"PSA: The Dangers of Spring Fever" by Lavender Li

This is an announcement from your local doctor. This year, Spring Fever (Morbus Fons) is a particularly strong strain. Due to the prolonged winter, Spring Fever has developed to be particularly nasty. It is important to know the symptoms and treatments of Spring Fever to protect you and others around you.

First of all, Spring Fever is caused by the changing of the seasons. Winter has just ended and your body is getting used to the new weather, including temperatures and hours of light. The changing of temperature confuses your internal thermometer, which affects how well your immune system fights off other types of illnesses. It is not uncommon for a person with Spring Fever to develop a cold or a stomach bug. The new and longer hours of sunlight disorients your biological clock, making it difficult for your body to fall asleep and wake up. This can lead to sleep deprivation and drowsiness.

Mixed with the natural allergies of pollen, the sufferers of Spring Fever suffer intense symptoms. Symptoms of Spring Fever include:

·         Drowsiness

·         Confusion

·         Runny noses

·         Weaken immune system

·         Desire to be outside

·         Desire to place flowers inside

·         Increase procrastination (often due to prolonged hours outside)

Spring Fever is easily treated. Treatment options include keeping a strict schedule or easing into the spring season. Keeping a strict schedule will help with procrastination and desire to be outside. With a strict schedule of times to be inside working and outside enjoying the weather, the symptoms of Spring Fever tend to decrease. Easing into the spring season also aid the symptoms of Spring Fever. Ways to ease into spring include, going to bed at normal times, gradually switching winter clothes to spring clothes, and keeping the thermostat colder to simulate winter. These gradual changes decrease some of the symptoms.  However, these methods of treatment might not be enough. If the case of Spring Fever is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe Flors Absente Febre or FeverbGone for short. This medicine reduces the symptoms without changing  your personal life. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of this in your life.

Spring Fever is a dangerous disease, especially this year. Knowing the symptoms of this disease is the first step in protecting yourself and others. Go to www.springfevergeneralinfo.gov for more details and information. Stay safe and enjoy your spring. 

"Love" by Justin Turner

They say it makes the world go round. People do crazy things for it. It's a universal feeling that exists across all cultures and even seems to exist within other animals. It's love.

It's funny how a few neurotransmitters firing off can bring people together and tear them apart. How the hormones in the body can make you feel pain without physical damage, cause war, or give you butterflies. Love is simply a part of biology yet it holds so much power.

I was playing with my baby cousin the other day and he was being his cheeky adorable self when I scooped him off the floor to get dinner and gave him a hug.

"Why did you give me a hug?" his two year old accent said.

"Because I love you."

"Why?"

"Why do I love you?"

"Yeah."

I was at a loss. Why does anybody love anyone?

"Because you're awesome, smart, and family."

"Okay."

But it wasn't okay. That wasn’t the actual answer. But it was the only thing that came to mind. Why do we love people? What makes us love others? There are so many different forms and situations, but I couldn't seem to put my finger on the reason why we love people. While my little philosopher sat and ate his soup I tried to think of a solution. What is the commonality between the people and things I love?

I've had a bit of time to think since then and I think that loving someone has to do with the experiences you have with that person. This of course refutes love at first sight, but just like the English language there are always exceptions. There was a study done recently that said that to can fall in love with anyone. All you had to do is answer some questions to each other and bam instant love. In our romanticized world it's hard to believe that there may not be a thing as a "one true love" and maybe that's clouding my judgement but I'm inclined to believe there's more to love than just a questionnaire. It's the memories you make... Maybe it isn't a complete answer but for now it will suffice. I have a whole life left to figure it out.