Skeen Library Blog: August 2009

Not only is it good... it's good for you.

Scientific evidence indicates that drinking coffee from the Dark Matter Cafe at Skeen Library does wonders for your body and mind.

Pass the Java: The Healthy Side of Coffee

Coffee's full of healthful components like magnesium, potassium and vitamin B3. And coffee is the American's number one source of antioxidants, says one 2005 study from the University of Scranton. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that one cup of coffee can have more antioxidants than a serving of blueberries or oranges. Antioxidants play a key role in reducing the inflammation which is associated with many health problems ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor who led the Scranton study, says, "Antioxidants are your army to protect you from the toxic free radicals, which come from breathing oxygen and eating sugar, that start chronic diseases. Antioxidants help stave off cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke."

So, be sure and drop by the Dark Matter Cafe and pick up a steaming cup of health next time your at Skeen Library. Help your body defeat those dangerous free radicals.

After fueling up on some of Skeen's delicious java, you might consider busting out a move in our ongoing public chess match located at the center table of the cafe.

Simply make your move and then flip the card to indicate which side goes next.

Remember, everything goes better with a hot cup of coffee from the Dark Matter Cafe.

Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal:
For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Dark Matter Cafe:
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the House of Mochas forever.

~Author Unknown
True words of wisdom.

The H1N1 Influenza Virus

With the recent outbreak of Swine Flu, here's some preventative measures you can take to help yourself stay healthy and reduce the spread of this and all flues.

1. Wash your hands frequently. Use sanitizer.
2. Drink lots of fluids, especially water and electrolytes (like Gatorade).
3. Stay away from sick people.
4. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Avoid unnecessary contact, like hand-shaking or other social touching.

TREATMENT MEASURES

1. If you experience flu-like symptoms, assume that you may have contracted the illness.
2. STAY HOME. Do not come to campus if you are sick.
3. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. Antiviral drugs are available and they are effective.
4. STAY HYDRATED. Extreme cases (like those reported in Mexico) were a result of dehydration, which led to pneumonia and further complications.

Here at Skeen Library foam hand sanitizers have been placed on all three floors next to the water fountains to help facilitate easy and convenient hand washing.