Healthy UNH Blogger: Jessica Palmer
Campus Wellness Promotion is Important For Healthy, Happy Students While attending the University of Newcastle for a semester in Australia, I came across the University of Newcastle Healthy UoN plate. This plate gives guidance for a healthy meal very similarly to the Healthy UNH Wildcat Plates seen around UNH dining halls in Durham, NH. Half of the plate is designated for fruits and vegetables, one quarter is protein, and one quarter is grains. It is exciting to see similar advice and nutrition... Read More
Which is Better For You, Coffee or Tea? Many people reach for a caffeinate beverage these days to keep them going during their busy schedules. When it comes to getting a little boost of energy, is it healthier to reach for coffee or tea? I found a nutritional breakdown written by Prevention which looks at the nutritional benefits of both coffee and tea. This article compares nutrients including potassium, calcium, folate, protein, and caffeine, some of which you may have never known were in... Read More
Why Shop At Farmers Markets? Farmers markets are one of my favorite food destinations. Not only do you have homemade, fresh products at your fingertips, but you also get a look at all sorts of new foods at a reasonable price. While studying abroad in Australia, it was even more exciting for me with exotic local fruits and vegetables and great deals verses a supermarket. I often find that different booths will have the same fruits and vegetables but different pricing, so make sure to scope it... Read More
Coastal Fitness Trails in Eastern Australia; A New Approach to Outdoor Fitness Do you love the outdoors but don’t want to leave the equipment routine at your gym? Australian communities may have found a great new approach to outdoor fitness. I have traveled to several coastal communities during my semester abroad and have come across many fitness trails. These trails stretch for several kilometers along the coastline and have a variety of exercise station checkpoints. Stations include: Pull up... Read More
A distinct, savory spread that you’ll either love or hate. The infamous Vegemite originated in the land down under and has been around since the early 1900s. This savory spread is packed with B vitamins and was originally popular in the armed forces. The spread has also been prescribed by doctors as a vitamin B supplement. One serving provides 25-50% recommended daily intake of folate, vitamin B1, B2, and B3 (also known as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin). B vitamins are water soluble and... Read More
Could the display of nutrition information on foods influence the health status of an entire country? I have encountered some new food challenges while living in Australia: finding new brands and varieties of food products, using the metric system, and reading the nutrition labels. In the States we order our meat in pounds, not kilograms; refrigerated items are reference in Fahrenheit, not Celsius; and nutrition labels appear differently and in different units of measure. Try monitoring your... Read More
Students receive an incredible amount of resources with this fee. Every student that is enrolled at UNH is required to pay about $450 per academic year in return for accessibility to Health Services. It is included with the tuition and fees bill, but what exactly does a student gain from this mandatory health fee? The Health Services department provides resources, medical appointments, testing, access to local emergency facilities, and much more, for little to no additional costs for students... Read More
Need a new comfort food? Try an Australian meat pie. If you’re looking for a fast Australian meal, go to a local food cart and ask for a meat pie. It is a classic Australian dish and was the first thing I ate when I landed in Sydney for my study abroad semester! Like many cultures, this meal includes the key components of a protein, grain, and vegetable. It fills you up fast and is an easy, on-the-go item. You can order different ingredients for a meat pie but each has the same presentation.... Read More
Did you know UNH has a state-approved Travel Clinic for academic, professional or personal travel? Winter months in New England can get harsh at times and this encourages many families and individuals to make travel plans to a warmer destination. Here at UNH, Health Services offers resources and immunizations at their Travel Clinic to make sure our UNH community stay healthy while traveling. Whether it’s for work, academics, or pleasure, it is important to be health conscious while traveling.... Read More
For many of you spring break is right around the corner and pale, winter skin can take a beating in the hot sun. It is important to protect your body when it isn’t used to sun exposure after the long winter months. One thing I’ve learned as I study in Australia is not to test your limits with the sun. In many tropical destinations the sun’s UV rays are much more powerful than we are used to in New England summers. For example, in Australia there is a thinner ozone layer above the country. In... Read More

Home Town: Barrington, NH
Major: Nutrition and Wellness
Graduation Year: 2016
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH? I always take advantage of the fitness classes, going for runs outside around town, eating the healthy options in the dining hall, etc. I share this with my friends so they can practice healthy lifestyles while at college too. I also enjoy going to sporting events or events in the MUB with people to get away from the stress of school work.
Favorite Food: Avocado. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can add it to just about anything!
Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy
Favorite Book: I'm not much of a reader because I usually don't have time to get into a good book, but I do enjoy reading magazines and articles. Anything on the newsstand or online, from health advice, to love advice, or the newest technology, just about anything that catches my eye.
What place in the world do you most want to visit? Australia! I have been thinking of studying abroad in Australia for a few years now, and am currently in the application process to go for the spring '15 semester. It may be because I grew up watching Crocodile Hunter...Steve Irwin was my idol! But in all seriousness, I'm hoping to get a look at the world in a different angle and really embrace the difference in culture. It seems like a beautiful country, friendly people, and there's a wide range of outdoorsy activities to enjoy.
Favorite Dining Hall: Stillings. I lived in Sawyer Hall sophomore year and Stillings was a part of my routine that I really enjoyed and it is usually more relaxing than a busy HoCo.
What do you love about UNH? I love the people and community of UNH- just good vibes all around. There is always someone new to meet and something new to discover around campus.
As a Healthy UNH intern, what are you most excited about? I’m excited to enhance my own writing skills and share healthy habits with the UNH community. I’m sure I will be learning just as much as the audience.