We’ve all been there. Tossing and turning in our beds, lying awake as the clock ticks closer to morning. It’s frustrating when you can’t turn off your mind. Darren Marks, one of the UK’s leading hypnotherapists, is ready to help with a line of award-winning apps that are scientifically designed to easily relax your mind and body.

Relax Completely

Available on: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Nokia and Windows 7
Cost: $2.99
Rating: 4.5 stars

What’s Great about Relax Completely:

• It includes a guided relaxation audio session narrated by the soothing voice of Darren Marks
• The app also includes practical relaxation tips that can be used when you don’t have access to your smartphone
• It can help you organize your thoughts and think more clearly, keeping stress at bay
• It’s easy and virtually effortless!

Sleep Deeply

Available on: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Nokia and Windows 7
Cost: $4.99
Rating: 5 stars

Why We Love Sleep Deeply:

• It’s the recent winner of “Best Medical App” at the 2011 Best App Ever Awards!
• The app is comprehensive and includes several audio sessions that will put you right to sleep – just plug in your ear buds and you’re all set!
• It has a calming sound session based on pink theta sound waves, where the audio clip mimics brainwaves to lull the mind into deep relaxation
• It offers practical tips for sleeping well on a daily basis

SPREAD THE HEALTH: To decrease sleepless nights or improve your sleep on a regular basis, try one of the award-winning sleep apps designed hypnotherapist Darren Marks.

Here at BU, there are campus efforts in place to reduce our environmental impact, like Sustainability@BU and the 2013 Earth Day Festival on Thursday, April 18^th  (psst! We’ll be there!).

But you don’t have to go out of your way to save the planet—you can actually do it while you sleep! Choose one (or all!) of these tips and practice safe & sustainable sleep tonight:

Turn off and unplug your computer (or other electronic devices) about half an hour before bed.
Why waste electricity when you’re not even using it? Plus the light from these devices also disrupts your body’s sleep pattern by suppressing the hormone that tells your brain it’s time to sleep.

Dial down the thermostat.
Sleeping in a cool environment (with or without blankets) allows heat to leave your body, resulting in more quality zzz’s. Don’t put more heat into the environment! We have enough already.

Invest in bedding made from natural or organic fabrics.
The costs are comparable to other bedding, but BONUS: they are free of pesticides, which benefits you and the ol’ planet.

Use a hypoallergenic pillow case.
Not only will it put some space between you and the pillow feathers, but it keeps dust mites out of the picture. This means: Fewer allergies, fewer chemicals released by the bugs’ droppings (yup, you sleep in that stuff), and fewer sleep disturbances.

Source: Earth Day / Earth Night: How Green Is Your Sleep? Huffpost Health Living

SPREAD THE HEALTH: This week, try one of our sustainable sleep tips to ease into earth-friendly habits.

Get a sleep kit on us!
Enter our giveaway and you could win a sleep kit that includes an eye mask, ear plugs, Sleepy Time tea, aromatherapy sachet, and Goodnight Comm Ave booklet!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us how you make an impact when you sleep (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on April 26, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

You booze, you cruise…through the fridge (or line at T Anthony’s). That pizza, Uburger, Shaw’s run, Cane’s box combo, 7-Eleven stop, Late Night meal burrito you decided to eat last night could have resulted from decreased willpower from alcohol, influence from friends, or a combo of the two. While late-night snacking might happen often, you might overlook it. And who wouldn’t? That might have been the best burrito you’ve ever had (or was it?) [1]

Clean it up: Tidy up your act by making smarter choices to help avoid weight gain from drinking.

Pad your stomach
Snack on healthier foods before drinking and while you’re out—but don’t let this become an excuse to polish off all the chips and dip at a party!

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
Water will keep your stomach feeling full and help you avoid food-stops on the way home.

Limit your drinks
Fewer bevvies will help keep your appetite, calorie intake, blood alcohol level, and willpower under control.

Don’t give in to peer pressure
Just because your roommate is eating pizza at midnight doesn’t mean you have to join in.

Remember your fitness goals
Cutting down on drinks may keep you from falling prey to late-night snacking and will likely give you more energy for tomorrow’s soccer game or Zumba class.

SPREAD THE HEALTH: Filling up on healthy foods, staying hydrated, drinking in moderation, and telling a friend about your health goals can help keep those darn LBs off.

There’s more where this came from…
Cause of Obesity: Eating and Social Habits
Do You Have the Drinking Alcohol/Eating Syndrome?

Win some BU swag!

Enter our giveaway and you could win an official Boston University baseball cap and t-shirt!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment telling us a health goal you’ve set for yourself regarding drinking (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on April 12, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

‘Organic’ may bring several thoughts to mind: food that is better for the environment, food that if better for you, food that supports local business, and food that is expensive. If you can’t afford to buy all of your groceries organic (and let’s face it – who can?!), consider using the Environmental Working Group’s annual list of the “Dirty Dozen.” This list identifies the twelve foods, which if bought organically, can reduce your exposure to pesticides by 80%. Fabulous.

Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples provide the body with lots of soluble fiber, minimal calories, and high vitamin C. Grab an organic apple for a sweet, satisfying snack!¹

Celery
Non-organic celery has been shown to have over 60 different pesticides!  If you can’t find organic celery, try broccoli or radishes.²

Strawberries
One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of daily recommended dietary fiber, yet only contains 43 calories! The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, blood pressure low, and curbs overeating.³ If you can’t find organic strawberries, try a kiwi or some pineapple.

Peaches
Peaches are extremely low in calories, have no saturated fats, and are easy to eat on the go!  Buy them organic and you can have all the health benefits without the nasty additions.⁴

Spinach
Is your skin seeming a little drab from the winter? The high amount of vitamin A in spinach promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, acne and even wrinkles!⁵

Nectarines (Imported)
Similar to peaches, nectarines are low in calories and also are full of antioxidants which can help protect the skin from damaging UV rays.⁶

Grapes (Imported)
Grapes are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus,magnesium and selenium.  Try them frozen for a great spring snack! And if you’re a raisin fan, buy those organic as well to avoid pesticide residue.⁷

Sweet Bell Red Peppers
Fresh bell peppers are high in vitamin C and are an easily portable, low calorie snack that make them a great food to eat organic.⁸

Potatoes
A staple food in most American’s diets, potatoes contain more than 35 pesticides.  Try sweet potatoes for an easy, cost effective alternative.⁹

Blueberries
Organically grown blueberries have significantly higher levels of antioxidants, which boost up your immune system and help prevent infections.¹⁰

Lettuce
Joining spinach in the leafy greens category, lettuce makes the list of dirty dozen foods with the most pesticides. More than 50 pesticides have been identified on lettuce. If you can’t find organic lettuce, try buying asparagus.¹¹

Kale
Per calorie, kale has more iron then beef!  Iron is essential for good health because it forms hemoglobin and enzymes, transports oxygen to various parts of the body, and promotes cell growth and proper liver function.¹²

Collard Greens
Like other vegetables, collard greens have few calories but pack major fiber and nutrients. Just lose the traditional way of cooking them in bacon grease to keep from putting on any pounds!¹³

You may not be able to find the organic version of each of these foods in your local grocery store, so try going to the local farmer’s market or eating foods that are on the, ‘Clean 15′ list.  This list contains the items with the least pesticides, so it’s fair and healthy to buy the non-organic version!

SPREAD THE HEALTH: To avoid ingesting pesticides or emptying your wallet, buy only the organic fruits and veggies on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list which have the highest amount of pesticides.

Want some organic veggies on us?
Enter our giveaway and you could win a gift card to Trader Joe’s!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us your favorite fruit or vegetable (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 22, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

Dear Sophie,

How can you ask your partner how many sexual partners they’ve had without making them think you don’t trust them?

-NOTHING BUT A NUMBER

Dear NOTHING BUT A NUMBER,

Hmmmm… this is a really interesting question.  Here’s the thing: I’m not sure it really matters how many other sex partners your partner has had.  There are a lot more important things for you two to talk about – protection from STIs, contraception (if applicable for your relationship), what kind of sexual relationship you want to have… As long as you are protecting yourself from STIs, or deciding to both get tested, treated, and stay monogamous with one another, then why does it matter how many partners you have each had?  This is a really private, and sometimes touchy subject for people.  I think asking about someone’s sexual history so that you can both learn from past mistakes and be safe is fine – but often this question leads couples into dangerous territory about judging one another’s sexual past, or feeling ashamed.  Focus on you two, right now, right here, instead.

Sophie Godley is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. She has been working in the field of sexual health and adolescent health for over fifteen years. Sophie believes being sexually healthy is part of being a healthy human.

Got a question for the Sexperts?
Submissions are strictly confidential.

Get a Safe-Hot-Sex Goodie Bag on us!
Enter our giveaway and you could win a goodie bag of sexual health supplies!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment about this post below (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page about this post or the Ask the Sexpert series.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on April 5, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

Thirsty Thursday. Keg stands. Tequila Shots. Solo Cups. Spring break.

Many of us have been enticed by the partying atmosphere that follows the college stereotype. As a senior looking back, I too can admit that I once fell under the spell of the partying atmosphere at BU. Alcohol may produce an intoxicating “buzz” that many students seek in order to enjoy their weekend; however, sometimes the consequences of unsafe drinking produce terrifying effects like vomiting, nausea, dehydration, and headaches. Throughout my four years at BU, I have devised (both the easy way and the hard way) a set of guidelines to follow to keep safe if you decide to indulge in a night of revelry.

ALWAYS…

Eat something before you drink any sort of alcoholic beverage! Consequences of not following this rule may result in: a headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Go out with a friend and devise a plan for safely getting home.

Be aware of the medications you may be taking and the possible dangers of mixing them with alcohol.

Have a glass of water in between drinks. It will keep you hydrated, help you avoid over-drinking, and lower the risk of a dreaded hangover the next day.

NEVER…

Leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.

Drink and drive.

SPREAD THE HEALTH: If you decide to drink this spring break (or anytime for that matter!), use these safer drinking guidelines and avoid risky situations like unattended drinks and drunk driving.

Win some Student Health swag!

Enter our giveaway and you could win a travel mug, perfect for taking water, coffee, or tea to class.

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us one way you and your friends think about safety when you drink (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 15, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

There are ‘experts’ everywhere you look, pushing diets and exercise equipment.  Take a moment to reflect on your lifestyle, and your own health goals.  Be honest with yourself, and set achievable goals for where you are in life right now.  Take a look at some of my “rules to live by,” which help me to be healthy and happy.  Can you come up with some of your own?

Take pleasure in food.
Healthy or unhealthy, enjoy the act of cooking and eating.  When you focus on the pleasure of eating you are more likely to feel satisfied from a moderate amount

Eating out: reflect on what really sounds good.
Break habits: try something new! Is the burger still making your mouth water, or does the salad actually sound better? Sometimes your body will crave something other than the ‘ol standby, so pay attention!

Sweet tooth? Munch on frozen fruit! 
I have been in to mangoes from Trader Joe’s lately.  When I’m feeling lazy after dinner sometimes I just suck on them frozen, but they are also great in smoothies and DYI frozen yogurt.

Balance exercise, sleep and fun.
Try to make exercise a regular part of your week, but listen when your body says you need more sleep, or when you mind says you need more fun!

Relish in daily routines!
I like to sit down with an afternoon cup of tea whenever possible.  This leaves me feeling calm, warm and satisfied, and keeps me from grazing in the kitchen!

SPREAD THE HEALTH: What is means to be healthy is different for everyone; Set achievable, realistic goals for yourself based on your lifestyle in order to feel your best physically and emotionally.

Get some BU swag!

Enter our giveaway and you could win a Boston University mug!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment telling us a health goal you’ve set for yourself (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 22, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

Dear Sophie:

The girl of my dreams recently agreed to be my girlfriend. I’ve always heard that you should get tested when you’re with someone new, but the last time my girlfriend had sex was a year ago! She doesn’t have any symptoms, so is it still necessary for her to get tested before we have sex?

-NEW LOVE

Dear NEW LOVE,

Congratulations on your new relationship! What you have heard is right; getting tested before starting a new sexual relationship is an important way to take care of both you and your partner. It actually doesn’t matter that she hasn’t had symptoms or that it’s been a year. Unfortunately STIs like chlamydia and HPV can live in our bodies for a long time with no obvious symptoms. Getting tested can bring you peace of mind that you are both 1) physically healthy and ready to be sexual with one another without fear of disease, and 2) emotionally healthy and both taking the new relationship seriously enough to watch out for each other’s health. It won’t take long to get tested and (if needed) treated. In the meantime, do something fun in Boston together! Walk through Boston Common and smooch under the trees while you wait.

Sophie Godley is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. She has been working in the field of sexual health and adolescent health for over fifteen years. Sophie believes being sexually healthy is part of being a healthy human.

Want to get tested? Learn more on the BU Student Health Services website.

Got a question for the Sexperts?
Submissions are strictly confidential.

Get a Safe-Hot-Sex Goodie Bag on us!
Enter our giveaway and you could win a goodie bag of sexual health supplies!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment about this post below (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page about this post or the Ask the Sexpert series.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 15, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

Mint.com
Available on: iPhone, Android, the web
Cost: Free, but you’ll need a free Mint.com account first!
Rating: 4 stars

Why We Love Mint:

• It’s simple: Staying up to date on money management can be hard work, but Mint makes it easier by streamlining all your accounts to one place
• It’s safe: Mint is a read-only service and uses the same level of security as your bank, which means you can’t move funds in or out—and neither can anyone else
• It’s smart: Mint automatically categorizes expenses, fees, and income, and provides you with customized information about other savings or credit programs based on your spending habits
• It’s encouraging: Visualizing where your money really goes motivates you to stick to a budget and make smart spending decisions on the go

Now that you’ve got a handle on your budget, stick to it by shopping smart and finding the best deals out there using iSlick!

iSlick
Available on: iPhone, Android, or the web
Cost: Free!
Rating: 4.5 stars

Why We Love iSlick:

• It’s extensive: You can find coupons, sales, and freebies for just about any category
• It’s customizable: You can find deals local to Boston and the surrounding area
• It’s community-driven: You can join forums, have discussions, and become friends with other members to find the best deals for anything on the site

Want more app recommendations? Check out The Best Money Apps by Money Under 30.

SPREAD THE HEALTH: Mint.com and iSlick are just two of the many mobiles tools designed to help you make smarter choices with your wallet.

How about some free food?
Enter our giveaway and you could win a free Box Combo from Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us about a good money-saving tip (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 13, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!

“Don’t eat carbs!”
“Eat only healthy fats!”
“Gluten-free is the way to be!”

Fad diets and healthy lifestyles are constantly changing and evolving. Recently I heard  about a new trend called “clean eating.” I don’t know about you, but as soon as I heard these words I had visions of fruits and vegetables with Clorox and Windex. Not surprisingly, this is not what clean eating is. What is clean eating?  It’s a lifestyle based on 6 rules that are designed to help you transform your eating habits and whittle down your waist.

Clean Eating ‘Rules’

1. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables that are mostly raw, grilled, or lightly steamed.

2. If you eat meat, make sure it is straight from the butcher. Stay away from processed cold cuts or ground meat.

3. Eat grains that haven’t been processed, like brown rice and quinoa.

4. Read food labels and try to only eat foods that have 3-4 ingredients.

5. Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of the usual 3.

Seems a bit overwhelming and impossible doesn’t it? But, as a health enthusiast myself, I gave clean eating a try. I had to tweak it a bit for myself because I do not eat meat, but even as a college student with limited food options, I was able to do it! I succeeded as a clean eater because I did my research and found recipes to cook before I was starving or out of clean foods (simply search for “clean eating” on Pinterest and you’ll be all set!). I also made sure I was getting enough nutrients by trying different kinds of clean foods. With this planning I found that eating clean can be easy and possible.

SPREAD THE HEALTH: “Clean eating” is a new trend focused on raw foods, whole grains, and multiple meals per day. Following a “clean” diet can be easier by planning ahead and trying new types of fruits, veggies, protein, and grains.

Get some clean foods on us!
Enter our giveaway and you could win a $10 gift card to Trader Joe’s grocery store!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us your favorite clean food or recipe (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 13, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!