Healthy UNH Blogger: Kirsten McDonald
Protect Your Immune System With These Nutrient Rich Foods To avoid the chills, aches, coughing, and sneezing that are common with the flu season, it’s important to think about ways to boost our immune system. One way to begin boosting your immune system is by consuming nutrient-rich foods. Here are five nutritous foods that can help boost your immune system: 1. Citrus Citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for battling infections. Throw an orange into your lunch for... Read More
The Benefits of Chia Seeds Chia Seeds have become one of the most popular super foods in the health and nutrition community. These small seedlings are widely known for their high nutritional value and their energy boosting power. they contain immense amount of fiber, protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Did you know? Just 1 ounce (or 1 serving) chia seeds contain: 11 grams of fiber 4 grams of protein 18% of the RDA of Calcium 9 grams of fat 30% of the RDA of Magnesium and Manganese And there’s... Read More
The Benefits of Yoga Are you looking for variety in your workout? Improved flexibility? An improved a peace of mind? Yoga might be the answer. The Yoga Health Foundation reports that “yoga isn’t just a physical exercise program. It is a scientific system designed to generate greater clarity and harmony in life. With a regular practice, individuals often notice a stronger, slimmer, and more flexible body, in addition to a mentally sharper, more patient, and relaxed sense of self.” Benefits of... Read More
Reasons Why You Should Lift Weights Are you tired of doing the same old cardio exercise? Well, weight lifting may be the workout you have been looking for. Weight lifting is commonly known as the exercise of lifting a certain amount of weight through the use of barbells or dumbbells. Weight lifting can be used for those with the intention of strength training or body building. Weightlifting improves health, builds muscle, and improves bone density. And, it’s one of the safest sports out there... Read More
24 Hours Without My “Lifeline” Participating in a 24 hour cell phone free experience was one for the books. Initially, when I was introduced to this challenge, I was afraid of what this cell phone cleanse would do to my well- being. Would I go through withdrawals? Would I feel empty? Well, the lack of my device ended up becoming a positive journey that I will never forget. Leaving my cell phone in my dorm room enabled me to realize the smaller things in life. I was more focused on my... Read More
Swimming as a Full Body Workout If you love an intense cardio workout but want to avoid the sweaty aftermath, swimming may be the right choice for you. It’s a lower impact activity and it can be less stressful to your body when compared to other cardiovascular activities, like running. Here are 10 Hidden Benefits of Swimming: 1. Swimming improves social well-being. 2. Swimming teaches goal orientation. 3. Kids who swim become active adults. 4. Swimming makes you smarter. 5. Swimming teaches... Read More
It Could Start, One Wildcat At a Time Can’t think of a reason to not answer the friend who asks you to smoke? Although UNH has not added itself to the list of about 1,500 campuses across the United States that are completely tobacco-free, 9 out of 10 people on this campus don’t use tobacco. Being a tobacco-free campus comes with a plethora of benefits including cleaner air quality and healthier students, faculty, and staff. UNH is known for its beautiful scenery and crisp New England air. Why... Read More
Why We Need to Focus More on Low Income Healthcare There is no question that the healthcare system is moderately currupt, but it is up to us to educate ourselves in order to fix the problem. One of the most prevalent issues within society is how low income families and individuals are not receiving the proper form of health care that correctly fits there needs and finances. Price does not meet quality in the system, which furthers the misunderstandings and complications that correspond with... Read More
Name: Kirsten McDonald
Home Town: Boxford, Mass
Major: Communication
Graduation Year: 2018
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH? Promote awareness to available opportunities at the University to educate oneself on healthy alternatives.
Favorite Food: Guacamole
Favorite Movie: A Walk to Remember
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird
What place in the world do you most want to visit & why? Ireland, I feel like the culture and scenery there is beautiful and inspiring beyond words.
Favorite Dining Hall and why: Philibrook, I lived in Christensen freshman year so my loyalty is obviously very strong.
What do you love about UNH? It isn’t remotely overwhelming as most people would believe, considering it is a state university. I have found that I see familiar faces wherever I go in Durham, and that the passion of the school is always strong and never fails to amaze me.
As a Healthy UNH Intern, What are you most excited about? I am most excited about exploring the health and wellness opportunities that this campus offers. As a communication major, I am more educated on other topics and am excited to contribute my knowledge to Healthy UNH.
