Michael Takahara

February 10, 2014

Nicotine Questions: Answered

By Michael Takahara, Lauren Reisman, Marjan Riazi, Lindsey Lucero

The Docs explain the dangers of nicotine use and the reasons behind its UC-wide ban.

May 13, 2010

Five Myths of Adderall and Ritalin Debunked

By Michael Takahara

“Within the last 12 months, have you taken any of the following prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you: Stimulants (e.g. Ritalin, Adderall)?”

April 16, 2010

Happiness as Easy as One, Two, Three

By Michael Takahara

Earlier this week, I went to Mark Shishim's office, The Wellness Guy. "Mark, give me a wellness idea to write about," I ask. "Simple," he tells me, "Three good things."

February 26, 2010

“Fat Talk” Fosters Unhealthy Ideals

By Michael Takahara

Last week I asked the deli woman for a quarter pound of their red, white and blue potato salad. The women in line with me said, "Have you tried that?" I said, "Oh yes, it is tasty. If you like blue cheese..." "And baco...

January 28, 2010

Tips for Tokers, Insight for Imbibers

By Michael Takahara

A few questions about alcohol and drugs have come my way. I was curious, so I asked UCSB Alcohol &Drug counselor-educator Stuart Light, MFTI, to help me give you the answers.

November 19, 2009

Get Your Health Info From Smart Sources

By Michael Takahara

When researching the Internet for health information, look at research based Web sites managed by the government or a legitimate institution. Bring questions and concerns to your primary care provider. Otherwise, you may...

October 8, 2009

Student Health Services Prove a Powerful Force for Good on Campus

By Michael Takahara

In 1977, a movie, "Star Wars," came out and introduced us to "The Force," Luke Skywalker and a Wookie named Chewbacca. With a mixture of religion, light sabers, droids and rebels battling the evil Empire with Jedi mind t...

February 9, 2009

Real Talk: Sex at UCSB

By Michael Takahara

Sports writers are saying that Super Bowl XLIII is the greatest ever. My emotions rose and fell like a rollercoaster while watching the record 100-yard interception by a 245-pound linebacker returned for a touchdown. I j...

November 5, 2008

Winter Health Depends on Flu Shots

By Michael Takahara

"At Student Health, we have seen well over double the number of flu cases last year [Winter 2008] as compared to the same time periods in the past five winters," Dr. Elizabeth Downing, director of UCSB's Student Health, ...

October 21, 2008

Looking to have great sex?

By Michael Takahara

The Health Guy chats about how to get what you REALLY want out when you hit the sack with a partner (or partners, if that's how you like it!).

October 1, 2008

The Health Column

By Michael Takahara

It's only the first week of school, but do you feel it? Papers, phone calls, parties, midterms, mothers, mistakes, boyfriends, girlfriends, bi-friends, friendships, roommates, mixing, working, charging, paying bills, rus...

September 18, 2008

Wash Your Hands, Save a Life

By Michael Takahara

I was using the bathroom at Tugman State Park in Oregon this summer. Four guys came in, did their bathroom business and then left without washing their hands. At Valley of the Rogue and Humbug Mountain State Parks, 12 ou...