Toys for Tots program on Nov. 5, SUA posted paper trains with wish lists on them at the Kansas Union, the Burge Union, the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center and Mrs. E's dining hall.
The wish lists have gift suggestions such as dolls for girls ages four to six, or makeup kits for girls a bit older. The toys will be distributed to children and families in need in Douglas County.
Andrew Mechler, coordinator of social issues for SUA, said they have received about 15 toys so far, but they haven't done a final count yet. He said it's important for students to donate because there aren't many other organizations on campus where students can help someone else.
"That five-buck toy may be the difference between no Christmas for a child and a Christmas they weren't expecting." Mechler said.
Toys for donation may be dropped off at the SUA office located on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union through Thursday.
Several organizations in Lawrence
are still in need of donations and volunteers.
The Salvation Army is partnering with Lawrence Walmart locations to host a "Fill the Truck" event this Saturday. People are asked to donate toys and coats for children to fill the cardboard truck at the Walmart on Iowa street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Marisa McCluer of the Salvation Army said that they are always in need of more volunteers and need as many toy donations as they can get.
"The more toys we have, the more kids there are that can benefit," McCluer said.
The Lawrence Community Shelter is still in need of gift donations for the holiday season. Items still needed include men's socks, bath towels and coffee, but any donation will be greatly appreciated.
The shelter is also still in need of a couple of volunteers to help distribute gifts on New Year's Eve morning. Students interested need to contact Diane Huggins at the Lawrence Community Shelter for more information.
Students are also able to anonymously adopt a senior from the Douglas County Senior Services. Volunteers are asked to donate grocery store gift cards and items off of specific gift wish lists.
Christmas is the time of giving and there is no better way to give than to help someone in need this season.
Edited by Lauren Shelly
HEALTH
Carbohydrates, protein can enhance studying during finals
HANNAH PIERANGELO
gpierangelo@kansan.com
Finals are just around the corner, and for many, that means late nights spent studying accompanied by an energy drink or a strong cup of coffee — or two. While caffeine has never been considered dangerous except in excessive amounts, is it actually beneficial to add it to a study session?
It is a well-known fact that a cup of coffee or tea in the morning helps wake up the brain and body and could improve focus in the short-term. But can caffeine have a negative effect if too much
"There is no magic number for how much you should or shouldn't drink. Where the complications come in depend on if someone has a history of heart disease," said Ken Sarber, a health educator at Watkins Memorial Health Center. "Energy drinks are just too much. Try drinking half of one instead, since most cans have more than one serving in them anyway."
Arik Swift, a sophomore from Norman, Okla., drinks a lot of coffee around the time finals roll around.
"That's pretty much all I drink around finals," Swift said. "It keeps me awake. Sometimes it makes me
is consumed?
jittery, but it does help for the long nights I have to pull"
"Reach for something with protein and carbohydrates instead. And drink lots and lots of water. If you are going to drink an energy drink or a cup of coffee, drink water too," Sarber said.
Food combinations like apples and peanut butter feature sugar for quick energy and protein that promotes concentration.
Sarber recommends healthier choices that can keep you focused and energized when studying for a big test.
Chocolate covered nuts, trail mix, fruit, salted nuts and popcorn are
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"If you choose an energy drink and plan to study for two or three hours, there comes a lack of sleep after. Sleep is extremely important before a test, and energy drinks won't allow you to fall asleep," Sarber said. His healthier recommendations are a natural source of energy and protein that will allow you to get a good night's rest before the test.
also good study snacks that are also healthy.
Although Swift realizes sleep is important, she feels staying up can
Another problem energy drinks can cause is the inability to rest after drinking one.
"I have problems going to sleep at times, but around finals I feel like it's worth it." Swift said. "There's not enough time during finals. I know it's not exactly good for you, but you've got to stay alert."
Emily Grainger, a freshman from Wichita, is just the opposite of Swift.
"I feel like without caffeine I can focus more on the task at hand," Grainger said. "I study better without caffeine because I'm not on a caffeine high."
While a cup of coffee, tea or even an energy drink is not immediately dangerous without a history
be worth it.
However, students should still drink water, sleep well the night before and have a healthy breakfast to best prepare themselves for a good final experience.
10 contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2012 The University Daily Kansan
When studying for an important final, it probably will not hurt to have a cup of coffee or a few sips of that 5-Hour Energy.
"Caffeine is not a magic bullet. Moderation is key." Sarber said.
of health problems, one should be careful when planning on drinking caffeine to stay up and study.
Edited by Andrew Ruszczyk
Watson, Anschutz and Spahr libraries have extended their hours for finals week.
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