Socrates Cafe – Kelly Milano, DC Student

A Year Later

On January 11, 2010 Socrates Café officially opened for business. For those who have been around for a while and remember the old café with its greasy food, and its dingy, outdated interior, the new café came as a very welcomed campus addition. It gave students a well-lit, updated atmosphere with better food options and much more space. A year later, the café is thriving. Quite often throughout the day it is hard to find a spot to sit as the entire café is full. The patio has become a place where drum circles entertain on sunny days. The evenings are a perfect place to study, with the sounds of the water and the glow of the firepit light the night.

The 28,000 square feet of open space with indoor and outdoor seating, now employs 12 staff members plus some temporary help for the bigger events or for when people are on vacation. Run by Bon Appetit, whose company logo is “Food Services for a Sustainable Future,” the café boasts quality foods created from scratch as much as possible. According to their website, “Bon Appetite Management Company has become a model for what is possible in sustainable food service.” They were the first food service company to address the issues related to where and how the food is grown. In January, Bon Appetit reached its goal of contracting 1,000 ‘farm to fork’ farmers, a company initiative to buy locally.

Another aspect of Bon Appetit, Socrates Café and Life Univeristy is their commitment to recycling. Ron Williams, Assistant to the Executive Chef, is an avid recycler. He states that he first began recycling in 1994 in the workplace and it quickly became something he loves. Not only does he oversee the recycling done by the café, he also is actively involved in the recycling around campus. According to Williams, the school boasts a Somat machine in the café that recycles most of the material thrown into the garbage cans. (www.somatcompany.com) He states that the machine is able to mulch the plates, boxes, papers and leftover food into a useable mulch that is used throughout campus in the plants and trees. The garbage in the cans is sorted through and separated out daily, pushed down a conveyor type belt and into the machine where it is rotated at a high heat overnight. The heat dries out the materials and breaks them down into a sandy type composition that is put into the plants around campus. The Somat machine is able to decrease the waste produced by 50%, saving not only money, (up to $800 a month from the recycling companies alone,) but also to help do Life’s share in conserving energy and the environment. The machine is NOT currently able to process the cups and silverware used on campus, as it tends to jam the machine so to best recycle these items, put them in the blue recycling bins located near the garbage cans. There are also 35 new containers around campus for recycling of aluminum and plastic.

One issue that students have had with Socrates is that it closes down to convert the menu from breakfast to lunch. According to Williams, this time is necessary due to the very limited space within the café. He states, “Every corner of the restaurant is breakfast and lunch. Every corner is turned out and turned over.” All of the oatmeal containers are switched out for soups. The fruit bar is completely turned over to salads. The danish and muffins need to be fully switched to deli and grill items. Every square inch needs to be replaced. Bon Appetit determined that the best way to handle the transition is for a shut down during a not busy time, to help avoid risk and accidents and to make the transition as smooth as possible. During that time, Plato to Go is open for drinks, coffee and quick pick up foods. The prices in Plato have come down, with the grab & go sandwiches now being $.60 cheaper than before.

The café is currently open from 6:30am-9:30AM and 10:30AM-3:00PM Monday – Friday, with the seating area open until Midnight as well as noon-midnight on the weekend.  Plato to Go is open 9:00 AM-1PM and 3-6PM Monday-Friday.

For more information on Bon Appetit and their commitment to sustainability, visit www.bamco.com  Have a comment about this article? Come visit us on Facebook!

Liquid Rootz – Kelly Milano, DC Student

Band Review

If you’ve ever been at Joels Tavern and been lucky enough to hear Liquid Rootz, you know what a great band this is! The band was formed in the summer of 2009 and has grown into a unique combination of contemporary music with an island twist. Another thing that separates this band from other bands on campus is that it represents virtually every program of study that Life University has to offer. The original members, Tui Osborne (Exercise Science), Benny Mateialona (Business) and Colton Cariaga (Business) have added Arthur Driver (Business) and Marc Chianese (graduating from the DC program this quarter.)  While the group has created 12 original songs and is in the process of recording their first album, they also do a lot of cover music at their shows.  Tui states, “Most of our inspiration comes from just being together a lot, hanging out in my man cave garage, having a few brews while listening to great artists on the radio and just enjoying each other’s company.”  Lead Vocalist, Tui, believes that, “we stand out because of what each person brings to the table music-wise in terms of cultural backgrounds; I grew up around reggae, Arthur and Ben grew up around rap/hip-hop and Marc and Colton listened to more contemporary stuff and rock, so we try to have a touch of each genre in our songs.” Each member brings their own unique flare to the group, and when meshed together, the sound is Liquid Rootz! Make sure to check them out at any of their local venues – Joel’s Tavern, Red Sky Tappas, Party Chic, The Vineyard Winemarket and V2 Room and be sure to find them on Facebook at Liquid-Rootz.

Toxic Soap On Campus – Carley Edwards, DC Student

Do you know what’s lurking in the soap dispensers?

Everyone knows that washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, but what if you’re washing your hands with toxic chemicals? The soap dispensers on Life’s campus are filled with several cancer-causing, allergy producing chemicals. Just open up the dispenser and see for yourself. The bright pink container labeled KimCare contains ingredients such as Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-7, Fragrance, and Red 33.

Propylene Glycol (PG) is found in antifreeze, airplane de-icers, paints, enamels, engine coolants, and more. It is also found in food, medicine and cosmetics. The Material Safety Datasheet cites that PG has been related to skin, liver and kidney damage. According to The Environmental Working Groups website, Skin Deep, PG correlates with cancer, allergies, reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity. Some claim that PG is safe in small doses, but how many chemicals do we come into contact with daily? Skin Deep declares that women use an average of 12 personal care products daily containing 168 different ingredients and men use an average of six products with 85 different ingredients.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) is an inexpensive foaming agent found in several personal care products. SLS causes skin and eye irritation in human studies. This irritant increases with concentration. Even worse, SLS is contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies 1,4-dioxane as a carcinogen and irritant. This chemical is classified in the state of California to cause cancer. Even the FDA has urged this chemical be removed from products, yet it remains due to the fact that there is no actual law banning the chemical. Canada and the European Union have taken initiative and had this chemical banned or restricted for use. The EPA has 1,4-dioxane listed as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act. Skin Deep lists 1,4-dioxane as a known carcinogen related to organ toxicity. It is also an immunotoxin, reproductive toxin, allergen and occupational hazard. SLS is listed as the second ingredient on the soap being dispensed in all of the bathrooms on campus. SLS is not the only ingredient in the soap that is contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. PEG -7 is as well. PEG’s are not safe for injured or damaged skin. Do you ever wash your skin with cuts on your hands?

Disodium EDTA is a neurotoxin linked to cancer and organ system toxicity. It is cytotoxic and genotoxic. EDTA is considered a persistent organic pollutant (POP) that has been used as a pesticide, has a detrimental impact on human health and the environment, and has the ability to accumulate in human tissue. POP’s have been linked to breast cancer, neurobehavioral disorders and even diabetes and death. Those who are obese tested with high levels of POP’s. EDTA may be listed under several other names including acetic acid and most things beginning with ‘disodium.’

Red 33 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum or coal-tar sources. Red 33 has also been tested positive for mutation. The FDA prohibits the use of Red 33 around the eyes. Do you wash your face in the sinks at school? How about while at the gym?

Fragrance seems like an innocent ingredient but it is really just a mask disguising an ugly chemical: phthalates. The health effects of phthalate are endless and are found in plastics, adhesives, glues, personal care products, children’s toys, paints, and pharmaceutical drugs. Children are even more vulnerable to phthalates than adults. Studies have been done linking children with allergies to those with large amounts of phthalates in the home. There may even be a link between phthalates and autism. Phthalates lead to precocious puberty in females and are endocrine disruptors that can cause birth defects. When fed to rodents, phthalates caused liver and testicular damage. The Journal of Pediatrics found that low birth weight babies are related to exposure to phthalates. Some research has even been done on the correlation between phthalates and ADHD. Former President George Bush signed The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act restricting the use of phthalates above a certain level in children’s toys.

The same soap that is being used all over campus is also being used at Bright Life, the daycare center on campus. In addition to the soap dispensers, there are hand soap dispensers from Wal-Mart containing yellow 5. Yellow 5 is banned in Norway, and was banned in Austria, and Germany. The UK called for a voluntary phase out of the chemical a few years ago due to its link with hyperactivity in children. Since 1985 The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that the side effects of Yellow 5 include allergies, tumors, and asthma.

Something else to be aware of is that Propylene glycol, SLS, PEG-7, and EDTA are all skin penetrators, meaning that they actually help other chemicals penetrate deeper into the skin.

I posted a comment on Life’s Facebook page asking about whether a particular ingredient was used in the soaps on campus and this was the response I received: “Hi Carley, although the soap on campus contains some questionable ingredients, triclosan is not one of them. Our soap provider appears to offer a Green Seal certified product that we will explore using.” Obviously the ingredients used in the soap dispensers on campus are not ‘questionable.’ They are toxic and carcinogenic and lead to long-term health problems. If there are safer alternatives available, why isn’t Life using them? It may be more costly, but what is the price on our health and that of the environment? When will change be integrated to make Life a greener campus? Until then, I will continue to bring my own soap into the bathroom.

There’s a New Greek in Town – Jacqulyn McDaniel, UG Student

Kappa Omicron Nu Initiation Held

Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu of Life University initiated seventeen founding members on 17 November 2010. Dr. Deborah Tippett, Chair of the Board of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society was in attendance to instill the Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu. Dr. Michael Smith, Dean – College of UG Studies; Jaleh Dehpahlavan, Head of Nutrition Department; Donna Plummer, Dietetic Internship Director were invited speakers.

Founding initiates of Nu Omega Chapter are, in alphabetical order:

Helen Abbadi, Tamara Clark (Secretary), Abha Chopra, Derrick Dawson, Lisa Ferrone, Sarah McCormick (President), Jacqulyn McDaniel (Editor), Alexandra McNamara, Patrick Miller, Makeda Mogerie (Treasurer), Sabrina Nyka, Christina O’Neil, Ashley Patterson, Karen Porter, Sarah Tennesen, Erin Thompson, Cindy Trieu, (Vice President), and Julie Wallace.

Dr. Beverly Demetrius is the faculty advisor for the society at Life University.

Eligibility criteria for undergraduate & master degree students and professionals include exemplary study and practice in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Sports Health Science.

Kappa Omicron Nu consists of more than 100,000 members worldwide. The mission of the organization is to recognize and encourage excellence in scholarship, research, and leadership in the human sciences.

Among the activities and programs of the honor society is a scholar program that awards local scholarships and a fellowship and grants program that makes national awards. Nu Omega Chapter, a new chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu, plans to be very active in both the Metro Atlanta community and Life University community as scholars, researchers, leaders, and volunteers.

The Little Violin – Katherine McCarty, DC Student

and its melody at life university

Let me start by saying that, in the hands of a virtuoso, the violin is a beautiful instrument. So beautiful, in fact, that since December I have begun taking violin lessons. But, alas, the sound coming out of my violin isn’t as pretty as the sound coming out of an experienced violinist’s. In fact, sometimes it sounds as though a small animal is dying…quite painfully, I might add. My bow seems to have a mind of its own – it will slide, hit strings I don’t intend it to, and cannot quite seem to follow the beat of the metronome. Again I will say that the violin truly is a beautiful instrument! Nonetheless, while I am learning to play it, I practice in the confines of my own apartment, respecting those whose ears aren’t tolerant to my struggles. And with respect to my neighbors, I always stop before bedtime.

We do, however, seem to have many another budding “violinist” attending Life University–a very many.  While I am glad to hear so many people are interested in the instrument of their own evolution as a person, let us now talk about the beautiful, yet annoyingly loud “violins” playing on campus. Every student complains. It seems to be in our nature. But there needs to be a line drawn, because we are not just students. We are going to be Doctors. The common themes I hear on campus are about how unfair a test was, how the teacher didn’t cover this or that, or how the teacher is at fault for someone’s poor performance because they don’t know how to teach. I hope, as future doctors, we don’t just see the diploma and the career, and disregard the education. Upon entering this school, I would hope we all realized how difficult the material would be, and not rely on teachers and fellow students to hold our hands as we go through school. It’s going to be hard. You’re going to struggle. But so will us all. I would just like to add that your little violin has its own, unique, beautiful sound, but it is screeching like a dying cat in my right ear, and it is deafening! Why would anyone blame their grade on their teacher? It’s nonsensical!

As each quarter begins, you only hear about the technique of the teacher for certain classes. It’s now about the teacher, not the course material. Granted, that sort of information can be helpful and reassuring, but it won’t help you pass the class. What will then? I don’t know, maybe acting like future doctors and taking the load responsibly and adamantly? Each and every student is special, but not when it comes to the education we are all in. There you are not alone, so don’t think the teacher attacked you personally—we are all being hit with the same right hook, so please don’t parade your bruised eye. I have one, too.

Tonight, I will go home and in the privacy of my own home, I will play my violin. I suggest that we all follow suit, and save our campus from your ignorant and inconstant attempts at producing a melody.

Making Scents Of It – Kelly Milano, DC Student

Becoming a scent-free campus?

Recently a discussion came up on Life’s Facebook page, asking students, faculty and other ‘friends’ of LIFE if the University should adopt a ‘scent-free’ policy. What this would mean is that all scented oils, lotions, perfumes and colognes would be banned from campus.  From time to time this topic raises its head and demands attention, creating a fine balancing act between individual student rights and the rights of the community as a whole.  Many students feel it is their right to wear whatever fragrances they want, while others feel it is their right to not have to breathe the scented air. This same argument could go the other way, as well, with others that would rather a student smell of overwhelming perfume and flowers than smell like BO because of going the more ‘natural’ route.  People have their own ideas of what smells are good. For me, it’s chocolate, lilies and the ocean, but I don’t think anyone really wants to go around smelling like Hershey Kisses or sea salt all day long! And we each have our idea of what we don’t like. For me, I dislike patchouli, but I’ll never say you can’t wear it. It might be your chocolate!

While only a handful of people actually responded to the poll, the overall take was that people don’t want a scent free campus. 68% of those who responded answered with a “No,” while several said it was going too far. One response stated, “This is an absolute must. The minute you open your office and start treating headaches, you will see that scents are entirely incongruent with patient care. Many of these odors linger in the air, get on the adjusting table OR ON THE DOCTOR. This is a quality of care issue, people, to say nothing of the individual’s right not to have to smell you!” Another responded with, “Maybe the conversation should revolve around why the patient is so sensitive to smells and work on fixing that issue – that’s not normal.”

Other responses included, “I do believe it would be considerate to keep it to a minimum. On the other hand, it infringes on others’ right to their hygienic practices,” and, “I think all the environmental changes at school are great, but this would be going too far. I will keep wearing my perfume every day.”

While LIFE is not currently looking into creating a “scent-free policy” on this campus, there are several things each of us can do to be more considerate to others:

First, remember what we learned during anatomy and CNS classes; the olfactory nerves are highly adaptable and quickly become immune to smells.  When we use a specific perfume or cologne every day, our own senses become immune to it, requiring us to put on more just to have the same effect on our own senses that we are accostomed to.  Remember, not everyone thinks your perfume or body wash is as amazing as you think it is! Try to be courteous when applying your favorite fragrance.

Second, maintaining the overall quality of inside air and having good quality air purification systems are also beneficial. The overall air quality in buildings like ours is a constant issue that needs to be addressed.

Lastly, if someone is wearing a scent that is giving you a headache, making you sick or just irritating you, you can always move to another area in the room. It’s their right to wear their perfume and it’s your right to move to a different seat.

Life University states, “At this time LIFE is NOT adopting a scent-free campus, but we are always exploring ways to optimize the campus for the LIFE community!”  Continue this discussion on Facebook at Life University and also on our Facebook page at Vital Source. We’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to Life – Kelly Milano, D.C. Student

it’s a great time to be here

What a great time to be a student on the campus of Life University. As this quarter is getting underway, there is a buzz in the air that hasn’t been experienced before. The Village Retreat Student Housing is at full capacity. The first rugby game of the season saw full bleachers and excited students and fans, (and a massive win by the team!) The First Tuesday festivities saw students excited and the Annex C plaza was virtually at capacity with its sea of students and faculty. The Socrates Café is packed with students at all times of the day and the campus is feeling like a ‘real’ college campus.

In the past, the first day of school brought nothing more than another mundane repeat of going to classes, passing people in the hallway and possibly not even smiling. There was nothing to be excited about. Life was truly lifeLESS at that time, but times are changing. LIFE is changing!

In revitalizing the campus, Dr. Riekeman has stated that one of his goals is to create a campus with a community feel and a true college atmosphere. With increased gathering spots, such as the Socrates Café and the outside eating areas, the Life Village Retreat that is full of activities and events for its residents, sporting events and clubs, life has truly started to come to Life.

This quarter will once again see the Chiro-Games, which Life students participated in last year for the first time since the accreditation crisis. These games will bring more unity and relationships among the students, as well as a pride in the student body, as they represent Life while facing off against the other chiropractic colleges across the nation. The various athletic clubs and intramural sports on campus have support of the Athletic Department like never before. Coach Barrett, Athletic Director at Life, has stated that “Intramural sports are just as important as club sports and intercollegiate sports. We want to create a place where everyone who wants to, can compete and partake in sports”

Another great event that happens weekly on campus is the ongoing activity at the Treehouse. Just about every night, you can find some sort of activities to partake in. From movie nights, open mic nights, pool tournaments and Wii competitions, there is a little something for everyone who is looking for a place to hang out.

Speakers are beginning to flock to Life University as they have realized the quality of chiropractors that we are putting out and want to be a part of the excitement and experience of our university. This quarter will see more of the Carrick Neurology modules and trainings, Arno Burnier, Life Force Weekend with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Animal Adjusting seminars with Dr. Jay Komarek, and many more.

It’s an exciting time to be at Life. Our school’s history is being written right now, and we are a part of it. With all that is happening, you only have to open your eyes and you will find something to get involved in. Where will you find your place? What events and activities will you choose to join? Enjoy your time at Life and get involved! As always, Vital Source will provide information and details on new events and happenings at Life University. For questions or comments please email submissions.vs@gmail.com, or visit our facebook page.