BEST BETS
POOR TIME MANAGEMENT CAUSES POOR SLEEP FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS — A lack of time management skills, particularly in organization, can lead to poor sleep quality for college students according to research conducted at The University of Alabama. Dr. Adam Knowlden, associate professor of health science with the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, investigated time management and how it influences sleep health in full-time college students in the areas of setting goals and priorities, mechanics of time management, and preference for organization. According to Knowlden, more than 65% of college students describe their sleep quality as poor. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
WITH EPA FUNDING, UA STUDENTS TO ASSESS WELL WATER – A student-led team from The University of Alabama has received a federal award for its research and efforts to help private well owners in Alabama predict and identify the risk of water contamination after flooding. The UA project will develop a flood-induced contamination risk assessment model for Alabama’s underserved Black Belt region using spatial analysis and known private well locations. while developing user-friendly water quality testing packets with educational materials to bring awareness to the threats of well-water contamination. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
VITAL, STATE CREATE ON-DEMAND DIGITAL LEARNING PROGRAM — UA partnered with several state agencies to launch a digital platform and on-demand learning program that offers essential education and training to physicians and health care professionals. VitAL On-Demand signifies a milestone in standardizing content delivery and promoting professional development for health care professionals across Alabama. This collaboration between VitAL and the state of Alabama reflects their shared vision of enhancing services, policies and community conditions for individuals facing mental health, substance use and trauma-related challenges. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
ALABAMA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT 6 — Six individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama through their business contributions will be inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Class of 2023 during a ceremony at Haven in Birmingham Nov. 9. The inductees are Herman E. Bulls, of McLean, Virginia; Tom Hough, of Atlanta; C. Phillip McWane, of Mountain Brook; James W. Rane, of Abbeville; Frank Stitt III, of Birmingham; and Michael D. Thompson, of Birmingham. Established in 1973, the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama is home to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. For more information, contact Zach Thomas, Alabama Business Hall of Fame, at rzthomas@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
UA PHYSICIAN AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS RED MEAT ALLERGY FROM TICK BITE — “A tick-associated condition, known as red meat allergy or Alpha-gal syndrome, occurs when saliva containing the sugar alpha-gal is injected into a person from a lone star tick bite,” said Dr. Thomas Weida, chief medical officer for University Medical Center. “Some people are allergic to this sugar which is found in red meat such as beef, pork and lamb. It is not found in fish, poultry or reptiles. Reactions can be mild to severe ranging from hives to difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can be managed, but there is no cure for the condition, and avoiding these meats is recommended for this condition. The best prevention is wearing clothing which covers the skin or using Deet repellant when occupying tick invested areas such as tall grass and woodlands. To schedule an interview, contact Weida at tjweida@ua.edu.
HYDRATING BEFORE PRACTICE KEY FOR YOUNG ATHLETES — “Being intentional about hydration status in the days prior to the onset of activity, especially rigorous activity that occurs in high temperature and humidity, is a good way to minimize the effects dehydration will play on health and performance,” said Dr. Jeri Zemke, assistant professor with the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences. “Two to three days prior to the planned activity, young athletes should eliminate caffeinated beverages and drink an increased amount of water and/or sport drinks. Additionally, eating foods high in water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, apples, peaches and celery, is another way to improve hydration prior to the onset of intense exercise. Monitoring the color of your urine is an easy way to assess hydration status. Urine the color of lemonade, or lighter, indicates you are in a hydrated state, while urine darker than lemonade suggests you are either dehydrated, or moving toward a dehydrated state. Weighing the athlete before and after activity is another way to assess loss of fluids. For every one pound lost during activity, the athlete should drink approximately half of a liter of fluids. Finally, thirst is a very poor indicator of hydration status. If you wait to drink fluids until you are thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated.” To schedule an interview, contact Zemke at jzemke@ches.ua.edu.
EVENTS
UA OLLI HOSTS OPEN HOUSES — The UA Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which provides a wide variety of intellectually stimulating non-credit courses and learning opportunities designed for adults 50 and older, will host three open houses around the state. Dates and locations include Aug.14 at Riverchase United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Aug. 15 at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa and Aug. 17 at Church of the Holy Comforter in Gadsden.
SATURDAY IN THE PARK: FLINTKNAPPING — The UA Moundville Archaeological Park’s Saturday in the Park series will feature flintknapping with Guy Meador Aug. 19. Meador will be demonstrating flintknapping from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is free with paid admission to the park. Participants must register on the park’s website prior to the event.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.