Shelly Sloan is the Health Promotion Coordinator and Ted Winkworth is the Alcohol and Other Drug Program Coordinator. You can find them at the Lifestyles Center in Walker Health Center. Shelly received her Master’s Degree in Community Health Education and is certified in Health Education. Ted received his Master’s Degree in Counseling and is also a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.

Dear Shelly and Ted,

I was wondering, if I eat junk food all day, but stay within a normal calorie limit and exercise a few times a week, will I lose weight?

Signed,

Food Junky

Dear Food Junky,

It depends, what do you consider a normal calorie limit? Your weight is controlled by the amount of calories you eat and energy you use. If you alter either of these enough you could lose or gain weight. One pound of body weight is equal to about 3,500 calories. You may need to exercise more than a few times a week to lose weight if you don’t reduce the amount of calories you eat. You might also want to think about what kind of calories you are eating. I’m sorry I can’t give you my approval to eat junk food all day! You won’t feel good and you’ll miss out on important nutrients your body needs to function properly. Exercising and eating healthy go hand-in-hand. There’s an added bonus with eating health: you get to eat more food! Junk food has more calories and they are mostly empty calories that leave you feeling hungry. Switch to whole wheat products and see how much fuller you feel! If you like sweets try some pineapple or yogurt instead. Prefer fried greasy foods? Save them for special occasions and feast on foods that are baked or grilled. Look for lots of heart healthy options at the dining centers.

-Sarah Formoza, Auxiliary Services’ Registered Dietitian

Dear Shelly and Ted,

I have been hearing that the Electronic Cigarette is better for you than smoking a regular cigarette. Is that true?

Signed,

Charged Smoker

Dear Charged Smoker,

With news of Oswego State’s upcoming tobacco-free-campus initiative, we are starting to get more questions from people who are looking for alternative ways to get nicotine. Most, questions have been coming from people who respect what the school is doing but are not ready to kick the habit completely. One option is the electronic cigarette. As far as that goes, we have both good and bad news. The good news: electronic cigarettes eliminate most of the harmful chemicals contained in tobacco smoke so you really are just getting nicotine. Additionally, since the smoker is inhaling vapor instead of burning plant material, there is little to no damage to the lungs. The bad news: if you are considering using electronic cigarettes on campus after January 2014, you are out of luck. Electronic cigarettes will be on the list of products whose use will not be allowed on campus. Electronic cigarettes are not approved or regulated under the tobacco control act and have been found to be prone to leaks and weird defects in independent studies. Obviously, it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision but if you are interested in quitting altogether, Mary Walker Health Center offers free counseling and nicotine replacement for students who are looking to quit smoking.

-Ted

Dear Shelly and Ted,

In a few movies, characters talk about anal sex. So I was wondering is anal sex bad for you?

Signed,

Anxious Anal

Dear Anxious Anal,

There is nothing “bad” about anal sex. If someone chooses to engage in anal sex, as long as it is safe, it is fine. There are some risks to note though: the anal tissue can tear, which may allow bacteria and viruses to enter and cause a higher risk of contracting STDs such as HPV, HIV and herpes. Actually, any time there is a transfer of fluids or even skin to skin contact, there is a risk of contracting STDs. Also, pain and bleeding are possible too—if that occurs, you should stop immediately. The anus does not lubricate itself like the vagina does, so lots of water-based lubricant may be needed. Don’t forget to wear a condom!

-Shelly

If you have a question you can submit anonymously at www.lifestylecenter.net/RealTalk or send a Direct Message on Twitter @LSC_Oswego

Real Talk contributions by Peer Educators: Elsaa Batista, Jillian Bergemann, Halie Bloom, Kyle DeCarr, Julie Jacques and Racheal Richardson