Are you losing track of all the tasks you need to complete? Are you having difficulty getting everything done? If you are, a "Daily To-do List" can help you organize your life. A "Daily To-Do List" is a comprehensive list of all the tasks you need to complete each day. In using a daily to-do list:

• Write down all the tasks you need to complete during the day.

• Do not procrastinate by taking too much time to compile the list.

• Do not do all the easy stuff on the list first. (Of course, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the length of the list, do a couple tasks you can complete quickly to lessen your stress level.)

• Be realistic about how much you can can get done during a day.

• Divide large tasks into smaller tasks.

• Compile a new list each day to gain a sense of control.

• Cross off each completed item to give you a sense of accomplishment.

• Group similar tasks so you can be more efficient.

For more information on effective strategies for using to-do lists, consult

• http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_05.htm

• http://www.timethoughts.com/timemanagement/effective-todo-list.htm?aid=gtodo

You can use the Task Manager in TruView, moreover, to keep track of your to-do lists. You can even use the reminder feature to receive email reminders of your tasks minutes, hours, or days in advance. To access the Task Manager in TruView, click on the link in the My Calendar Box in the upper left-hand corner of the TruView screen. Once you click on the link, you'll get a new window with your calendar. To enter a new task, click on the task button. You can enter reminders using the task window.

Respiratory illnesses are the most common physical complaint of university students throughout the winter months. Colds, flu, and sore throats are generally viral and can often be prevented through frequent hand washing and respiratory precautions, such as coughing into one's elbow, disposing of used tissues in waste receptacles, and disinfecting commonly used surfaces such as telephones, doorknobs, and computer keyboards.

The common cold may include symptoms such as a runny or congested nose, cough, and sore throat. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating colds since they are viral infections. Symptomatic treatment (analgesics such as Tylenol for fever, throat lozenges, cough medicine), along with rest, good hydration, and adequate nutrition enhances a speedy recovery.

Influenza is a respiratory illness that causes fever (often over 100 degrees), sore throat or cough, and severe muscle aches. When taken within the first 24 to 48 hours, antiviral agents such as Tamiflu can reduce the length of the illness by about one day. The 'flu' can be quite debilitating and may lead to complications such as pneumonia. Influenza vaccination provides protection against the flu virus and is available at the Student Health Center.

Sore throats are most commonly viral, especially when they occur concurrently with cold symptoms. Self-care measures such as warm saltwater gargles and throat lozenges can help alleviate the discomfort. Severe sore throats, often accompanied by a fever, should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics.

If you have questions regarding the proper treatment of your respiratory symptoms, visit the Student Health Center's Online Self-Care clinic at http://studenthealth.truman.edu/self_care_clinic.htm

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) is unique because it was created by students, for students, and is run by students. The Center provides education programming, a resource library about women's issues, and acts as a referral service for students who need counseling, healthcare information, or crisis intervention resources. The WRC has a growing library of over 1,000 books, magazines, and videos about women, for everyone.  The  library was created in an effort to provide a centralized collection of academic and leisure materials related to women's issues.  Everything from women's health and psychological well-being to historical, linguistic, and political issues are represented in the library. Located in the Ryle Hall Foyer, the Center is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. You can also visit the Center's website at http://wrc.truman.edu/index.php

Quote of the Week

--From the Statement on Liberal Learning adopted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities.