Health Questions
Most Recent 15 Questions Answered
Question 1:
What exactly is health? I mean it’s all fine and well to be a healthy person-but what, precisely, does that mean?
Answer :
Dear Healthy Intellect,
This is a perplexing question indeed, one for which QB discovered many have an opinion. From philosophers, to doctors, to scientists, to writers, it seems as though everyone and their mother have waxed poetic on what, precisely, it means to be healthy. And much like the philosophical question of, "What’s the meaning of life?," "What’s the meaning of health?" has generated just as much debate. Now, not being a qualified medical professional (or a qualified philosopher), QB hit the UGL’s online reference collection to find the best definitions and theories that get to the crux of just what health is and what it means to be healthy.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines health as the "soundness of body; that condition in which its functions are duly and efficiently discharged." Tabler’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary defines health as, "a condition in which all functions of the body and mind are normally active." The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia defines health as the "absence of significant illness." And then there’s the World Health Organization, which defines health as, "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." So many definitions, Dear Reader! And subtle contradictions, too! If QB is to synthesize this information properly(as any good Question Board would), QB takes these definitions to mean that health is not an either/or; it’s not simply about the body and mind, but rather it’s to be viewed more holistically, taking into account the many factors of the human condition. Or something like that.
While these definitions are helpful, QB felt that they only scratched the surface of your question. So QB did a little soul-searching, philosophizing, and theorizing to find the meaning of health, and upon determining that QB lacked the necessary philosophical prowess to complete the task, turned to the wisdom of Bacon (the man, not the tasty pig meat) and Cicero.
Francis Bacon, in the "Regimen of Health" stated, "There is a wisdom in this beyond the rules of physic. A man’s own observation what he finds good of and what he finds hurt of, is the best physic to preserve health." This is certainly common sense: that which a man (or woman, Bacon was old-school) finds to be good for their health and mind is that which is best to preserve said person’s health. But alas, there are plenty of people out there who don’t have common sense. So QB turned to Cicero, who much like the World Health Organization, had a very holistic view of health, stating that, "In a disordered mind, as in a disordered body, soundness of health is impossible." Very deep indeed.
Now, formal definitions and musings from men of yore may or may not offer you an explanation that satisfies your curiosity as to what it means to be healthy, Dear Reader, so QB leaves you with this gem from "The Advancement of Learning": "If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties" (Bk. I, Ch. 5, 1605).
…An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away,
QB
Sources :
Oxford English Dictionary
Hutchison Unabridged Encyclopedia
Tabler’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
World Health Organization
Bartleby.com
Project Gutenberg
Call Number :
Location :
Online Reference Collection
Date Answered :
11/8/2011
Question 2:
What is the difference between a pimple and a cist (cyst?)?
Answer :
Dear Ready to Burst,
QB needed to let this question fester a while before popping out an answer. But rest assured your dilemma will soon be cleared up. (Please keep in mind that QB is not a doctor, and all medical advice should be sought from a qualified physician.)
Pimples are confined to the skin and are caused by excess oil secretions (sebum) in the pores or hair follicles. When the oil gathers under the skin, the irritation causes the redness associated with pimples. Sometimes a sterile puss will accumulate in the area as well, which is what we call “yellow heads.” Now before QB’s readers are tempted to squeeze the annoying suckers, popping pimples (especially blackheads) causes the sebum to be released into surrounding tissue, actually making the problem worse.
Cysts are not as straightforward as pimples. The word cyst comes from the Greek, kystis, which means kidney or sac. A cyst is a sac full of “fluid, semifluid, or solid material” that can occur either on the skin’s surface or on any number of internal organs, including the kidneys, ovaries, brain, or bone. The sac can be caused by infection, duct blockages, or “developmental anomalies” (such as congenital cysts which are present at birth and are caused by abnormal development in the womb).
To learn more about the curious world of cysts and pimples and to see enlightening pictures, you can search for “cyst” or “pimple” in our online Credo Reference collection located on our Background Info webpage: http://www.library.illinois.edu/ugl/find/ereference.html
Clearly yours,
QB
Sources :
cyst. (2009). In Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.library.illinois.edu/proxy/go.php?url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/tcmd/cyst
cyst (medicine). (2005). In The Crystal Reference Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.library.illinois.edu/proxy/go.php?urlhttp://www.credoreference.com/entry/cre/cyst_medicine
pimple. (2000). In The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.library.illinois.edu/proxy/go.php?url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/rsmhealth/pimple
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
3/2/2011
Question 3:
How do I become Immortal?
Answer :
Dear Secret Seeker,
Although QB cannot personally claim to be immortal, QB has journeyed from ancient Greece to Hollywood and followed epic poets and superheroes trying to answer this question that has fascinated mortals throughout the ages.
Unfortunately, it seems that the easiest way to obtain immortality is to be born with it. In most religions and mythologies, immortals typically include gods, children of gods, or angels.
But if you have not been so fortunate as to have been born an immortal, your other options include completing an epic quest, selling your soul to the devil, splitting your soul into multiple pieces, partaking of divine pools, or possibly submerging your body in toxic sludge. (Please pursue this last option with caution. QB is not a doctor, but has heard that exposure to toxic sludge tends to have adverse health effects.)
The Greek and Roman methods of obtaining immortality seem the most difficult, as you typically must be on first-name basis with a god or two to make the cut. The gods either chose their favorites for eternal bliss, or they chose the mortals who were stupid enough to get on their bad side, but then showed enough valor through bone-crushing feats that the gods figured they couldn’t deny them what they had rightfully earned. For more details, read up on Psyche and Hercules.
Faust thought he found the solution to mortality by selling his soul to the devil. However, most who write about him emphasize his eternal torment and damnation. In a similar vein, Lord Voldemort attempted to achieve immortality by splitting his soul seven times. This would have worked if it weren’t for that pesky Potter boy. Plus, Voldemort was a pretty cranky guy to boot. If you’re going to live forever, it seems like you should at least enjoy it.
Another, more pleasant, option to consider is the Fountain of Youth. Its waters grant everlasting youth to those who drink of them. Although popular among many immortality-seekers, the fountain has proved extremely elusive. Since Juan Ponce de León discovered Florida, it is rumored that the fountain is there. Though hitherto unconfirmed, perhaps this is why QB has observed so many retirees flying south for the winter.
Throughout QB’s quest, no satisfactory answer has presented itself. Next, QB plans to pursue the comic universe, following characters like Vandal Savage and Ra’s Al Ghul. The Lazarus Pool seems particularly promising but it will take more research to determine its possibilities.
QB is hopeful that you will continue looking for answers. Wherever your quest takes you, if you find the key to immortality, please write again. QB eagerly awaits your reply.
Eternally yours,
QB
Sources :
Batman: the resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul. Undergraduate Library. 741.5973 B3213
Faust. (2009). In Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ebconcise/faust
Fountain of Youth. (2007). In Chambers Dictionary of the Unexplained. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/chambun/fountain_of_youth
immortality. (2009). In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather guide. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/heliconhe/immortality
Justice League. Season one [videorecording]. v.4 Undergraduate Media Collection DVD 791.453 J984
Psyche. (1996). In Bloomsbury Dictionary of Myth. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/bloommyth/psyche
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
12/13/2010
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Question 4:
I have heard that hypnosis induced sleep is more regenerative than regular sleep. Is this true?
Answer :
Dear Tossing and Turning,
Several sources suggest that hypnosis, defined by the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia as a "state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person (the hypnotist) whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject", could have regenerative benefits as well as a positive impact on one’s sleep and overall health. For example, an article by Kuttner in Contemporary Hypnosis demonstrates how an 11-year old girl improved her anxiety, sleep cycle, and stomach discomfort through hypno-therapy. And, the Hutchison Unabridged Encyclopedia states that "hypnotically induced sleep may assist the healing process." However, QB believes that the use of the equivocal word "may", may indicate that the jury is still out on the issue. The Chambers Dictionary of the Unexplained remarks that "hypnotherapy attracts the criticism that successes may well be due to the placebo effect." The choice is up to you and your physician (or trusted hypno-therapist), T&T. Further readings from believers and skeptics alike can be found in the library’s electronic and print reference collections as well as in the sources listed below.
Mesmerizingly Yours,
QB
Sources :
1. Kuttner, Leora. "CBT and hypnosis: the worry-bug versus the cake." Contemporary Hypnosis 26, no. 1 (March 2009): 60-64.
2. The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather guide. Abington: Helicon, 2009. s.v. "hypnosis," http://www.credoreference.com/entry/heliconhe/hypnosis (accessed November 05, 2010).
3. Pavlov, Ivan Petrovich. Essays in Psychology & Psychiatry: Including a Section on Sleep and Hypnosis. New York: Citadel, 1962.
4. Sutton, Amy L., ed. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Sourcebook. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2010.
Call Number :
3. 131.081 P28E
4. 616 C7382010
Location :
3. Main Stacks 4. Undergrad
Date Answered :
11/5/2010
Question 5:
What is the benefit of a tongue ring and does it really help with oral sex? Should I get one? I’m a dude.
Answer :
Dear Eager to Please,
Before answering the first part of your question about the "benefits" of tongue piercings, QB feels compelled to make the observation that one person's benefit is another person's bummer. That said, a brief review of internet resources finds the following common claims about the benefits of tongue piercings: they are relatively discrete and will not attract much unwanted attention, they heal faster than many other piercings, they do not restrict body movement, and they can add pleasure to intimate moments. Because of your interest in the last of these supposed benefits, QB set out to find more concrete information on whether tongue rings really can make your intimate moments more enjoyable. The general consensus on the web seems to be: It depends. According to David Strovny, Sex Education Consultant at AskMen.com, "While there are still pending arguments on whether or not pierced tongues provide that awesome sensation that many people swear by, it's up to each individual to decide." And, Karen L. Hudson, author of Living Canvas: Your Complete Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Body Modification explains that the sex-related benefits of tongue rings will vary from person to person: "This really depends on both individuals - the one giving (with the tongue ring) and the one receiving. If the one with the tongue ring is not skilled in cunnilingus or fellatio, the receiver may not get any benefit from the tongue ring. If the receiver is not very sensitive to oral stimulation, a tongue ring may not make that much difference." http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/a/embar_faq_2.htm
Now, as far as whether or not you should get a tongue ring goes, QB cannot make the final call. However, QB does want you to make as informed a decision as possible. As such, it is important that you understand the potential health risks associated with having your tongue pierced. According to the British Dental Journal, some of these risks include swelling of the tongue, changes in speech patterns, increased salivary flow, allergy to the ring when it contains metals like nickel, prolonged hemorrhage, severe infection, chipping and fracturing of teeth, swallowing of the device and its parts, and persistent oral difficulties. The journal goes on to note that while less common, the following health problems have also been associated with tongue piercings: transmission of systemic infections such as hepatitis B, tetanus and HIV and the development of acerebellar brain abscess as a result of an infection after the piercing procedure. And, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that the use of tongue rings was strongly associated with the development gum disease, particularly gum recession in the anterior lingual mandibular region (Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 37(8):712-718, August 2010.)
Of course, QB is not a doctor and recommends that you talk with a medical professional before you get pierced. In the mean time, you might want to check out the following resources to learn more about the history of body piercing, associated safety issues, and potential health risks:
Coping with the dangers of tattooing, body piercing, and branding /
by Wilkinson, Beth Published 1998
Tattooing and body piercing : understanding the risks /
by Winkler, Kathleen Published c2002
The piercing bible : the definitive guide to safe body piercing /
by Angel, Elayne Published c2009
Living canvas : your total guide to tattoos, piercing, and body modification /
by Hudson, Karen L. Published c2009
Signed,
QB
Sources :
http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/a/embar_faq_2.htm
British Dental Journal; 10/22/2005, Vol. 199 Issue 8, p506-509
Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 37(8):712-718, August 2010.
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
10/14/2010
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Question 6:
Are there any severe side effects to inhaling gasoline in your car while driving with the windows closed for 30 minutes? Thanks.
Answer :
Dear Looking for a Breath of Fresh Air,
As if the morning commute isn’t already stressful enough, QB regrets to report that there are indeed adverse side effects associated with inhaling motor vehicle exhaust gas while driving. But take heart, dear reader, the side effects largely depend on a variety of factors and can be mitigated. In his article "Traffic, Pollution, and Health" Johns Hopkins scholar, Jonathan Samet, provides a formula that outlines exposure to, and inhalation of, pollutants are primarily affected by the concentration of said pollutants in the microenvironment and the time spent there. However, keep in mind that any exhaust that is inhaled (which includes carbon monoxide) is also combined with other air toxins such as particles, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, so these elements must be taken into account when estimating the impact of inhaling toxic chemicals on the human body. But you asked QB what the severe side effects are. Samet outlines that previous studies have shown links between prolonged exposure to air pollutants combined with motor vehicle pollutants and, "asthma, allergic diseases, cardiac effects, respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function growth, adverse reproductive outcomes, premature mortality, and lung cancer." Additionally, exposure to carbon monoxide while driving can induce drowsiness, which is dangerous when operating a motor vehicle, and, as outlined in "The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia" overexposure can be potentially fatal (primarily if the vehicle is run in an enclosed space). Not all of the studies were entirely conclusive regarding the most severe of these side effects, but QB surmises that breathing in fumes is bad for you. Exercise, which improves respiration, and avoidance of driving during peak traffic times, may help to mitigate the effects caused by air pollutants. Additionally, since time and exposure are key, QB hopes you find it comforting to know that driving for 30 minutes with the windows up is unlikely to cause adverse health effects in itself. However, driving 30 minutes a day over a prolonged period of time may have implications for your health depending on the amount of air pollutants floating about. But, it is important to note that QB is not a doctor, and to get more expert information on this topic QB suggests that you consult a physician.
...And Breathe,
QB
Sources :
1. "Carbon Monoxide." The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd, 2000. Credo Reference. Web. 26 September 2010. (Online Encyclopedia Collection)
2. Samet, Jonathan M. “Traffic, Air Pollution, and Health. “ Inhalation Toxicology. 19.12 (Sept. 2007): 1021-1027 (available through Academic Search Premier).
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
10/1/2010
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Question 7:
What is the physiological difference between running and running on a treadmill? What is the difference between running on a treadmill and using an elliptical?
Answer :
Dear Inquiring Exerciser,
Thank you for this excellent question about the riddling physiological differences between popular exercise machinery. QB is not sure of your motivation for asking this question. Are you crafting your own fitness regiment and want to know which method is more beneficial? Or are you simply curious about the physical impact of each of these types of exercise? QB is not a doctor and therefore cannot give medical advice other than urging you to consult a physician or other medical experts on this matter. QB, on the other hand, can summarize the conversation on this issue found in the relevant reference sources. According to the Fitness and Exercise Sourcebook, it “has been firmly established that individuals who engage in some form of physical activity, either by lifestyle or occupation, are likely to live longer and healthier lives.” So, if you are thinking about taking up one of these exercise methods, you are already on the right track to increasing your health and happiness.
But, what are the main differences between simply running and running on a treadmill? Treadmills, first popularized by researchers conducting medical tests, have become a fixture of American home and gym fitness. The main benefits of a treadmill are that they give one the ability to adjust the level of incline as well as the speed of the run, which can help the runner tailor their fitness program and maintain consistent intensity. They are also helpful when a runner wants to avoid less-than comfortable weather conditions they may encounter in the great outdoors. Getting more to the heart of your question, according to the World of Sports Science, the physical motion performed on the treadmill is identical to that of running in any setting, which means that there are not any major physiological differences between the two. Similarly to running in any setting, the treadmill is not considered a low impact exercise and can also contribute to sore knees and ankles. On the other hand, there are more fitness benefits to running outside than using a treadmill because one encounters wind resistance and temperature variations which can account for a significant amount of energy expenditure (9%) during a workout. Furthermore, the motion of the treadmill belt draws the runner's foot back slightly before impact, making the motion slightly easier to perform.
Ellipticals, or exercise machines that only allow the legs to move in an elliptical motion, share some of the same benefits as treadmills such as convenience, indoor usage, and adjustability. Ellipticals primarily mimic a running motion by using the same muscles used by runners, but the motion is not an exact replication. The main training benefit of elliptical machines is the ability to perform the running motion backwards, creating a balance between the “desired strengths of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles, an important factor in the limitation of upper leg and knee injuries.” The elliptical also provides a very low impact exercise because the feet never leave and reconnect with the machine during the performance of the motion.
After reviewing the literature on this subject, QB does not have any specific recommendations for which machine to use or whether to run without the assistance of exercise equipment. Albeit, QB will now be switching to the elliptical in order to preserve those sensitive QB knees. Again, we suggest that you consult a doctor before implementing any of these exercises into your routine.
Good luck on your potential fitness journey!
Yours,
QB
Sources :
1. Lerner, Lee K. and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, editors. World of Sports Science. Detroit, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.
2. Amy L. Sutton, editor. Fitness and Exercise Sourcebook. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2007.
Call Number :
Location :
Applied Health Sciences Library
Date Answered :
2/28/2010
Question 8:
Is having unprotected sex with a girl after spending a long time in the whirlpool affective at preventing pregnancy? Theoretically, the elevated temperatures should make my health sperm useless. Curious, JZ
Answer :
Dear Hot and Bothered:
So you need to know if spending time in a hot tub before sexual intercourse can serve as birth control? You are not alone in this musing and with good reason. Couples trying to conceive are warned that the male partner contributing sperm should avoid tight underwear, biking and heated situations such as a hot tub to decrease getting in sperm’s way. However, it should be noted, says medical educator Dawn Stacey, that these are TEMPORARY obstacles to pregnancy and not substitutes for a solid contraceptive plan.
Let’s start with the myth that sex in water itself can prevent pregnancy. Medical fact is that nothing in water can kill sperm or prevent pregnancy. Once sperm have been ejaculated into the vagina, the goal is to find an egg to fertilize, and water will not stop this mission. Which means that some type of birth control should be used (definitely read up on what types of birth control to use in water first!!!!!)
Your question centers around the idea that the tub's heat kills sperm. This is not the case, according to Columbia University’s go-to place for all things sexual health-oriented: Ask Alice. Although being in a hot tub for more than 30 minutes may slightly lower sperm count, it does not decrease the number of sperm to a "safe" amount. Even with the lower sperm count, a man can still ejaculate 200 to 500 million healthy sperm. Bear in mind, only one determined sperm is needed to fertilize a ready and waiting egg. Sorry to kill your mojo and not your sperm, but here’s a little treat. QB has provided a video of Miss April 2005 Courtney Culkin sexily explaining this to you in the hopes that leg shots while getting sexual health advice will be more effective: http://www.sling.com/video/show/78172/90/Hot-Tub-Kills-Sperm.
Lastly, don’t forget that pregnancy is not the only consequence of sexual intercourse. There are hosts of STDs that can kill you, ruin your life, make your genitals an ugly, itchy mess that no one will want to get near and more. Condoms are the most effective means for simultaneously preventing pregnancy and STDs next to abstinence.
Good luck!
The heat is on,
QB
Sources :
Ask Alice at Columbia:
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0754.html
Our Bodies, Our Selves: a new edition for a new era / The Boston Women's Health Book Collective. New York : Simon & Schuster, 2005.
Call Number :
396.08 B65o2005
Location :
Lincoln Ave Res Hall Library and Applied Health Sciences
Date Answered :
7/20/2009
Question 9:
I often see people taking naps in the Undergraduate Library. Is there any health drawback to sleeping in so public a place? -Frequent Napper
Answer :
Dear Frequent Napper,
Like you, QB has observed the many nappers in UGL. However, QB has also noticed the decrease in nappers now that finals are over and summer has started. Presumably there is a correlation but that will take further observation and study to determine.
But in order to answer your question, QB decided to head straight to the University Library's Health Information Portal website (listed below). This page outlines a many sources to help you research a variety of health and medical topics. There are both links for major medical associations' websites and links for online databases and journals to search for articles.
QB began by looking at the National Sleep Foundation website. Here, there is interesting information regarding the benefits and negative effects of napping. For example, napping can increase alertness in the time after the nap but may decrease a person's ability to sleep at night. Naps of under 30 minutes seem to provide the most benefit without impairing nighttime sleep. There are also tips listed for taking naps, which include: "Your surroundings can greatly impact your ability to fall asleep. Make sure that you have a restful place to lie down and that the temperature in the room is comfortable. Try to limit the amount of noise heard and the extent of the light filtering in." Obviously, these tips are hard to follow while napping in UGL.
From the Health Information Portal, QB also found Better Sleep Council's website. Listed here was a page of FAQs, including the following question:
Q. Is it true that napping can be bad for you?
A. There's nothing wrong with taking a short nap to help refresh you during the day. But if you find you're napping all the time, it could be a sign that you aren't getting as much sleep as you should. Or that you're not getting the deep, restful sleep you need at night.
So, in exploring the links on the Health Information Portal, QB found lots of information regarding sleep and naps but nothing to indicate that sleeping in public is bad for your health. Many of the sites and articles you'll find on the Health Information Portal echo the advice listed at the National Sleep Foundation: naps can be helpful but don't take a nap too late in the day or for too long, try to get enough sleep at night so you don't need to take frequent naps, and taking too many naps may indicate a health problem. Of course, while there might not be health drawbacks to sleeping in public, there are safety drawbacks of doing so. Unless you can nap with one eye open, you might want a buddy to keep an eye on your belongings. But naps, in general, are just fine.
And, as always, QB cannot diagnose any health issue you may have. If, after exploring this health information, you think you may have a sleep disorder or some other condition, please consult your doctor or other health professional.
And now, please excuse QB; all this talk of sleep has made it time to rest QB's virtual eyes -- but only for about 20 minutes.
Restfully yours,
QB
Sources :
http://www.library.illinois.edu/health/
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.4834653/k.BEA4/Napping.htm
http://www.bettersleep.org/OnBetterSleep/faqs.asp#top
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
6/5/2009
Question 10:
Do deaf schizophrenics hear voices?
Answer :
Dear Budding Freud, Jung, Or Other Major Psychological Researcher Of Your Choice,
Being neither deaf nor schizophrenic, QB was unable to answer your question from experience. She instead turned to the experts, or in this case, expert: Dr. Greg Hicok. Dr. Hicok, a neurobiologist at the University of California at Irvine, points out that deaf schizophrenics do hear voices.
Astonished? QB was, too, but not nearly so astonished as she was when she read further and learned that deaf schizophrenics are not the only hearing-impaired group to hear voices: all deaf people, even those who have been deaf from birth, are capable of hearing spoken language in their minds. If QB knew ASL, or American Sign Language, she would be signing her intense confusion.
Luckily, PhD candidate Peter Hauser of Galludet University can turn that confusion into comprehension. Hauser, himself deaf, points out that "the brain has a special capacity to develop phonological representations, even when it does not have auditory input. The representations might be dramatically different from what hearing individuals hear. Nevertheless, they function in the mind as 'sounds.' "
Whoa. QB is awed by the awesomeness of the human gray matter. Looping back to your question, though, QB will offer you that time-worn classic of an answer: "Yes, but..." Yes, deaf schizophrenics are certainly capable of hearing voices, but so are other deaf people. QB imagines that the voices that the non-schizophrenic deaf people would hear, though, are likely to be voluntary and not distressing.
Thanks for asking, Future Freud. Keep the questions coming!
Hearing the click of the keyboard,
QB
Sources :
http://www.discovery.com/area/skinnyon/skinnyon971128/skinnyon.html
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
3/12/2009
Question 11:
What is a neuron? What is meant by nervous system? What is geotropism?
Answer :
Dear Neuroscientist, QB would like to salute the works done by different researchers all over the world, and mostly those who have spent the most precious time in their lives to study the subject of neuroscience, without which, QB wouldn’t be able to find solutions to this question. More so, the librarian, who make this research readily and timely available. Oh, and you the upcoming neurologist, who digs this information, in the process being inspired to do research and add to this mountain of knowledge. Bravo.
QB was inspired by the uniqueness and distinctiveness in this question, because of the similarities associated with these three biological terms. After consulting never-ending science reference materials available in the Undergrad Library, all these terms directly apply to how living organisms respond to changes in the environment, either positively or negatively. However, they differ in that, nervous system and neuron apply to animal life (Zoology) while geotropism to the study of plant life (botany).
A neuron is nerve cell, the functional unit and the basic building block of the nervous system. The human body is made up of trillions of nerve cells, cells of the nervous system, called neurons, which are specialized to carry "messages" through an electrochemical process. The human brain has approximately 100 billion neurons. Neurons when seen through high-tech microscopy, they are of different shapes and sizes. Some of the smallest neurons have cell bodies that are only 4 microns wide. Some of the biggest neurons have cell bodies that are 100 microns wide. (Remember that 1 micron is equal to one thousandth of a millimeter!). To drive the point home, QB has indentified similarities between neurons and other body cells: Neurons are surrounded by a cell membrane, have a nucleus that contains genes, contain cytoplasm, mitochondria and other organelles, carry out basic cellular processes such as protein synthesis and energy production. The differences are: Neurons have specialized extensions called dendrites and axons. Dendrites bring information to the cell body and axons take information away from the cell body, communicate with each other through an electrochemical process, they contain some specialized structures (for example, synapses) and chemicals (for example, neurotransmitters). Neurons are classified in a number of extensions that extend from the neuron's cell body (soma).
The central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) is made up of two basic types of cells: neurons and glia, while the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) contains only nerves and connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Before QB defines Geotropism, it was essential for this research to know where geotropism is derived from. Geotropism is derived from Tropism which is the turning of all or part of an organism in a particular direction by growth, bending, or locomotion, in response to an external stimulus. A number of tropisms do existent, and these include: Geotropism and phototropism (more universal and important), others include thigmotropism and chemotropism. Geotropism is a botany term that means response of a plant to the force of gravity, the stimulus is gravity, also known as gravitropism. The main axes of most plants grow in the direction of the plumb line with shoots upward (negative gravitropism, -0) and roots downward (positive gravitropism, +0). Lateral organs such as branches, leaves, and underground or surface stems grow normally at a specific angle to the plumb line (plagiogravitropism). As for geotropism, differences in auxin concentration between the light and dark sides of the coleoptile seem to be responsible for the curvature; less auxin accumulates on the lighter side.
Thigmotropism (sometimes called haptotropism), the stimulus is touch; it occurs in climbing organs and is responsible for tendrils curling around a support. The curvature is due to a deceleration of growth on the contact side and acceleration on the other. Chemotropism is induced by a chemical substance. A special case of chemotropism concerns response to moisture gradients; for example, under artificial conditions in air, the primary roots of some plants will curve toward and grow along a moist surface. This is called hydrotropism and may be of importance under natural soil conditions in directing roots toward water sources.
QB noticed that, of the three terms, research on neuron is overwhelming and challenging, praiseworthy discovering more. Neurons are the key players in the brain.
Like shipping/ delivery companies, neurons are information messengers. They use electrical impulses and chemical signals to transmit information between different areas of the brain, and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system. Everything we think, feel and do would be impossible without the work of neurons and their support cells. Although neurons are the longest living cells in the body, large numbers of them die during migration and differentiation. Some diseases of the brain are the result of the unnatural deaths of neurons, these include: Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Blows to the brain, Spinal cord injury and many others.
Neuroscientist have done a lot of research about the neuron, the most recent and interesting, however has received a lot of criticism. Most neuroscientists thought we were born with all the neurons we were ever going to have. However, some research has showed from evidence of neurogenesis (the birth of neurons) that, the number of neurons in the forebrains of male birds dramatically increased during the mating season. This was the same time in which the birds had to learn new songs to attract females. This was similar in Bats and monkeys. Why did these bird brains add neurons at such a critical time in learning? Researchers believed it was because fresh neurons which helped store new song patterns within the neural circuits of the forebrain, the area of the brain that controls complex behaviors. These new neurons made learning possible. If birds made new neurons to help them remember and learn, some researchers thought the brains of mammals might too. As children we might produce some new neurons to help build the pathways - called neural circuits - that act as information highways between different areas of the brain. Fred Gage and Peter Eriksson showed that the adult human brain produced new neurons in a similar area.
In contrast to the above, for some neuroscientists, neurogenesis in the adult brain is still an unproven theory. But others think the evidence offers intriguing possibilities about the role of adult-generated neurons in learning and memory. Interestingly, unlike other body cells, neurons stop reproducing shortly after birth. Because of this, some parts of the brain have more neurons at birth than later in life. Neurons die but are not replaced. While neurons do not reproduce, research has shown that new connections between neurons form throughout life. Scientists hope that by understanding more about the life and death of neurons they can develop new treatments, and possibly even cures, for brain diseases and disorders that affect the lives of millions of Americans. The most current research suggests that neural stem cells can generate many, if not all, of the different types of neurons found in the brain and the nervous system. Learning how to manipulate these stem cells in the laboratory into specific types of neurons could produce a fresh supply of brain cells to replace those that have died or been damaged. This would make it possible to repair, reshape, and renew the brain from within. Burning question for the world's graying population is whether memory loss and other cognitive declines can be slowed or avoided through diet, exercise or some kind of "brain fitness" training. Some kinds of mental training have been shown to work, but the jury is mainly out on diets, dietary supplements and the like.
In order to bridge the knowledge gap in this area, QB therefore at this point position the task to you the upcoming neuroscientist/ Biologist, to read more about what has been discovered, and build more on this pending research. In future, QB will enjoy using your research findings to answer a question in this area.
Sources :
1. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of science and technology online. 2008. McGraw-Hill companies. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign. 9 February 2009.
2. The CQ Researcher. (2009). V. 19, Number 5 2009, CQ Press, A Division of SAGE Publications. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign. 9 February 2009
3. Biological Abstracts (ISI).ISI Web of Knowledge. (2008) Thomson Reuters. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign. 9 February 2009
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
2/12/2009
Question 12:
Is a rim job a safe sexual activity?
Answer :
Thank you for your question on whether or not the sexual activity of a rim job (known formally as analingus) is a safe one. QB appreciates your interest in healthy sexual behavior and set to work finding out about the ins and outs of said activity.
First, for those wondering, according to the sex education web site Sex, Etc.org, a rim job, or analingus or rimming, is defined as "Contact between one person’s mouth and another person’s anus."
QB started by querying the health-conscious folks at McKinley who recommended speaking with the Sexual Health Peers, a volunteer peer education group that promotes healthy choices related to sexual health and relationships on campus. Liz Mengyan, a super-friendly and non-judgmental sexual health peer, had the following helpful information to share. "Many people are surprised to find out that rim jobs are actually are medium to low risk for STDs. This is because there is little to no fluid exchange, so as long as the person keeps up with their personal hygiene, it is relatively safe." Before you start thinking that tossing salad (a term QB picked up by Googling "analingus") means you’re home free on the STD front, the key word here is "relatively". Clearly there’s more to an activity involving anatomy not discussed in polite company (unless it’s a bunch of new moms detailing the contents of their child’s diaper).
QB found some great food for thought by visiting the Center for Disease Control web site and searching under the term "analingus." Here’s the low down on the low down:
The intestinal tract is filled with bacteria that are part of the digestive process; these do not pose any health threat. However, this activity will expose you to any bad germs or infections harbored in your partner's intestinal tract or anal area. The CDC warns that "rimming carries a risk of transmission of STDs including hepatitis A. There is also risk of intestinal parasites, like cryptosporidiosis." In addition, the CDC cautions that "immunocompromised persons are suggested to avoid performing this activity." So if you aren't in good health and have an immune deficiency (say from AIDS or chemotherapy), this could put you at serious risk.
Here's a rundown of some of the diseases you could be exposed to:
-Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a virus spread through oral contact with the fecal matter of an infected person. It affects the liver and causes symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and nausea. It is not a chronic infection, unlike hepatitis C. Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine given before or shortly after exposure.
-E. coli: This is a bacterial infection spread through oral contact with the fecal matter of an infected person. Its symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal bleeding.
-Intestinal parasites:
These are microbial organisms that cause intestinal diseases including cryptosporidiosis, dysentery, and giardiasis. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Again, these are spread through oral contact with the fecal matter of an infected person.
-Bacterial infections: If a person contracts food poisoning, the bacteria that causes it, say salmonella for example, will be shed in their feces and could be transmitted through oral-anal contact. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
If the receiving partner has a rectal gonorrhea infection, it could be contracted by the active partner; gonorrhea can infect the mouth and throat. This means that theoretically a person with an oral gonorrhea infection could transmit it to their partner’s bottom line. Other STDs that can be transmitted through oral-anal contact include syphilis and herpes, if either partner has an active lesion in their mouth or anal area.
Finally some good news: your chances of being infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are pretty low. The CDC reports that the HIV virus is not found in feces itself. And the amount of HIV that can be present in saliva is too small to infect another person, making infection unlikely. According to the CDC, "There would not be a risk of HIV transmission unless blood was also transmitted between partners (such as if the performing partner was infected and had blood in his mouth)." Or if the recipient was bleeding from their posterior and the active partner had an open cut or sore in his or her mouth.
So, what to do to protect yourself and your partner? To find that answer, QB did a quick search of the library catalog by typing in
'anal sex". The number of titles produced by this query was dizzying, but she quickly located the excellent and informative The ultimate guide to anal sex for women by Tristan Taormino. You can protect against transmission of diseases by using a barrier during analingus. You can use a latex dental dam, or make a barrier by cutting the end off an unlubricated condom and then slitting it lengthwise. Many people also use plastic wrap; although it hasn't been scientifically tested as a disease barrier, it does prevent the transmission of body fluids. According to Liz of the Sexual Health Peers, dental dams are available free in the Oasis in the Union or at McKinley for free.
Hopes this helps you make informed and safe decisions,
QB
Sources :
Liz Mengyan, Sexual Health Peers
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/units/Health_Ed/sexual_health_peers.htm
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa19.htm
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
http://www.sfaf.org/aids101/sexual.html#rimming
Sex, Etc.
http://www.sexetc.org/glossary/1369
The ultimate guide to anal sex for women by Tristan Taormino, 613.96082 T159u in Main Stacks
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
1/29/2009
Question 13:
I am sleeping with 3 women. Will I get caught?
Answer :
Dear Rico Suave,
Unfortunately for you, QB’s crystal ball suffered some damage when it was used to prop up the leg of her IKEA desk, so she cannot predict the outcome of your situation with normal Nostradamus-like efficiency. However, QB’s maternal instinct, which she has tried desperately to suppress with Arrested Development re-runs and American Apparel, has kicked into high gear and she insists you heed her warnings before dangerous (and icky) things become you.
In hearing of your sexual conquests, QB does not shudder at thought of the verbal (and perhaps physical) lashing that will most likely ensue with the demise of your hormone-infused master plan. What makes QB’s skin crawl is the thought of what things are most likely crawling all over you due to your forays in fornication (QB assumes that the women in question are neither your wives nor are they aware of your decision to get down and dirty with more than one lucky lady). While no stranger to lovin’ ‘em and leavin’ ‘em (those long lines at the research desk aren’t just for finding call numbers), QB finds it necessary to inform you of the dangerous game you may be willingly playing (no matter how many times you win) and how it may affect those warming the bench.
Using the unstoppable powers of the Undergraduate Library reference collection, QB got right down to the nitty-gritty of your, well, nitty-gritty. According to the Encyclopedia of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, “the very nature of sexual intimacy allows for the insidious transmission of microbial organisms” (1), 30 of which can cause “infection and disease when they secretly find their way from one person to another” (1). Much like you, these sexually-transmitted diseases sneak from bed to bed, representing “five of the ten mot commonly reported infections today” (Moore 1) and causing a bevy of problems for both the host and anyone he or she beds with. Identified as a high risk factor for catching one of these bedroom bugs is spreading the love with multiple partners (Moore 213). Multiple bed buddies also increases your chances of indulging in even riskier behavior, such as “sexual contact without barrier protection (Shoquist 189), not to mention the chance of forgetting your current bedfellow’s name in the heat of the night. Scary.
So, just what kinds of goodies can infect your goods? QB turned to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine to find out. In addition to immediate health problems, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in general, can cause “birth defects, blindness, bone deformities, brain damage, cancer, [and] heart disease” (3368). The most common STDs that can linger in your loins are Chlamydia, human papillomavirus, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus, otherwise known as HIV (3368). Curious about that yellowish discharge and burning urination (Shoquist 67)? Could be a visit from gonorrhea, aka the Clap. Pain in your legs, buttocks or genital area accompanied by open sores on your unmentionables? (Shoquist 50)? Congratulations! You’ve found yourself in the primary stages of genital herpes!
But not all STDs are as conspicuous with their symptoms. While some prefer the spotlight, with their discharges and burning sensations, some STDs act covertly, striking silently over months, even years, with no symptoms. Symptoms of syphilis, for example, can “disappear soon after they are first seen” (Shoquist 203) and can be confused with other diseases. If left untreated, syphilis can become “latent” (Shoquist 203) and begin a blitzkrieg of epic proportions on your “internal organs, including the nerves, brain, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints” (Shoquist 203). Many STDs, if left untreated, can put a rather definitive end to your booty calls, causing “infertility and other abnormalities of the reproductive system, mental retardation, and death” (Longe 3368).
If open sores and dementia don’t decrease your desire for high-risk sexual behavior, perhaps you should consider the health of your partners. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine identifies women of any age as more likely to develop complications from STDs (3369), leaving your lovely ladies at risk for a number of life-changing problems. So, how do you satiate your hunger for love and keep all parties involved healthy and (QB assumes) happy?
QB does not want to burst your bed-hopping bubble, but limiting your affections to just one lady may be the answer to your problems (including your fear of getting caught). According to the good ole’ Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, “abstaining from sexual relations or maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner” (3370) decreases your risk of becoming infected with an STD. Still intent on kicking it with as many honeys as possible? The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine suggests you stock-pile male and female condoms; when used effectively and consistently, condoms “provide good protection against HIV and other STDs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis” (3370). So, stock up!
If you are student at the University of Illinois, QB also recommends you plan a visit to McKinley Health Center (http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/). From sexual health counseling, to STD testing, to information on condom usage and healthy sexual relationships, McKinley can help keep you safe and educated as you continue your epic conquests of the female body.
Good night and good luck,
QB
Sources :
Longe, Jacqueline L., editor. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine.
Third ed. Detroit: Thompson Gale, 2006.
McKinley Health Center. October 2008. 8 November 2008. The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. [http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/]
Moore, Elizabeth A. Encyclopedia of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2005.
Shoquist, Jennifer. The Encyclopedia of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York: Facts on File, 2004
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
12/5/2008
Question 14:
If I masturbate too much will I receive any ill physical effects? Such as : a smaller penis, a curved penis, or possibly homosexual feelings.
Answer :
The wise Cyndi Lauper once sang "She bop--he bop--a--we bop, I bop--you bop--a--they bop...," and in case you're wondering what bop refers to, yes it's masturbation. And Cyndi is right. Almost everybody masturbates. According to the Merck Manual Medical Library about 97% of males and 80% of females partake in a five finger solo every now and then.
So with all of these men masturbating, should we be worried about an epidemic of small or curved penises. QB thinks not. The Encyclopedia of Men’s Health states that masturbation has no adverse effects on physical or emotional well-being. It does not affect libido, or sexual performance with a partner.
While several men on internet message boards claim that masturbating with the same hand can cause the penis to curve, QB could not find any reliable research to back this up. However, if you want to give it a try, they claim that masturbating with the other hand can reverse the condition. Most likely, the cause of a man's curved penis is probably just genetic or a result from a condition known as Peyronie's disease, which causes a bent penis during erection. Peyronie disease affects about 1 to 4 in 100 men (McNally 320). Dr. Gleich explains, “Peyronie’s produces scarring in the erectile chamber-the part that fills with blood to give you an erection – on one or both sides of the penis. The penis is pushed in the direction of the scarred side and you can get dramatic distortions – almost 90-degree angles in some cases.” This condition may clear up on its own, but it’s always a wise idea to visit a doctor who may prescribe vitamin E or anti-inflammatory medication. However, in extreme cases, surgery on the scar tissue may be necessary (Wertheimer 399).
But if you, like Cyndi Lauper, can't stop "messin with your danger zone" should you be worried about doing it too much? Urology advisor Larry Lipshultz, M.D. states that men can not masturbate too much. "There is no biological limit, except for the refractory period--the time between ejaculations, which lengthens with age. As long as you're doing it in private and it doesn't interfere with your life, there are no adverse consequences. However, continual, compulsive masturbation is a pathological addictive behavior that needs to be treated by a psychologist." Also, excessive masturbation may cause bruising to the penis or clitoris.
The only other negative aspect to masturbating that QB found, is that it may cause you to have trouble ejaculating or climaxing during sex because you've become accustomed to masturbation. Gregory Broderick, M.D., professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida says this is because you can control the pressure and pacing of your hands, and you can't do the same with her body parts. To remedy this problem, you only need to try changing your masturbating techniques.
So as long as masturbating isn't interfering with your life, then keep doing it because a recent study has found that you may actually be reducing your risk of prostate cancer. A study by the Cancer Council Victoria in Australia has indicated that frequent masturbation between the ages of 20 and 50 reduces your risk of prostate cancer, possibly by flushing the ejaculatory ducts and preventing the buildup of carcinogens. Men who ejaculated five times a week in their 20s were one-third less likely to develop an aggressive form of the cancer.
As for the ladies, excessive masturbation may cause tendinitis or repetitive stress syndrome on the arm that you masturbate with. If you are having either of these problems, try using a vibrator or switching hands to see if the problem improves.
So the next time you feel like spanking the monkey or waxing the brass candlestick, rest assured you are doing more good than harm.
Sources :
1. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch104/ch104a.html
2. Joannides, Paul. Guide to getting it on! : the universe’s coolest and most informative book about sex for adults of all ages Waldport, OR : Goofy Foot Press, 2004.
3. McNally, R. A. (2004). Men's health concerns sourcebook: basic consumer health information about the medical and mental concerns of men. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.
4. Rothfeld, G. S., & Romaine, D. S. (2005). The encyclopedia of men's health. Facts on File library of health and living. New York, NY: Facts on File.
Wertheimer, N. (1995). Total health for men : how to prevent and treat the health problems that trouble men most. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press. Location: Undergrad Call Number: 613.952 T64
Call Number :
2. Call Number: 613.96 J573g 2000
3. Call Number: 613.04234 M5282004
4. Call Number: 613.0423403 R744e
Location :
1. Merck.com 2. Location: Undergrad 3. Location: Undergrad Reference [non-circulating] 4. Location: Undergrad Reference [non-circulating]
Date Answered :
7/31/2008
Question 15:
It has come to my attention that I literally know nothing of the Tour de France! When did this competition start? Why are people so crazy about it? I'm just DYING to know. -Concerned Bicyclist
Answer :
Dear Concerned Bicyclist:
QB was delighted to receive your question, especially since the very exciting 2008 Tour just wrapped up. So what is the Tour de France (TdF)? It is a three week bicycle race held each year in France. The race first began in 1903 and has been held every year since (with the exception of 1915-1918 because of World War I and 1940-1948 because of World War II. Although the Tour was held in 1939, several countries did not participate because of the rising political tensions). Le Tour is an all male race; for a while there was for a female Tour de France, but it unfortunately was cancelled some years back.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details of the tour, let’s do a quick vocabulary review.
QB’s Cheat Sheet to talking like a Tour pro:
Prologue- Time trial that begins le Tour.
Peleton- The main group of riders, from the French word “platoon”
Domestique - Team rider (not the team leader)
Paceline- When riders ride single file; done so that riders conserve energy
Musette bag - Bag that holds food for riders, which they grab while speeding through a feed zone
GC- Stands for General Classification, the overall standings for the race.
Lantern Rouge - The last rider in the General Classification.
Gruppetto-Group of riders that form at the base of mountain climbs, usually consists of sprinters, and other non-climbers.
Malliott Jaune - The yellow jersey; man who wears this is the race leader
The Tour is 23 days long and consists of 21 stages. There are two rest days worked into the Tour, when riders do not race, but theoretically rest. Each day is a separate stage, and stages vary in length from 100 to 180 miles. The overall length of the Tour varies from 2,000 to 2,500 miles.
Le Tour, the most prestigious cycling event, is by invitation only. Approximately twenty teams are invited each year, give or take a few. Bicycling teams are multi-national, although many riders in the peleton hail from somewhere in Europe. Each team has a major sponsor, sometimes two major sponsors (as in the case of Garmin-Chipotle, one of two U.S. sponsored teams in this year’s Tour).
If a team has a rider who they think can win the Tour, he is designated as the team leader and all the other riders work to help him win. Although it may not look like it, cycling is a team sport. Lance Armstrong would not have been able to win 7 Tours in a row if he had not had the help and support of his teammates.
So what do teammates do? Teammates, also called “domestiques” protect their leader, by keeping him near the front of the pack and away from possible crashes. They also protect him from the wind so that he does not waste extra energy by fighting the wind (a rider can save up to 30% of his energy by riding behind someone else, this is called drafting). Domestiques set the pace at the front of the group of cyclists so that they control the pace of the race, and if a rider escapes off the front, they chase him down and bring him back into the peleton. They also bring water and food to their leader. Suffice to say, if a team leader did not have 8 other guys working every single minute to help him win the race, it would be really hard for him to win.
In addition to team leaders and domestiques, there are also specialist riders. Some teams don’t have a guy who can win the Tour, but they do have a really fast sprinter, and so everyone on that team works to protect the sprinter and help him win the stage. A sprinters main job is to be the fastest man in the peleton and win as many stages as possible. Other teams have one guy who is a really good climber, so when the Tour moves into the mountains, this guy’s job is to climb faster than anyone else and try to win the stage.
There are three different kinds of stages in the Tour.
------ Flat: these tend to be the stages during the first week of the Tour, and are known as some of the most dangerous stages because of the number of crashes that occur. Flat stages normally are won by the sprinters, who can get up to speeds of 50 miles an hour.
------ Mountain: The stages that take the Tour over both the Pyrenees and the Alps. The most difficult stages in the Tour.
------ Time Trials: A race against the clock. Can take place on either flat terrain or can be straight up a mountain.
The Tour has an official rating systems for mountains, which ranges from the easiest category 4 (Cat. 4) climbs to the most difficult hors catégorie (HC) climbs. HC climbs are considered so difficult that they are beyond classification. In the 2008 Tour, the riders climbed 5 HC climbs in two days.
Although the yellow jersey is the most well known jersey of the Tour, there are in fact 4 different jerseys riders can win.
Yellow jersey: awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time. Typically in order to win this jersey a rider must be both a skilled climber and time trialist. Since both mountain stages and time trials require a cyclist to endure enormous amounts of pain and suffering, some argue that one must be a sadomasochist in order to win the yellow jersey. Besides the prestige of winning the maillot jaune, it also comes along with a pretty nice purse of 450,000 Euros or about $690,000. Traditionally the race winner gives the prize money to his teammates since they are instrumental in helping him achieve the win.
Green jersey: also known as the sprinter’s jersey. Awarded to the best sprinter, which is determined by how many sprint points he wins throughout the Tour. Its purse is 25,000 Euros or about $37,500.
Polka dot jersey: also known as the King of the Mountain jersey. Awarded to the best climber, which is determined by how many climbing points he wins throughout the Tour. Its purse is 25,000 Euros or about $37,500.
White jersey: also known as the best young rider. Awarded to the youngest rider (has to be under 25) who has the highest rank in the GC. Its purse is 20,000 Euros or about $29,500.
So why are so many people so crazy about this sport? The Tour is deeply steeped in the tradition of Europe and for many the Tour is an important part of their culture. For others it is just plain fun. To watch the sprinters come screaming into the finish, or to watch the climbers summit mountains that would make mere mortals weep with pain is simply thrilling. If you’ve never watched a stage of the Tour, you can check out some amazing moments in Tour history here: http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/30moments/19.html
Sources :
http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/TDF/us/index.html
http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/80392/
http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/80126/
http://tour-de-france.velonews.com
http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/78643/tour-de-france-101
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/tour08/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/tour_de_france/1364695.stm
http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/0,6805,s1-7-0-0-0,00.html?location=_*topnav*
Call Number :
Location :
Date Answered :
7/28/2008
University
of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLibrary Gateway
Comments/Questions?
This file last modified 5/22/2008 dw