When you are sick with a cold or flu, one of the first things you probably do is take your temperature. And if your mother told you not to eat or drink anything beforehand, she was right. In a recent study by nurses in U.Va.’s Health System, participants consuming cold beverages required 15 minutes for their temperature to return to baseline, while those consuming hot beverages returned to baseline after 23 minutes. For an accurate reading, it’s best not to engage in any activities that may change body or mouth temperature, such as exercise, smoking or chewing gum, said research project coordinator Beth Quatrara.  Full story.

U.Va. Health System

After an earthquake devastated Pakistan in October, the scattered Pakistani student community at U.Va. came together to raise money toward relief efforts. In this time of crisis, the students soon found out that at the University, cultural differences hold no barrier. They received help from Indian students, the Student Council, Hindu and Sikh students, the South Asian Leadership Society and the Virginia Service Coalition. They also received donations from academic departments, and from Daisy P. Rodriguez, assistant dean of students, and Dr. Leigh B. Grossman, vice provost for international affairs. Full story.

Inside UVA/File photo: Associated Press