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7 Ways To Impress Your College Professor: "
This is a guest post by Liz Cutten, who helps run FindCollegeCards, a college student blog that helps students learn about everything college.
All college professors are different, but what you’re going to find out is that all of them are human, and many of them are going to be impressed by the same things. I went to college over 6 years, and what I had found out is that most professors will honestly look at the good students in a different way, compared to those that are bad.
Now, I know when you read the title, you’re probably thinking, ‘I don’t want to be suck up!’, and that’s fine. I’m not writing this to show you how to brown nose, or suck up to your teacher. Instead, this is a way to show self respect to your teacher, and be on their good side, rather than the bad side. Trust me, teachers will grade differently on those who respect them more. They won’t come out and say this, but if you know someone that has taught in the past, or present, they may tell you this when they have drank one too many.
- Always show up on time
This is a no-brainer. When your class starts at 8AM, show up at that time. If you show up late, not only are you disrupting the class, you’re ticking everyone off. It’s really not that hard to show up on time. Get on a schedule, and stick with it. With today’s world of technology, you should know about traffic, the weather, and everything else ahead of time that’s going to hold you back. - Show up to class
A professor hates a person that shows up only 50% of the time. The person that always skips is the one that’s going to always ask the dumb questions. Unless you’re sick, don’t skip out. In college, you’re paying for your classes, so there’s no reason on why you should skip out. - Turn off all electronics
Yes, I know we all have iPods, Phones, Laptops, and more. You can bring these to class, but for the love of god, TURN THEM OFF! I don’t know how many times I’ve been in class where I’ve heard the cell phones go off. - Be patient
Your teacher is more than likely willing to help, but what you have to understand is that they can’t help you 24/7. If you have a question at 2:30AM, you can’t just shoot an e-mail, and expect the answer back within a few minutes. Cut your teacher some slack, and don’t harass them. They will more than likely get to your question sooner, or later. - Follow directions
It sounds stupid, but many people can’t even do this. Your teacher is always going to set rules, and have direction for assignments. As long as you follow them, you’re going to be good as gold. You don’t have to be the rebel out there that’s going to break all the rules, because you’re not going to prove anything by doing this. - Do your work
Homework is given out for a reason, and the same goes with your reading assignments. Always make sure that you’re keeping up with the class. If you can’t accomplish this one, you’re going to find that you’re going to slide fast. Trust me, a teacher can always spot someone that doesn’t know what he/she is doing. - Be respectful
Treat your teacher with respect. Raise your hand to answer questions, be polite to your fellow classmates, and ask your questions that don’t relate to anything after class. As long as you show respect toward your professor, he/she will show it back to you.
It never hurts to be respectful to your professor. By impressing them, you’re going to find that you’re going to have an advantage of those that don’t. What does this mean? With some teachers, it may mean nothing, and while with others, it may mean a grade higher, when grading essays, etc.
(Via So You Want To Teach?.)
10 Health Benefits of Apples: "
- Cancer: Apples can possibly help in the fight against cancer, at least by helping to lower your own risks of cancer. How? Apples contain quercetin, an anti-oxidant, that helps to prevent cell damage in the body that can lead to cancer. So having an apple a day can’t hurt.
- Asthma: A couple of studies provide evidence that apples help to combat asthma and its symptoms. One study suggested that women who eat apples during pregnancy are less likely to have babies who suffer from asthma. Another study suggested that drinking apple juice at least a couple of times a month helped children with breathing problems brought about by asthma.
- Constipation: Apples have lots of natural fiber, especially in their skins. This fiber helps with constipation problems by keeping the digestive tract running smooth.
- Heart disease: Pectin is a soluble fiber found in apples, and pectin has been shown to help with a whole slew of problems that can bring about heart disease. Pectin builds up in the digestive tract, helping to lower cholesterol levels and decreasing the risks of heart attack and stroke.
- Alzheimers: No, apples can’t cure Alzheimers, but one study has shown that the natural chemicals and vitams in apples help to protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, possibly even Parkinsons disease.
- Teeth: Yes, apples are good for your teeth and gums. The natural acidic properties of apples help to keep the teeth clean and your breath smelling better. The sturdiness of apples also helps to strengthen teeth and gums, allowing for a brighter smile.
- Skin: Apples are even good for your skin, fighting bad UV rays, keeping the skin clean and fresh and young looking. It’s the elastin and collagen in apples that are best for the skin, and the two types of apples with the most of these properties are Granny Smith and Red Delicious. Eating apples is good for the skin, but for a more direct approach you can make your own apple sauce or apple face mask at home and apply it to your skin. To do this, chop and smash apples into a sauce, then add some honey and oatmeal.
- Sunburn: Since apples are good for the skin, it’s natural they also are good for dealing with the pains of sunburn. Smash some apple pulp, mix in just a little glycerine, then apply it to the skin for at least fifteen minutes. Wash away with cold water. This will help to sooth your burnt skin.
- Blood sugar: This one is especially good to know for diabetics. If your blood sugar gets low and you’re starting to feel bad, grab an apple and start chomping. The natural sugars in apples help to regular blood sugar levels.
- Weight loss: Apples taste good. And they’re made up of 80 percent water. What better treat for helping to lose weight? Apples also have plenty of fiber, are low in calories, and have next to no natural sodium or fat. You can’t beat that for a diet food!
Other health links
10 Health Benefits of Tomatoes
10 Health Benefits of Green Tea
10 Foods to Avoid Feeding a Baby
(Via HealthMad.)
The Health Risks of Energy Shot Drinks: "
They’re one of the fastest growing beverages in the drink market. Energy drink shots are a way to get a blast of caffeine in a quick, concentrated form. College kids are using them to get extra energy to stay up late cramming for exams. More disturbingly, some students are chugging them down with alcohol to offset the sleepiness that comes with drinking. There’s so much concern about the safety of energy shot drinks that some German health authorities are calling for them to be banned.
What’s in Energy Shot Drinks?
Energy drink shots such as Five Hour Energy contain concentrated amounts of caffeine, taurine, amino acids, and B vitamins to increase energy levels and prevent fatigue. Some also contain green tea extract and guarana. Unlike energy drinks that come in sixteen ounce cans, the ingredients in energy shot drinks are mixed with only two ounces of liquid - providing lots of energy bang for the buck - along with lots of potential side effects.
How Much Caffeine?
These two ounce drinks contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine and 1,000 milligrams of taurine. Taurine is added to some energy shot drinks to offset the effects of drinking alcohol on the liver - so users can more easily combine them with alcohol. The amount of B vitamins in some of these drinks is so high that the niacin they contain causes a flushing reaction in some people.
Obviously, this isn’t the healthiest beverage choice - particularly if you combine it with alcohol. Although the levels of caffeine in energy drink shots is no more than that found in a cup of coffee, a person can easily consume too much when it’s in a concentrated form - especially if they lose track of how much they’re drinking by combining them with alcohol. '
What are the Risks of Energy Shot Drinks?
The side effects such as nervousness, mood changes, and insomnia increase with each drink shot as does the risk of more serious problems such as an irregular heart rhythm and elevations in blood pressure. Gaurana is another energy drink stimulant that contains caffeine - up to three times the amount found in coffee. At high doses it can cause irregular heart rhythms, nausea, abdominal spasms, and blood pressure elevations.
Energy Drink Shots: Look for Other Alternatives
Energy drink shots aren’t a smart drink choice for anyone - particularly if they’re combined with alcohol. People who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or heart disease may be especially susceptible to their effects. The high levels of B vitamins in some of these drinks could also be a problem. Too much B6 over long periods of time can cause nerve damage. Guarana can also interact with some medications. Do your teens a favor and tell them to sip green tea instead.
(Via HealthMad.)
The Nutritional Horrors of Eating Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake: "
There are unhealthy desserts - and then there are REALLY unhealthy desserts. Some of the worst offenders pack in enough calories to fuel a body for an entire day. Such is the case with the ultimate indulgence - Cheesecake Factory carrot cake. Find out why you’ll want to skip this dessert - or settle for a cappuccino - the next time you visit the Cheesecake Factory.
Many people are fooled by carrot cake. After all, how bad could a dessert made with carrots be? Pretty bad if they make it at the Cheesecake Factory. It may be pleasant to look at and pleasing to the taste buds, this is one bad boy when it comes to health - carrots or no carrots.
To start with, Cheesecake Factory carrot cake has a total of 1510 calories and 84 grams of fat. This is more fat and calories than some people need in an entire day. To put it in perspective, you’ll have to walk almost seven hours or jog almost three to burn off this many calories - and it’s doubtful you’re going to feel like doing it after you’ve finished the last bite of this waistline destroyer.
Does Cheesecake Factory carrot cake have any redeeming value? If you can look past the 179 grams of carbs and 129 grams of sugar; you’ll find 200 milligrams of calcium, 18 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and a little vitamin A from the carrots. This hardly makes up for the micelles of fat that are floating around in your bloodstream patiently waiting to lodge in your coronary arteries after eating this monstrosity. The only upside is you may not feel like eating dessert for a week.
Actually most of the desserts at the Cheesecake Factory are no better. This is a place people go to indulge. At one time they offered a low carb cheesecake that boasted only 6 grams of carbs, but it hardly made up for the 610 calories and 57 grams of fat hidden within its layers of cream cheese and sugar. Even the salads at Cheesecake Factory are off the charts with the Chinese Chicken Salad boasting close to 1600 calories. Who really wants to swim two-and-a-half hours after eating a salad?
The bottom line? Even if you feel like indulging, don’t order the Cheesecake Factory carrot cake. If you do, be sure to bring along your running shoes. Believe me - you’re going to need them.
(Via HealthMad.)
