Dr. Peggy Spencer

Opinion

Column: Dr. Peg's perscription

Dr. Peggy Spencer | April 23

“The only thing that is constant is change.” Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher (535BC - 475 BC) Spring blows into summer. The school year comes to an end. Students graduate, faculty plan vacations, people are on the move. Change is in the air. How do you react to change? Do you embrace it eagerly, seeing every dip and swerve as an exciting growth opportunity? Or do you dread it, dig in your heels, and have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the next phase? Most of us land somewhere in between these extremes, and may react differently at different times or in diverse situations. But we all experience change every day.

Opinion

Dr. Peg's Prescription: Emergency contraception more than a pill

Dr. Peggy Spencer | April 15

Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? The condom broke in the middle of the action, or you were too swept away (or drunk) to even think about protection? Or you forgot to take your pill? If you aren’t ready to be a parent the rest of your life, or to face decisions about termination or adoption, a pregnancy scare can be terrifying. The good news is it may not be too late.

Opinion

Dr. Peg's Perscription

Dr. Peggy Spencer | April 2

In Blackout Theater’s infamous and irreverent video “S** Burqueños Say,” Lynette leans repeatedly around a corner, offering bottles of soda of varying colors and kinds (none of them Coke), asking each time, “You want a coke? You want a coke? You want a coke?” True to our melting pot nature, Americans have a variety of names for this type of beverage. Most common are “soft drink,” “pop” or “soda.” But whatever you call them, they are bad for your health. I know you know this. Sugary drinks are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic in this country. They rot your teeth and contribute to your risk of diabetes. I have seen patients who lost 20 to 30 pounds just by cutting out sodas. In 2012, New York City even made soda consumption into a public health issue by banning the sale of any soft drink larger than 16 ounces. Two years later, this ban was overturned, to public health officials’ disappointment and soda companies’ delight.

Opinion

Ask Dr. Peg: Things to consider before your next Brazilian wax

Dr. Peggy Spencer | March 19

Question: Is it dirty if I don’t shave my private parts? Will I get sick if I don’t? To answer your question, it is not dirty to have hair on your pubes any more than it is dirty to have hair on your head. Hair is natural, as normal as fingernails or eyelashes. You will not get sick from keeping your pubic hair, although you could get sick or injured if you remove it. More on that in a minute

Opinion

Column: Students should utilize the SHAC

Dr. Peggy Spencer | February 19

You know that feeling you get when you’re up on stage accepting your Oscar and you forget to thank your director? Neither do I. How about the feeling when you have a party and you forget to invite your best friend? You make all the arrangements and are careful to invite your other friends, but somehow you just assume that your best friend knows because, well, they’re your best friend. I’ve been there; in fact quite recently and right here in this column. My last article was about sexual assault and resources to tap into if it happens to you. Yet I somehow managed to not mention the resource most near and dear to me and most convenient and immediate to you on campus: our very own SHAC. I guess I figured SHAC was a given. My grown children know all about this. They are always the last ones to hear plans for a family reunion. I just assume they know by osmosis or something. Chalk it up to my middle-aged brain.

Opinion

Dr. Peg's Prescription: Tips and resources for dealing with sexual assault

Dr. Peggy Spencer | February 4

Sexual assault has been in the news around here lately. UNM got a big visit and analysis by a law firm, which raised a number of questions. How much does this happen here? Who are the perpetrators? Do we have too many policies? Are the policies clear? Does the campus have enough lighting? Do people get attacked on campus or off?

Opinion

Dr. Peg's Prescription: 'Eat more vegetables' should be everyone's New Year's resolution

Dr. Peggy Spencer | January 21

January is named after the god Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, who is also known as a guardian of doorways. Janus has two faces, one looking back and the other looking forward. Ancient Romans believed that when you passed through the doorway from one year to the next Janus would help you shed old baggage and bless you for a better year ahead.

Opinion

Hooked on hookah? It's not as clean as you might think

Dr. Peggy Spencer | December 1

Dear Dr Peg, Some friends introduced me to hookah smoking a few months ago, and we've been getting together to smoke a couple of times a week. It;s fun to hang out, and the smoke smells nice. I know cigarette smoking is dangerous, so I've never done it, but hookah smoking is safe, right? Doesn't the water filter out all the bad stuff from the smoke? And isn't hookah tobacco healthier than the tobacco in cigarettes? -Hooked on hookah

Opinion

Dr. Peg's Prescription: College actually shown to have long-term health benefits

Dr. Peggy Spencer | August 26

Welcome to college, new students! Welcome back, returning students! By now you are settled into your classes and starting to get homework, maybe even tests. Are any of you beginning to wonder what you are doing here anyway?

Opinion

Dr. Pegs Prescription

Dr. Peggy Spencer | May 5

It is that time of year: finals looming, papers bearing down, projects hanging overhead. You are probably neglecting your health, forgoing sleep, exercise and healthy eating as you gear up for the end. Am I right?