UNH Health Services

April/May 2006

Transitions: Life After College (Cover Story)
With graduation approaching quickly, many seniors are faced with serious decisions to make and life questions to ponder, on top of their various academic and extracurricular responsibilities. When May arrives, they will all be faced with the same question: how am I going to cope with the transition from college to the working world (or to graduate school)?
The Gift That Keeps on Living
Over 90,000 people are waiting for the gift of life. Each day, about 74 people receive an organ transplant. However, 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs
What You Need to Know About Kicking the Tobacco Habit
70% of students who smoke want to quit. Are you one of them?

TRANSITIONS: LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
By Jaclyn Nazzaro, Intern

With graduation approaching quickly, many seniors are faced with serious decisions to make and life questions to ponder, on top of their various academic and extracurricular responsibilities. When May arrives, they will all be faced with the same question: how am I going to cope with the transition from college to the working world (or to graduate school)?

Here are a few pieces of advice.

Be flexible:
Don’t expect to have your entire life figured out by the time you graduate. You probably have a general idea of a career path, but the details can be worked out as you go along. Everything does not need to be set in stone; after all, many people of your parents’ generation are still asking themselves, “Is this the right career for me?”
You are not alone:
Realize that all college students have uncertainties about the future. Due to these uncertainties and the imminent loss of predictability in their lives, senior year is overwhelming for most students. This is the time to reach out to your peers who are wrestling with the same issues. Friends often help each other to see things from a different perspective, and they may have some useful advice for you.
Take care of yourself:
This is important now, but it is even more important when you embark on graduate school or your first “real” job. Don’t leave your running shoes (or tennis racket, etc.) behind when you enter graduate school or the working world! Proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep will become increasingly crucial as you cope with this transition. Too often, people neglect these coping mechanisms during stressful times, when they are most needed. Here are some guidelines about self-care:
- Sleep at least 8 hours per night.
- Engage in moderate or intense exercise for at least 30 minutes most days, preferably every day.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, including at least 2-4 cups of fruit per day.
- Minimize your consumption of saturated fats.
Avoid impulsive changes:
When faced with extreme stress, some people react by making impulsive changes. These changes may be related to eating, spending, or even life decisions. Let’s say one of your friends is planning a cross-country trip for next year and invites you along. You had planned to attend graduate school, but you feel tempted to go on the trip... after all, graduate school seems a bit scary at this point. The best way to deal with a situation like this (or even a simpler situation) is to list the pros and cons. Doing a list will allow you to feel more confident in your decisions.

Recall past challenges:
Before you came to college, were you 100 percent certain that everything would turn out okay? Probably not. But if you made it this far, you must have done something right! Remember you have lived through difficult transitions before. Try to view life after college as another challenge you will overcome.
Say goodbye:
For many seniors, this will be the hardest part of your school year. As second semester comes to a close, various events will take place to celebrate graduation. Participating in end-of-year gatherings and graduation parties are a great way to bring closure to your college experience. However, these festivities don’t have to symbolize the end of college friendships. It is important to make plans to keep in touch with close friends after graduation. That way, you can leave college knowing you’ll be able to continue these relationships.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON LIVING
By Judy Stevens, Community Health Nurse

Over 90,000 people are waiting for the gift of life. Each day, about 74 people receive an organ transplant. However, 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs

Why is there a shortage? There have been many advances in science that have made transplant surgery a desired treatment, this has caused the number of patients needing a transplant to increase and the availability of donated organs is small. Thankfully, the donation of an organ – heart, lung, kidney, liver, or pancreas – can save or enhance the lives of patients and return them to full, productive lives.

Transplanted bone can help rebuild a damaged limb and save it from amputation and a donated heart valve can save the life of a child in need of cardiac reconstruction. Donated veins can be used in life-saving heart bypass operations. Donated corneas can restore lost sight, and transplanted skin can help burn patients heal.

Many families who have donated say the act of donation allowed something profoundly meaningful to arise from an otherwise tragic situation. Knowing their choice has helped others live may offer grieving families solace and consolation.

The most important part of deciding to be a donor is telling your family. Although most people support donation, many have not told family members of their wishes. Even if you have signed a donor card or indicated your wish to be a donor on your driver’s license, your family will be consulted before donation can take place. This is why it is so important to have a family discussion now to make sure your wishes are respected in the future.

Donating organs and tissues is your opportunity to give life and health to someone else

If you choose donation:

Sign a donor card and carry it with you.
Most importantly, tell you family about your wishes.

If you have any questions, or would like more information on organ donation please call or visit the Office of Health Education and Promotion, Health Services (862-3823).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KICKING THE TOBACCO HABIT

70% of students who smoke want to quit
Are you one of them?

There are many different ways to quit and Health Services will help you find one that is right for you.

Counseling: Join a tobacco cessation support group or work individually with a Wellness Educator/Counselor who can help identify triggers in your life, teach stress coping skills and design an individual program that fits your needs. 603.862.3823
Free Quit Kits: Pick up a kit full of items designed to help you kick the habit from any Health Services staff member.
Non-Prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Meet with a Health Services’ medical provider who can help you choose a non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy. 603.862.2856
Prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Make an appointment with a Health Services’ medical provider to discuss prescription medication options. 603.862.2856
Hypnosis or Medical Acupuncture: Call Health Services to make an appointment with our medical provider who is trained in these two alternative therapies. 603.862.2856

Whether you are ready to quit or still thinking about it, remember, you are not alone!

Maintaining a Smoke-free Lifestyle

Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, & ashtrays.
Keep active.
Drink lots of H20
Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong.
Reduce or avoid alcohol.
Review reasons for quitting & benefits
Remind yourself there is no such thing as one cigarette.
Keep your mind busy on something else.