Spread Love, Not Germs

As the weather turns colder and we are spending more time indoors, it’s important for us to do what we can to help stop the spread of germs.

Although the bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine are not an RIT requirement at this time, they are recommended to better protect yourself and the people you care about.

Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating

Heart-healthy eating is an important way we can help lower our risk of heart disease and stroke. But where do we start? We asked Emma, the Nutrition Educator at the Student Health Center, to provide her top tips for heart-healthy eating this Valentine's Day.

• Reduce your sodium intake. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease. To reduce sodium intake season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Many pre-packaged foods are higher in sodium, so it is recommended to read labels and choose options that are lower in sodium- ideally, picking items that contain less than 20% of the Daily Value for sodium.
  
  
• Choose whole grains. Whole grain foods contain fiber which helps lower bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grain pastas, cereals, and breads are all great choices. If you’re feeling adventurous try quinoa, barley, or wild rice!
  
  
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals which are all important for a healthy heart. Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To help increase your fruit and vegetable intake, pick up a fruit cup at a dining hall or keep cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge for an easy snack.
  
  
• Choose healthy fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are important to raising good cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of heart disease. Choose olive or avocado oil in place of butter when you cook, and incorporate more fish, nuts, and/or seeds into your diet.

Love the One You’re With

As humans, we have basic physiological and environmental needs, such as food, water, air, and shelter. However, we also have emotional needs and crave connection with others. This need for connection is the same for all people – with and without disabilities.

As this article outlines, all relationships are different – whether you’re an able-bodied, interabled or disabled couple. “So may you be loved and give love… in a way that feels and is normal to you and your partner.”

Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love for Valentine's Day

Not “in love” with the day that’s all about love? Totally understandable. If you find this particular day to be lonely and stressful, or you just need an excuse to make some time for self-care, here are some ways to show yourself some love today:

• Focus on you
  Take a nap, enjoy the outdoors, eat your favorite food. You’ll be surprised how quickly your favorite things will boost your mood.
  
  
• Catch up with a friend 
  When times are tough, you want your best friend nearby. Invite a friend to grab a coffee at Java’s, order some nachos at Salsarita’s, or bundle up for a walk around campus.
  
  
• Perform a random act of kindness
  When we do something kind or thoughtful for others, our feeling of well-being is boosted. Try holding the door for someone on your way to class.
  
  
• Seek support if you need it
  Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. And RIT has so many resources available to support you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, stop by Counseling and Psychological Services.

Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact our mental and physical health.

Money and Relationships

Navigating relationships isn't easy - add money into the mix and it can become even more difficult! Money is a part of almost all of our relationships including with our family, friends, and significant others. It can be uncomfortable talking about money, but it is important to be sure that everyone is clear on expectations to avoid misunderstandings. For example, did your parents take out a college loan for you or co-sign a loan for you? If so, have you discussed who will be responsible for paying it back? Have you ever had a friend offer to pick up a coffee for you? Was it clear that they were doing it as a favor or if they expected to be reimbursed? And what about that first or second date, did you know who was paying or if you were splitting the bill?

Learning to communicate effectively about money can build trust. Here are a few tips when dealing with money in relationships with a significant other, partner or spouse:

• Set big picture financial goals as well as everyday budgeting goals together
• When discussing debt, especially if it is shared debt, it is important to be upfront and set clear expectations about how accounts or credit cards will be used and paid off
• Discuss all the "what if" scenarios and decide ahead of time how they will be handled
• Seek professional help when needed – this could be in the form of a counselor/psychologist to help with communication strategies or changing behaviors, or a financial expert to help guide your money related decisions. The most important things when dealing with money in relationships is honesty and trust, and those can be accomplished with open communication.

Don’t forget to check out the Financial Literacy website, and/or follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.