Happy Halloween! - by Krista

Hello again!

Lately I have been focusing on stress management in my blogs. But this week, I am in the Halloween spirit and would like to share some beneficial information for everyone reading!

In Chico, this holiday is broadly recognized as a party weekend. People form out of town make the commute to experience what is known as “Chicoween”. With this being the case, there is a lot of room for error and danger. I have experienced and heard from permanent Chico residents that are from out of town are the scariest part of the weekend because they do not respect the town. People that come from out of town are also unfamiliar with the surroundings, such as, one-way roads, or the consistency of the train passing by.

With this in mind, it is important to remember a few things this weekend. Always be aware of your own personal surroundings. If you are driving, remain alert and avoid distractions. If you are walking down the street late at night, be aware of what is happening around you. There are many instances where dangerous situations involve people that are local to Chico.

Along with looking out for yourself, don’t let someone else put him or herself in a dangerous situation. Do all that you can do avoid the bystander effect. This is the social physiological phenomenon that one will not stand up or act out when bystanders are present. Do not be that person! If a situation makes you uncomfortable, it makes at least three other people in the area uncomfortable as well. Trust your instincts. There will never be a time where you will regret being too conscious in a life-threatening situation.

If you have any doubt concerning alcohol poisoning, a shady scenario, or anything of that nature, you can always reach out. Law enforcement and emergency services staff a great quantity of workers during this weekend for a reason. If you are concerned about someone/your own state of self, call 911. If the ambulance comes, and the victim does not need medical attention, then there is no charge for the arrival of the paramedics. They can provide a primary assessment and analyze whether or not further help is needed. Along with that, if you are drinking as a minor or under the influence, you will not get into trouble for calling for help under the Good Samaritan Laws. Keep in mind to always cooperate with authority and be an outstanding citizen as well.

As students and members of the community, it is our responsibility to keep this town safe. Be respectful and aware of everything around you. The more alert and informed you are about an event, the better.

Community events

Campus events

Have a safe and fun weekend! Happy Halloween!

The Dreaded "Freshman 15" - by Lidia

The first thing people tell us when we are about to start college is, “beware of the freshman 15”.  We all know that our schedules are very demanding and it gets difficult to maintain healthy eating habits as well as exercise throughout the day.  With our busy schedules it is easy for us to grab any snack and in some cases these snacks may not be the healthiest.  In my experience, when I finally arrive home it’s time to unleash my hunger and I eat whatever is fastest and easiest to cook.   Throughout the years I have established a good routine that helps me keep my hunger on the low until I have time to eat a real meal.  Here I have provided some tips to help you as well.

1.   Don’t skip breakfast!  Although I am guilty of this sometimes, I know I have a better day when I have a good breakfast meal.  It may be difficult to find an appetite in the morning but a fruit smoothie is a good option and is also easy for on the go.

2.   Stock up on healthy snacks. Fresh fruit, granola bars, trail mix, etc. are all healthy snacks and are super easy to pack.  This will minimize your hunger and prevent binge eating when you arrive home.  Here’s a link to healthy snack ideas. http://greatist.com/health/high-protein-snacks-portable

3.    Stay in shape with a friend.  Working out is always more fun with a friend and also give you more motivation.

4.     Get the best night sleep that you can.  Sometimes it is challenging to get a good night’s sleep because of school work but it is important that you do so.  This can prevent you from taking surgery drinks to stay away and will prevent you from drinking extra calories.

5.   Everything in moderation! There is no need for deprivation. It’s better to have a little of everything to feed your cravings.

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Lidia's List of Fun Things to Do

Do you ever get bored over the weekend or during the long summer break here in Chico?   If you do, this will be perfect for you.  I have compiled a list of possible things to do if you ever have free time.  Most of these activities cost little to no money, so it will not hurt your wallet.  This can be a fun adventure with your friends or a time for you to spend alone and relax.

1.      Visit Bidwell Park. 

-  If you like swimming, you should visit sycamore pool located at the one mile recreation area.

- You can also visit the Chico Community Observatory.  This observatory has many telescopes and offers constellation tours.

-  DiscGolf: There is an 18 – hole advanced disc golf course located on Upper Bidwell Park

-  Hiking/Mountain biking: Yahi Trail (pedestrian only) in Upper Park is a recommended because it has miles of scenic views along Big Chico Creek.

2.      Gateway Science Museum: The museum was built to help educate about northeastern Californian history, nature and science. 

3.      Go explore Lake Shasta Caverns.

- Learn about the history and formation of the caves and spot various animals along the way.

4.      Get a tour at Sierra Nevada BrewingCompany. 

- This tour is about 1 ½ hours long and it goes over the process to make the beer. (all ages may tour)

5.      Visit Silver Dollar Speedway.

- The final race of the year is Pacific Sprint 360 Fall Nationals.  Racers from Western United States and Canada come together for this race.  This is a 3 day event with up to 100 total racers.