Avoid the Freshmen 15 – Eat Good Foods and Workout

When you first come to the University, everything looks intimidating. You've heard the horror stories – huge classes, tons of reading and the in­evitable Freshman 15. The huge classes and tons of reading are no lie. It happens. Study.

But the Freshmen 15 doesn't have to be. (By the way, if you are con­fused by the phrase "Freshmen 15", it refers to the 15 pounds that most freshmen gain their first year.) Just because mom isn't around, doesn't mean you should have cookies and ice cream for every meal.

If you are living in a dorm and are on the meal plan, you could face the Freshman 15. The dorm cafeterias are buffet style, and it's eat-all-you-handle. It gets scary.

Rarely do the cafeterias have many low-fat items. Usually, it's fried stuff with a bunch of cheese. It tastes good going down, but then it stays there – right around your middle.

Several incoming freshmen avoid the Freshmen 15 by either not eating at all or hinging and vomiting. Don't do this. The Student Health Center has a great counseling program for students with eating disorders. You need food, just make it good food.

Tip one for avoiding the dreaded Freshman 15 – buy a little refrigerator for your dorm. You can fill it full of fruits and vegetables.

There are several great places to shop for healthy food items around campus. If you are without a car, you are limited somewhat.

Tip two for avoiding the dreaded Freshmen 15 – workout. The University has a great Recreational Sports Center next to the stadi­um. The Rec Center opens at 6 a.m. If you go early, you can usually avoid a wait.

The center also offers aerobic classes. Get the schedule for those classes in the fall when you come back to the University.

If you want to get a little exercise away from the University, go to Town Lake. The lake has a trail around it for runners or walkers. It's a great view as you work off those extra fat grams.

a) Work in small groups of 3 or 4. Discuss the following issues.

1. What is your idea of healthy lifestyle?

2. What is your idea of a healthy diet? Is it a low-fat / sugar-free / meat-free / sodium-free diet? Is food in your university cafeteria healthy? Why or why not?

3. What can be the best kind of relaxation for a student? What sports and recreational facilities are available for students in your city?

b) Develop a list of tips for university students who want to keep fit and stay healthy. Discuss your list with the whole group.

16. Give your opinion about the following issue. Mercy Killing or euthanasia means the painless killing of people who are incurably sick or very old. In Britain and the US euthanasia is illegal.

a) Divide into small groups, discuss the following questions, and formulate a list of the problems associated with this moral dilemma.

1. Can euthanasia be a moral good? If so, who decides when a comatose patient has the right to die?

2. Is it fair to ask someone else to make the decision on whether to continue your life?

3. Do doctors have a right (or even an obligation) to help patients die? Can the family make such a decision? What should be the state's role in deciding this issue?

4. How does your religion view on terminating medical treatment?

5. Under what, if any, conditions do you think human life can be ended?

b) After the discussion, each group will report what it considers to be the best ethical compromise.