UA In the News — March 21

The 5-Minute Warm-Up for Any Sport
Outside Online – March 20
We can’t blame you for wanting to skip the fitness foreplay and go straight into your sport, especially when time is limited. But the hurried approach does more than just slow your first few miles or stiffen your reps. When you drop the hammer before your body is ready, at best you’re limiting your performance potential; at worst, you’re putting yourself at much greater risk for injury, according to researchers at the University of Alabama.

Getting intersectional with Crunk Feminist Collective 
Connect Savannah – March 20
WHEN IT comes to discrimination and oppression, not all experiences are alike. Gender, race, class, sexuality and ability all inform the ways a person encounters inequity in society, and the injustices overlap and compound with each factor. That’s the crux of intersectionality, a term charging current conversations about social justice and the fight for equality. Since January’s Women’s March on Washington, the word seems to be everywhere, from glossy magazines to celebrity Twitter feeds … “Feminism isn’t accessible because it’s an academic term, and the people who use it have been historically territorial,” explains Dr. Boylorn, an associate professor of Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication at the University of Alabama.

Apparently getting tattoos can boost your immune system, and we are very intrigued
Hello Giggles – March 20
What if we told you tattoos had benefits outside of just, you know, looking really cool? A new study is suggesting that getting tatted up might actually boost your immune system, and we have a lot of questions … According to Christopher Lynn, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama, regularly getting tattoos can teach your body to endure higher stress levels, which could boost immune function.

Fundraiser Thursday for Tuscaloosa’s all-inclusive playground
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – March 20
Work is underway to create Tuscaloosa’s all-inclusive playground, a place where kids and parents of all abilities can play together. The plans are in place, the land is secured and now, organizers say they need more funds to make the playground a reality … In addition, all-inclusive playground board member Margaret Stran says the playground would benefit parents like her, who use a wheelchair. “When I go to the park with my son, I can get through the mulch and I can get to things, but it’s difficult,” Stran said. “Well, some people may not be able to get through the mulch. So, what do they do?” “The idea of this playground is to make something that all kids and all parents can go to and play together.” . . . Stran also serves as associate director of adapted athletics at The University of Alabama. She believes this playground would help put kids on a path to an active lifestyle, and would serve as more than just a place to play.
WDAM 7 (Moselle, Mississippi) – March 20
 
Religious scholar, ethicist to speak Thursday
Tuscaloosa News – March 20
They’re created by a team composed of Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the University of Alabama … Religious scholar and social ethicist Jonathan L. Walton will deliver this year’s Realizing the Dream lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday in the ballroom at Embassy Suites, 2410 University Blvd. The event is free and open to the public.

SGA kicks off Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week
Crimson White – March 20
The University of Alabama SGA kicked off its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week with two events yesterday, with more events to be held through the remainder of the week. This initiative represents a focused collaboration between the SGA and numerous campus groups around campus to celebrate and learn the perspectives of the many cultures and identities in the campus community. Such organizations participating in the week of events include UA Crossroads, SafeZone, Blend, the Black Student Union and many more.
 
Ask Listen Refer to train students on suicide prevention, available now
Crimson White – March 20
A suicide prevention training program that aims to help students recognize and respond to the warning signs of suicide is now available, according to UA News. The program, Ask Listen Refer, is online at AskListenRefer.org/ua and takes around 15-20 minutes to complete. “The purpose of this program is to encourage concerned persons to ASK if someone is thinking about suicide, LISTEN to their response carefully, and REFER them to a professional,” UA News said.

Igniting Innovation grant competition to award funds to local service projects
Crimson White – March 20
Philanthropic student organizations and non-profits with student representatives are being given the opportunity to apply for funds through the Igniting Innovation grant competition presented by Capstone Agency and Alabama Power. “What we’re trying to do throughout the campaign is make Alabama Power’s presence on campus more visible,” said Madeline Abrams, senior majoring in public relations and Spanish and Capstone Agency’s account executive for Alabama Power. “We want to make students more aware of the good that they do in the community, both in Tuscaloosa and on campus.”

Study Abroad 101 information sessions offered daily
Crimson White – March 20
Studying abroad in college comes with a lot of things – especially questions. In an effort to answer those questions and to educate students on the basics of studying abroad, the Education Abroad office offers daily Study Abroad 101 sessions that give students an overview of studying abroad, program types, what the application process is like, what they may experience abroad, and more.