Stress, lack of sleep, exhaustion and poor diet all have one thing in common. No, it’s not college: it’s heart health.

College nurse Pamela Whipple gave a lecture during a college hour in Raef Hall.

As the lecture progressed, Whipple went on to describe the effects of alcohol and tobacco on the heart.

13 students, faculty, and staff attended.

When entering Raef Hall students could grab a wallet-sized card with several hotlines intended to help cigarette smokers quit, Whipple’s business card, a brochure for the health center, and an advertisement for the upcoming blood drive.

Whipple began the event by telling the attendees how the heart works and the chambers it consists of.

Common cardiac issues include arrhythmia, congenital conditions, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.

“Heart attacks are different from cardiac arrest,” said Whipple. “Heart attacks leads to cardiac arrest.”

To promote better heart health, Whipple gave some advice on how one can take better care of their heart.

These included sleeping for six to eight hours a night, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and having an evening routine which will greatly help sleep patterns, including always turning off electronic devices before it’s time for bed.

“I thought she (Whipple) was very knowledgable, it was a great refresher,” said Christina Dewitt, an administrative assistant for the science and engineering department.

The blood drive will be held on Mar. 3 and Mar. 4.

The health center is located in the administration building and is open on Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. although hours may change without notice.