UAB Briefs: UAB named top young university in America

In this weekly online feature, we keep track of interesting people and events on campus.

UAB, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, has once again been named the top young university in America.

And UAB experts offer some tips for summer, including information about picking out the right sunglasses and keeping kids physically active during the summer.

Know people, places and programs on the UAB campus that deserve a mention? Email jchambers@starnespublishing.com.

UAB NO. 12  IN THE WORLD

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been ranked the top young university in the United States for the second year in a row and secured a spot as the No. 12 young university worldwide in the Times Higher Education 2019 Young University Rankings. 

The group ranked more than 300 institutions from 60 countries, using such indicators as teaching, research and citations. 

“Global recognitions — especially those as prestigious and respected as Times Higher Education — are another reason international students choose UAB as their educational home,” said Suzanne Austin, UAB senior international officer. 

Universities 50 years of age and under are eligible to be included in the rankings.

To see the complete 2019 Times Higher Education rankings, visit timeshighereducation.com.

PROTECT THE EYES

People need to take care of their eyes during the bright, sunny days of summer.

So Dr. Adam Gordon, clinical associate professor at the UAB School of Optometry and director of Cornea and Contact Lens Services at UAB Eye Care, offers tips on buying the right sunglasses.

“You want to look for a label on sunglasses that says ‘blocks 100 percent of UVA and UVB,’” he said in a news release from UAB Media Relations. Sunglasses that block these harmful rays can help reduce the risk of such eye problems as cataracts and cancer around the eyelids.

Consumers should buy large, dark frames that wrap around the eyes and head, according to Gordon. “Larger lenses provide better protection of the delicate skin surrounding the eyes, and limit light from entering the eye from the sides of sunglasses,” he said.

Experts also recommend polarized lenses to avoid reflected glare and also the darkest lenses possible. “The lenses should also be dark enough that, in bright sunlight, the wearer is still comfortable,” Gordon said.

Infants and children are more susceptible to UV rays because their eyes allow more light into the retina. So it’s imperative for parents to protect kids’ eyes. Gordon also recommends that children wear wide-brimmed hats.

And it doesn’t take a lot of money for people to buy lenses that properly protect their eyes. “Sunglasses that block ultraviolet light are available at many locations and at multiple price points,” Gordon said. “As long as the label clearly states that the lenses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, it doesn’t really matter where sunglasses are purchased or how much they cost.” 

KEEPING KIDS ACTIVE

A lot of kids like to lie on the couch all summer and play video games. But if they stay physically active during the long break, it helps battle obesity and improves their concentration, memory and behavior, according to UAB experts.

Sandra Sims, an associate professor of kinesiology in the UAB School of Education, shares tips to help parents encourage children and adolescents to get the 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lead by example

If you want your kids to be active, be active yourself. Parents can make physical activity part of the family’s daily routine, including activities they do together, such as walking and biking.

Enjoy the backyard or nearby attractions

Explore your backyard with games or unstructured play. Families can also hike or bike in parks or on trails or visit the zoo. “While you’re out, make sure your little ones consume plenty of water or low-sugar beverages for hydration,” Sims said. “And wear sunscreen and insect repellent for protection.”

Play with a goal in mind

Sims suggested planning some type of activity that works on muscular strength, using your child’s own body weight, at least three days a week. Younger children enjoy using playground equipment, and older kids can so standard exercises, such as pushups and crunches.

Hop in the pool

Getting in a swimming pool can involve a variety of fun and beneficial exercises. “You can walk or jog, do jumping jacks, slide, skip or hop,” Sims said. “You can also play team sports like volleyball, basketball and polo.”

Get your gamer motivated

One option is to get your kids interested in using interactive dance and fitness video games.

No rules is OK

“Summer is a great time for unstructured play,” Sims said. “Allowing children the freedom to choose activities and rules not only promotes creativity, but also increases enjoyment of play.”

Make it fun

Try to find sports or activities that children really enjoy. “Not all children are competitive, so providing only competitive sports choices is not the answer,” Sims said. “Let children explore numerous types of physical activities”

For more, visit the CDC website for National Physical Activity Guidelines.