HSBA Hosts Blood Drive

The CSULB Hispanic Students Business Association (HSBA) held its annual blood drive on Monday, drawing in almost 100 donors to the University Student Union Ballrooms, according to an article in the Daily 49er.

Donated blood will go to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, which used 1,40o pints in patient transfusions last year alone, according to Cheryl Berlow, the hospital's donor recruiter. Berlow went on to stress the importance

of donating blood, explaining how one pint of blood can potentially save the lives of three people.

In December 2007, however, 65 pints alone were used at the hospital to save the lives of two seriously injured police officers.

"You never know what's going to happen," Berlow said. "There could be freeway pile-ups. There are a lot of children with leukemia who wind up living in the hospital and receive constant transfusions."

SoCal Blood Services Nurse Supervisor Lisa Barker said, "We need as much blood as we can get," and that it was great to see CSULB students donating "out of the goodness of their hearts."

If you were unable to donate blood this past week and would like to help, you can stop by Long Beach Memorial Hospital to do so. Requirements to donate blood include:

• Must be at least 17 years of age
• Must be in good health and feeling well on the day of donation
• Must weight at least 110 pounds
• Must have a healthy meal within four hours of donation (it is also advised to avoid caffein and coffee before donating)
  

For more information and requirements on donating, to set an appointment, or to get assistance on organizing your own blood drive, feel free to visit the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Blood Donor Center.

"There's no substitute for blood, and that's why today is so important for us," Berlow added. Make sure to do you part in helping to save the lives of those in need.

Photo Caption: Chantrea Phuong, a senior liberal studies major, squeezes a ball to get her blood flowing. (Photo Credit: Andrew Smith, Assistant City Editor, Daily 49er)

"Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" at CSULB

Kristina Wong, a writer, actress, activist and filmmaker, performed and participated in discussions with Cal State Long beach students on Thursday, according to an article in the Daily 49er, written by Amber Watt.

Wong performed excerpts from her commentary titled "Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," detailing depression and suicide rates among Asian-American women.

The event, sponsored by the Asian and Asian American studies department, the Women's Resource Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the women's studies department, stemmed from personal experiences of depression through family and friends.

"It was an issue that was personally resonant and definitely an issue that was not being talked about...I feel because it was now being talked about, people were dying," Wong says.

In an interview with the Daily 49er, Dr. Ferdinand Arcinue, a psychologist with CAPS, said Wong's performance was inportant in raising the issue of mental illness.

"You don't need to be crazy, or mentally ill, or at the point of crisis to use our services," he stated. 

Wong will continue to perform her piece across the United States and already has plans for future pieces.  She will be back in Los Angeles to perform in September.

If you would like to learn more about Kristina Wong, feel free to visit her website.

"Fresh Off the Box" Interview with Kristina Wong, courtesy of YouTube.

(Top Photo courtesy of kristinawong.com)

CSULB's 2nd Annual Health Fair a Success

Cal State Long Beach held its second annual Health Fair Tuesday on the Southwest Terrace with great success.  The event was hosted by the University Student Union Program Council.

The Health Fair provided students with information on everything from safe sex practices to health care after college.  Ten tables were staffed with representatives from both on-campus and off-campus organizations such as the Physical Therapy Club and the Beacon House Association of San Pedro.  

The Sexually Transmitted Disease Program provide

d students with condoms and how-to guides.

In an interview with the Daily 49er, Oscar Dimas, a representative of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Program spoke about promoting safe sex among students.

"We're trying to help students gain knowledge about ways to talk about sex with their partners.  Most people tend to talk about sex in bed, which is not always the best place to do so.  We have guides to walk you through more productive was to talk to your partner."

If you were unable to attend the Health Fair and woul

d like more information about a healthy lifestyle, be sure to stop by the the Student Health Center to ask questions and learn more.

Natalie Tejeda, a junior nursing student, uses a body fat percentage machine.  (Photo courtesy of Mike Plaza, Daily 49er)

"Running on Empty? Learn How to Recharge!"

Physical and emotional health has become a growing concern among college students these days. The Cal State Long Beach Athletic department will be hosting motivational speaker and experienced college aid Elaine Penn as she speaks to students about the importance of taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, while attending school.

The Daily 49er published an article on Monday by staff writer Erica McClaugherty informing students of Penn's visit on Tuesday, February 26.

Many students on

 campus are not only exhausted from studying and lack of sleep, but are also unable to find an effective way to deal with the stress and pressures from classes.  In a report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in January, 2007, "Colleges are seeing a generation of students who appear to be manifesting increased signs of depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and stress."  

In her presentations, Penn motivates students to cope with stress and frustration by exercising and and eating healthy.  When students say they do not have time to work out due to hectic schedules, Penn tell

s students they need to make exercising a priority.

"I get up early and exercise first thing in the morning; if I don't do it early, I'm not going to," Penn said.

In addition to laying out exercise tips and workouts you can do right at home without a gym membership, Penn will also explain healthy eating habits that even the most penny-pinching college students can take part in.  Be sure to check out this seminar - it is sure to be informative and may help benefit your health in the long run.