From New Scientist…
We belong to a remarkably quirky species. Despite our best efforts, some of our strangest foibles still defy explanation. But as science probes deeper into these eccentricities, it is becoming clear that behaviours and attributes that seem frivolous at first glance often go to the heart of what it means to be human.
1. Blushing
2. Laughter
3. Pubic [...]

Moral of the Story: Flu Fighters by Randy Cohen
New York Times, May 5, 2009 
“Wash your hands when you shake hands; cover your mouth when you cough,” President Obama urged us at last Wednesday’s news conference when discussing the swine flu. “I know it sounds trivial, but it makes a huge difference. If you are sick, stay home. If [...]

From the New York Times…
In the quest for better health, many people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements. But they overlook a powerful weapon that could help them fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and [...]

From CNN Health…

The perception is that 20-somethings are youthful and robust, in the peak of their health.

But a report released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that young adults have their fair share of health woes.
A third of 18- to 29-year-olds, a demographic the insurance industry calls “young invincibles,” are cigarette [...]

Time to Rest (artbywicks.com)
Now that final exams are winding down, the staff of WesWELL wishes all Wesleyan students a restful and restorative winter break.  Whether you are traveling, working or simply relaxing for the next five weeks, we hope you return to campus ready to tackle the spring semester with enthusiasm! 
Be well!

From the BACCHUS blog…
Ever wondered why WesWELL exists at Wesleyan? Why we even spend time talking about health as a component of academic success? Here’s the proof: 
“Our study shows that there is a direct link between college students’ health and their academic achievement. This is the first time that anything like this has been published [...]

Keeping Healthy during Cold & Flu Season
Presented by Dr. Brett Lieberman, Naturopathic Doctor
The Connecticut Center for Health in Middletown
Fall and winter in New England bring many pleasures; colds and flu are not one of them. Fortunately there are many ways to help prevent getting sick this season, as well as many ways to treat yourself [...]

We can see dandelions as a weed that invades the pristine beauty of our gardens.
Or, we can see it as a beautiful flower or a fluffy white ball to wish upon or as a source of nourishing food and drink.
We can see a mud puddle and see only dirty shoes, soiled clothes, and stained carpets.
Or, [...]

Educational efforts on sexual violence prevention typically place a strong focus on communication, especially on the giving and receiving of consent to particiate in sexual activity. As thorny as it can be to define what consent looks and sounds like, what if your attempts to communicate your intention are completely misinterpreted?
Dr. Louanne Weston Cole, in her Sex [...]

Do you feel confident in your decision-making or not? We all probably can improve to varying degrees in this area, so the Dumb Little Man blog offers advice on what might contribute to low self esteem in decision making and how to improve it:
 If you suffer from low confidence and feel insecure about your [...]