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The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

LUKE OSBORN

LUKE OSBORN, Sports and Health Editor Emeritus

Luke Osborn, FCLC ’21, is pursuing a degree in neuroscience. He was sports & health editor from the fall of 2018 to the fall of 2019 and he has been covering campus health topics since the fall of 2017.
All content by LUKE OSBORN
photo of a us army ward during the spanish flu pandemic

A 100-Year History of Pandemics

February 28, 2021
This list of pandemics highlights how the Fordham community responded to each event in history.
corkscrew, glass of alcohol and mask on a table

You Booze, You Lose: Why Alcohol Shouldn’t Be Your Only Pandemic Coping Strategy

November 13, 2020
Americans are consuming more alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, drowning stir-craziness with alcohol may do more harm than good.
president and group of people sitting at a conference table discussing a vaccine

The Election, the Vaccine and the Fate of Higher Education

October 28, 2020
Trump’s coronavirus response coordinator said a vaccine should reach colleges as early as January, but this timeline may not be realized.
maroon mask with fordham F on it next to red condoms - sex in a pandemic

PPE in the Bedroom: Is it Safe to Have Sex in a Pandemic?

September 17, 2020
Planned Parenthood and the New York City Department of Health advise against having sex with people you do not live with; however, it’s unclear how well COVID-19 spreads through sexual contact.
Students Return to Dorms

What Social Distanced Dorm Life Will Look Like

August 22, 2020
As students begin to return to campus, they will be expected to comply with a set of social distancing guidelines.
After shuttering all research since spring, students and teachers alike are now returning to their labs, although mostly continuing to work remotely.

STEM Students Resume Research Remotely

July 30, 2020
Students doing research with mentors from the Natural Science and Integrative Neuroscience departments have adapted to remote work.
Individuals resuming summer activities

How to Keep Your COVID-19 Guard Up While Enjoying Summer

July 7, 2020
As members of the Fordham community resume typical summer activities, it is important to continue practicing social distancing measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
graphic of healthy habits to practice for immune health

Four Ways to Maintain a Healthy Immune System

April 21, 2020
Although there is no scientific link connecting specific lifestyle choices with increased immunity, according to medical professionals, practicing healthy sleep, exercise and nutritional habits and managing stress can all help to maintain regular immune system function.
Zinc, lavender and the omega-3 in walnuts are just a few supplements that have scientifically proven benefits.

Three Supplements Actually Backed by Science

April 7, 2020
There are countless supplements in the market. Many of them are not backed by science, but some have proven scientific benefits. Lavender, omega-3 and zinc are just a few supplements that can provide positive and healthy results.
The curve plots the number of new cases against the course of the coronavirus outbreak and demonstrates the potential outcome with or without the implementation of protective measures versus without.

The Science Behind “Flatten the Curve”

April 1, 2020
With protective measures like social distancing, the number of coronavirus cases rises gradually and peaks much later. Without protective measures, the number of cases would rapidly increase as the virus spreads through a community, and then the curve would fall sharply, since most of the people who could catch the virus have already been infected.
SAD lamps are used to treat seasonal affective disorder through a practice called light therapy.

Finding Your Light: SAD Lamps Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

March 10, 2020
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that heightens during the winter months. Some Fordham students treat their lowered spirits with light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a specialized SAD lamp every day for up to an hour. This seemingly simple treatment produces positive changes in mood for those with SAD.
By adding toppings like an egg to your avocado toast, you can get more essential nutrients and protein from the Instagram worthy breakfast.

[Photo] How to Get the Most from Your Avocado Toast

By MAGGIE MCNAMARA February 11, 2020

By adding toppings like an egg to your avocado toast, you can get more essential nutrients and protein from the Instagram worthy breakfast.

According to Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) Jeffrey Ng, male participation in CPS has increased 4% since the 2017-2018 school year.

How Men Approach Depression Differently

February 11, 2020
Did you know only 32% of male Fordham students seek help from Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), but 61% of Fordham’s undergraduate and graduate enrollment are men? Jeffrey Ng, CPS director, points to recent psychological research indicating that men may avoid seeking help for psychological issues like depression to align with rigid masculine gender roles.
Face masks have become commonplace in a community fearful of the spread of the coronavirus.

Should You Be Wearing a Face Mask This Flu Season?

February 5, 2020
You might see people wearing face masks more often in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Though face masks may help prevent the spread of the virus, both the WHO and CDC do not recommend that healthy individuals wear them. Other precautions may have a bigger impact on protecting you from the coronavirus.
Booze Won't Help You Lose

Booze Won’t Help You Lose

January 22, 2020
Nutrition labels may not be provided on alcoholic drinks, but that doesn't mean the calories don't count.
Mind Your Ears When You Mind the Gap: Hearing Loss Facts

Mind Your Ears When You Mind the Gap: Hearing Loss Facts

December 4, 2019
According to the National Institutes of Health, noise-induced hearing loss affects somewhere between 10% to 24% of Americans. As a student at Fordham Lincoln Center, you may be more at risk than you think.
Herpes is a highly common sexually transmitted infection (STI). About 1 in 6 American Adults have genital herpes.

How Herpes Affects the Fordham Community

October 30, 2019
With help from Director of University Health Services, Maureen Keown, The Observer discusses the stigma around herpes using survey results and brings to light the prognosis of the STI.
Anne Chen graduated in 2017 from FCLC. Now, she’s a medical student at Stony Brook University.

Anne Chen: From FCLC Student to Med Student

September 18, 2019
Preparing for medical school does not need to be as stressful as many people make it. Medical student Anne Chen, FCLC ’17, recommends “Just do your best and learn what you can, and if you have the passion and dedication, you will make it to medical school.”
Juice Generation, located near Columbus Circle, is a great place to pick up a healthy and filling smoothie.

Healthiest Places to Eat Around LC

September 18, 2019
Back on campus and already bored of the dining hall’s salad bar and smoothies from the Ram Cafe? Fear not! Take a look at Sports and Health editor Luke Osborn’s guide to navigating the best healthy restaurants around LC.
Antibacterial soap is great for medical settings, but not so great for everyday use.

Lather Not: Say Nope to Antibacterial Soap

April 30, 2019
In every Fordham Lincoln Center bathroom, there is an antibacterial hand soap dispenser. From bacterial resistance to harmful long term effects, antibacterial soaps do more harm than good.
Making almond milk is as easy as throwing almonds into a blender.

Dairy Is Out: How To Make Your Own Almond Milk or Oat Milk

April 9, 2019
Avoid buying carton after carton of your favorite milk alternative and start making your own almond or oat milk by reading Luke Osborn’s, Sports and Health Editor, tips and tricks.
Emily Krichmar, FCLC ’21, uses stand up comedy to transform her mental health into something positive. Zoey Liu/The Observer.

Living for Laughs: How Comedy Can Positively Impact Your Mental Health

April 9, 2019
Comedy might be a good outlet for those with mental health issues. Fordham psychologist Elizabeth Clark remarks on how to effectively incorporate your mental health experiences into comedy, and Emily Krichmar, Fordham College at Lincoln Center '21, tells her experience doing so.
Luke Osborn winding down with a Glossier face mask.

What’s Better: Natural vs. Synthetic Face Masks

March 12, 2019
Looking for some post-midterms self-care ideas? Luke Osborn and Aiza Bhuiyan compare and contrast natural and synthetic face masks and provide you with advice on making your own.
Angela Chen/The Observer
FUEMS serves the Rose Hill community, providing emergency medical services through student EMTs.

FUEMS Envisions Expansion To LC

March 1, 2019
The student-run Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) serves as first-responders to the Rose Hill community, but Alexis Verwoert, Directors of FUEMS, says the program will be expanding into Lincoln Center.
Abstinence is 100 percent effective, but it is not the only option.

Play It Safe Or Not At All: Abstinence vs. Safe Sex

February 12, 2019
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Editor Luke Osborn examines abstinence, safe sex, and the ongoing debate between the two regarding sexual health.
Forget oatmilk, CBD is the next fad item to put in your coffee.

What’s the Hype with CBD?

February 5, 2019
CBD recently exploded in the marketplace as a remedy to many ailments. Is all the hype true?
It's difficult if not a rarity for many college kids to get a proper night's sleep. According to many sleep studies and medical professionals, young persons 18-25 should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep nightly.

How to Get Better Sleep in 2019

January 22, 2019
Young adults, aged 18 to 25, should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. To many Fordham students, this number seems impossible, but it is worth a shot, because getting enough sleep has numerous health benefits.
Maddy Casale, FCLC ’20, ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 5 hours and 23 minutes.

Maddy Casale: Unlikely Runner Finishes Philly Marathon

December 6, 2018
Maddy Casale, FCLC ’20, ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 5 hours and 23 minutes.
Luke Osborn/The Observer

Student Sleep Deprivation: The Importance of a Full Eight Hours

November 14, 2018

As students, we are constantly faced with the choice between work and sleep. This common trade-off is so characteristic of college students that sleep researchers seek out this population in order to study...

Lena Rose/The Observer
Sexual minorities face higher rates of body negativity and eating disordered behavior.

The Frightening Presence of Eating Disorders Among Queer Men

October 10, 2018

Historically, most eating disorder research has primarily focused on women, but recently there has been a remarkable trend among men that requires attention. Male sexual minorities (gay, bisexual and questioning)...

Taboule from the Ram Cafe.

Vegan Dining Options for Overbooked Students

September 26, 2018

Fordham is not known for its vegan dining options, but there are a few gems hidden throughout our various eateries. I decided to focus my attention on the vegan prepared food Dining Services has to offer....

PrEP is sold under the brandname Truvada.

PrEP: An Expensive End to HIV

September 12, 2018

One of the most political, virulent and tragic diseases is now easily preventable with the assistance of a small blue pill. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more...

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Marie Thomas.

Chemistry In Action

September 2, 2018

Fordham’s Natural Science faculty recently finished a productive summer of scientific research. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Marie Thomas presented a poster at the International Conference on Phosphorus...

Condoms are contraceptives that also prevent STI transmission. (BRU-NO VIA PIXABAY)

Sexual Health at Fordham: Facts and Prevention

May 2, 2018

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people 15 to 24 years old make up half of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI). What’s more, the number of reported...

Avocados are excellent sources of plant-derived, monounsaturated fats.

Studies Suggest Benefits of the Keto Diet

April 18, 2018

The ketogenic (keto) diet involves the intake of very little carbs and a high intake of fat instead. Entering a state of ketosis is the goal of the keto diet. Ketosis occurs after a few days of reduced...

Counseling and Psychological Services is located in Room G02 in the 140 West building.

Intro to Counseling and Psychological Services

March 15, 2018

We are in the midst of the busiest time of the year for Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): the latter half of the semester. Luckily, Jeffrey Ng, clinical psychologist and director for CPS, assured...

Melanie Simeone at the Vegetarian and Vegan Passport stand in the Ram Cafe.

A Day in the Life of Fordham’s Resident Dietician

March 15, 2018

If you happened to pass through the Ram Cafe, Community Dining Hall or Argo Tea during the first week of February, you might have met Melanie Simeone, Fordham’s resident dietician and self-proclaimed...

BMI is a person's weight divided by the square of their height.

Debunking Your Body Mass Index

March 15, 2018

You may have heard of body mass index (BMI) in “Get fit quick” advertisements, obesity public service announcements or from your physician. BMI seems like a foolproof and scientific approach to measuring...

Not only are 49 states reporting widespread flu activity, but the current strains are especially severe (Jon Bjornson/THE OBSERVER)

CDC Reports Widespread Flu in 49 States

January 25, 2018

In the first week of 2018, the rate of influenza-related hospitalizations almost doubled from 13.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 Americans during the last week of 2017 to 22.7 hospitalizations per 100,000...

(George Horihan/THE OBSERVER)

Managing Your Way Around the Freshman 15

November 19, 2017

As our senior year of high school unfolded, questions of our futures constantly ran through our heads. Will I make a lot of friends? Will it be really hard? Will I succumb to the Freshman 15? College...

Studies Suggest Benefits of Daily Vitamin D

Studies Suggest Benefits of Daily Vitamin D

October 26, 2017

As summer turns to fall, the frequency of coarse coughs, sniffling noses and violent sneezes increases. The season of the common cold and flu is here to stay for the coming months, so how can Fordham students...

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