“Sober” views on life? It is possible among students!
By Gunta Kursiša
“At first people look at us with incredulity and like at some kind of freaks,” says Jānis Supe, the leader of Latvian University’s association of Abstention and Health Education (LUAVIV) www.luaviv.lv.
“Our main aim is to gather together people who don’t drink and smoke, and don’t use other drugs,” says Supe. The organization, which is expanding now has 39 members (last year this number was just 17) mainly from the University of Latvia www.lu.lv, and from other Universities (Riga Technical University www.rtu.lv, Riga’s Stradiņa University www.rsu.lv ) as well. The association is celebrating its 10th anniversary on March 5.
It is not a small number for an organization which has very strict rules.
“Not even a glass of wine at Christmas time is allowed,” says Elīna Eglīte, a new member in this organization. LUAVIV organizes healthy activities, like sport days and trips as well as other formal and non-formal events. Recent activities were education about addictions in orphanage “Ilga”, LU Dārzs http://www.lu.lv/mvf/Aktivitates.htm and others.
Being a member in LUAVIV gives opportunity provides one-quarter reduction in dorm fees at of University of Latvia in Rēznas Street. Emiliāns Brokāns, retired doctor – specialist with drug addictions, gave three educational lectures for students who want to become members.
“These lectures and films I have seen were very impressive,” says Agnese “These were real ‘horror movies’,” says Elīna.
“It wasn’t hard for me to pass 3 months test period to get in this organization, because I am a non-smoker and I rarely drank alcohol – now I am not drinking at all,” says Elīna.
“I think now I have very different view on health,” says Agnese, a new member in organization.
Most active students in this organization come from Cēsis, Bauska and Balvi, says Supe. LUAVIV has cooperation with Bauska’s States gymnasium www.b1v.lv, says Supe.
“Now I am proud to be in this organization,” says Elīna.
Would you be proud to be in this organization?
By Rūdolfs Andersons
One of the most interesting sports activities offered for students at the University of Latvia is self – defense for women. Training takes place at the sports centre “Arkādija” in Uzvaras Boulevard 10 on Mondays and Thursdays: http://www.lu.lv/sports/veidi/pasaizsardziba/.
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Practices are only for female students and there is no need for previous sports experience at all. Training is focused on development of strength, stamina, fluency, flexibility, concentration and decision making. Women can also learn different self–defense methods which help to protect themselves from danger.
Training are held by coach Brigita Bergmane, who says every women can learn to protect herself, but it is important to learn how to control and use your skills at the right time. If you want to learn to protect yourself, use the opportunity to join the self-defense training or contact Coach Bergmane via e-mail: brigita.bergmane@lu.lv.
Winter still here – skiing opportunities for student
By Krists Bērziņš
On March all students from the University of Latvia have an opportunity to cross country ski. Lessons take place at the skiing track in Park of Victory in Pārdaugava on Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m: http://www.raid.lv/trases/distancu_trases/uzvaras.htm
Coach Mārtiņš Ozols says no previous experience is needed, so everyone who is willing and wants to enjoy winter is welcome to participate. The equipment is not a problem too, because everyone can rent skis there for 3 lats per hour.
Coach Ozols said that last year the skiing track was open till April, so there is not much time left so take this chance and discover something new.
For more information contact Couch M. Ozols – phone: 29153018; e-mail: sleposana@lu.lv
Plan of skiing track. Source: http://www.rigas-favorits.lv/
Coffee maniacs
By Zane Leite
-Coffee and cigarettes, is that your lunch?!
(from Jim Jarmusch’s „Coffee and cigarettes”)
Coffee – the most popular stimulant (~3,400 cups are consumed every second of the day around the world*) is widely popular among students at the University of Latvia too – students drink it at cafes or bring thermo-mugs to the University.
But what exactly is coffee’s secret that makes us drink it and how does it impact our health?
The two main substances in coffee that impact our bodies are caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine stimulates us to concentrate or wake up – that’s the reason why we drink coffee in the morning or at night before a paper deadline. Antioxidants promote optimal health and are very important for avoiding diseases – by preventing the oxidation process. The oxidation process produces free radicals that cause damage to immunity and coffee helps prevent the process and the oxidative damage to our body.
Despite the above mentioned facts that coffee improves health, it is also important to consider for most things in life – less is more, and it’s possible to drink too much coffee.
Further information on coffee effects, history and coffee preparation is at http://www.coffeefacts.com/.
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The most popular energy source for mind and soul – coffee The picture from fotosearch.com |
Coffee – the most popular stimulant (~3,400 cups are consumed every second of the day around the world*) is widely popular among students at the University of Latvia too – students drink it at cafes or bring thermo-mugs to the University.
But what exactly is coffee’s secret that makes us drink it and how does it impact our health?
The two main substances in coffee that impact our bodies are caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine stimulates us to concentrate or wake up – that’s the reason why we drink coffee in the morning or at night before a paper deadline. Antioxidants promote optimal health and are very important for avoiding diseases – by preventing the oxidation process. The oxidation process produces free radicals that cause damage to immunity and coffee helps prevent the process and the oxidative damage to our body.
Despite the above mentioned facts that coffee improves health, it is also important to consider for most things in life – less is more, and it’s possible to drink too much coffee.
Further information on coffee effects, history and coffee preparation is at http://www.coffeefacts.com/.
Latvians – one-night stand record-breakers
By Laura Vasermane
Research done by an advertising agency, “Euro RSCG Riga”, says that Latvians are one of the most sexually active people in the world.
The research revealed some surprising numbers about the amount of sexual partners a person has, and said that Latvians are not afraid to have one-night stands (http://www.7guru.lv/news/nozareszinas/article.php?id=15445 ). As it turns out, Latvians are interested in trying out new things, because most of the respondents admitted to fantasizing about having sex in public places, in the airplane or in their office, according to the survey.
“In this economically difficult time people see sex as a great way to feel positive emotions” said psychiatrist-sexologist Artūrs Šulcs, president of Latvian Association of Sociologists. But are Latvians really this active and open-minded or are they just bragging to the people asking the questions?
Friends with Eco
By Laura Vasermane
In last couple of years the popularity of eco-products has been growing and people are beginning to see the advantages of the eco way of life.
Of all the eco-products available in Latvia, one of the most popular is eco-cosmetics. One of the most successful eco-cosmetic brands in Latvia is “Madara” (http://www.madara-cosmetics.lv/intl/about/). In a couple of years this brand has earned its place in the Latvian cosmetics market.
“These products make me feel and look better, and they smell like the Latvian summer” said Rūta, “Madara” customer.
The success of “Madara” could be explained by their friendly attitude towards the clients and the nature and their honesty in revealing all the ingredients of their products (http://www.madara-cosmetics.lv/intl/info/inci/ ). This kind of philosophy is ensuring the client that they are getting the best of the best.
Hopefully the success of this brand will inspire others to start up new, eco-friendly brands.
Table tennis
By Krists Bērziņš
Table tennis attracts some 30 Latvian University students who train under the guidance of Coach Genadijs Kortuzovs.
Table tennis is offered at A. Čaka Street 48 twice a week and costs 12 lats per semester. No previous experience is required.
According to Coach Kortuzovs, among the student players are professionals like Oļegs Kartuzovs who compete in the Latvian national championships. He said table tennis is more passion than just a sport.
Hell on heels…
By Madara Zvejniece Read more…
Tea for energy
By Madara Zvejniece
Tea drinking is not only an ancient Chinese ritual but also a way to quench your thirst, prevent different illnesses and improve health. There is a wide range of teas with unique taste and characteristics, so everyone can choose the most tasty and wholesome product.
Tea protects against cancer, reduces risk of heart attack, helps the body’s system to fight off infection and also protects bones. Best of all it does not have any calories http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/top-10-health-benefits-drinking-tea.html?pageNum=1
Exam time causes a lot of stress, and students at the University of Latvia sometimes favour a cup of camomile or peppermint tea when things get tense. Energy teas are available http://www.crazyfortea.com/herblist.html or a tea mix (for example, green tea with peppermint or jasmine tea).
Tea parties with interesting costumes or dress can be as much fun as parties where alcoholic cocktails are served. Tea can also be served in colourful glasses and decorated with fruits, spices, candies, but the decoration depends on the theme http://www.herbs-teas.com/decorating.html
Playing floor hockey
By Krists Bērziņš
Floorball coach Remārs Vikānis is an experienced instructor who was a former player on the Latvian national floorball team. Men and women are welcome to play, for an entrance fee of 12 lats per semester.
Floorball is a type of floor hockey that developed in the 1970s. Floorball is most popular in the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. http://www.insidefloorball.com/
University teams practice at the Olympic sports centre in Grostonas Street 6B on Mondays and Fridays http://www.lu.lv/sports/veidi/florbols/
The best players can play on the University of Latvia team and participate in the floorball championship of Latvia. Latvia’s team has good standing and this season its players already have ensured 1 place in the Latvian championship 2 division.
Yellofrog 