Earth Day hits campus Monday

The largest Earth Day celebration in UA history will bring a variety of events to campus Monday. With 45 environmental organizations participating, events will last throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Featured events include alternative vehicle demonstrations from the University of Arizona fleet and the AZ Solar Racing Team car, a lunchtime show by the local band Prana and a "Recycling Rap" by first- and second-grade students from Miles Exploratory Learning Center.

Many groups will set up on the Mall, including the winners of the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair; the Providence Institute, which is offering free massages; Recycle America, which will have bales of recycled goods; and Daedalus, the winning AZ Solar Racing Team car.

For a complete listing of UA Earth Day events go to www.uanews.org; contact Alana Lee Levine at the Recycling and Waste Management office at 621-1264 for more information.

Hydration key to beating flu

Students suffering from a small university outbreak of the stomach flu can seek refuge in the care of their own homes, as long as they stay well-hydrated, campus health officials said.

Gastroenteritis, a virus that affects the body's digestive system, has struck more than 30 University of Arizona students, but is very curable, said Lissette Lecorgne, coordinator for the acute care unit at Campus Health.

Lecorgne said the virus, also known as the stomach flu, normally yields symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, but only affects the infected person for about 48 hours.

She said although the lifespan of the virus is short, the vomiting and diarrhea will cause a symptom that could be dangerous: dehydration.

She said students who have become too dehydrated, who have very dark urine or who feel very dizzy should seek medical attention to be put on an intravenous system.

But, for most students, consistently drinking clear liquids like water or apple juice - as much as they can handle without vomiting again - should compensate for the loss of liquids in the body.

Kathy Rath, a nurse in the acute care unit of Campus Health, said the first step students should take in protecting themselves is washing their hands frequently.

Rath said most students actually spread the virus to others by not properly washing their hands after using the bathroom.

"In enclosed places, like dorms or classrooms, it's hard to avoid," Rath said.

Lecorgne suggested that students who might be suffering from the virus take Imodium AD for diarrhea symptoms and Emetrol for nausea.

Both items are available at the Campus Health Pharmacy.

Campus committee seeks students' help with signs

The UA Sign Committee is looking to make campus easy to get around despite construction and confusing detours.

John Adams, project manager with Facilities Management, said the sign committee is looking for input on signs like the Campus Directories ones found on campus.

The signs are lit at night and are located in public places, such as the area between the Administration building and the Second Street Garage.

The committee is open to suggestions about good public locations for directional and general signs.

The committee wants new students and visitors to be able to find libraries, events and lectures even at night.

Call John Adams at 626-9024 with any suggestions.

Food drive drop off on campus

Food donation boxes will be set up on campus at the end of April to help needy people in the Tucson community.

The boxes, which are part of the Can U Spare A Can Tucson Community Food Drive, will be set up in campus buildings from April 29 through May 3. Employees and students are encouraged to bring canned food and non-perishable food items to donate.

Cash and checks will also be accepted. The Food Bank can distribute $10 worth of food for every dollar donated.

All contributions are tax deductible.

It is estimated that 100,000 people in the Tucson area are hungry. There has been an increase of 66 percent in the demand for food assistance in Tucson since Sept. 11.