Health Matters

"Health Matters" is a segment of Ferris in Focus, detailing health-related concerns on the campus of Ferris State as they are relevant to students.

The Importance of Sleep
Associate Professor of Respiratory Care Gary Jeromin begins by introducing viewers to the various cycles of sleep that one can experience in any given night. Graphics illustrate how dormant or alert a body is at any one given cycle.

Another topic that is glossed over is how REM sleep in particular helps the brain to categorize and prioritize memory; so sleep-deprived students often suffer memory loss. Next discussed is hwo obstructive sleep apnea may interfere with sleep cycles, and as a result, may restrict the brain from carrying out its processes adequately. Gary also discusses how the human heart's left atrium is strained during sleep apnea, which leads to many with snoring issues suffering from heart problems. Oxygen deprivation due to apnea also leads to adrenaline being released, which can cause someone to awake and disrupt the cycle worse.

Also mentioned are devices to battle apnea. In the eighties, a tracheotomy was the primary method, but modern medicine prefers CPAP methods. Finally, Gary reinforces the point that good sleep is critical to good memory.

Stress Management
Denise Mitten came on to talk about stress management on campus. At the time, she was associate professor in Recreation, Leisure, and Wellness services. Add to that her PhD in the field, she opens by mentioning that stress builds up in us since the day we're born.

She then illustrates the idea of a glass of water filling with water as an analogy to the idea. B-roll cuts away to a diagram, which is drawn over the photo of an Izze blackberry bottle with tap water in it. (The Izze brand stickers had been removed.) Azlan Williford, a friend of this segment's producer Eric, comes on to talk about how her class projects contribute to a lot of stress in addition to family matters. Dan Tulma, also one of Eric's friends, mentions that his procrastination tendencies often contribute to stress.

Denise makes mention of some environmental causes of stress, which included bad lighting, heat, and social problems. She elaborates briefly that social problems may include peer pressure. After Dan comments some more, Denise mentions clenched fists and road rage as symptoms.

Her first offer of resolution for those with stress problems is adequate sleep. She follows that up with emphasizing a healthy diet. Azlan chimes in to that her enjoyment of going for walks.

Not to be outdone, Denise continues that taking time to relax improves the immune system while also allowing the mind to empty itself. Dan finishes the piece by stating that stressful situations are just a part of life; and that everyone needs to find a way to keep it in check.

College Diet Tips
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Dominique Gibbs decides on said content.

Exercise the Wii Way
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Megan Barker decides on said content.

The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Tabby Young decides on said content.

New Age and Alternative Health
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Ben Wyman decides on said content.

All About the Recreation Center
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Kelly Armbruster decides on said content.

Tips from Students to Students
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Nate Totten decides on said content.

Wellness Matters Too
This week's topic dealt with the issue of "wellness" with in students, which deals with more than just physical fitness and health per-se. "Wellness" refers to overall well-being, meaning well-being of the mind as well. Denise Mitten and others at the Recreation Center share their tips for having both a healthy body and a healthy mind.

Show 10
Content will be decided for this episode's segment once producer Frank Molner decides on said content.