I have to appologize for the lack of recent posts, as you may have infered the school year is done at the University of Minnesota and most of us are home working and relaxing. The hope is that next year the blog will continue to grow, with new posts made by the 2006-2007 Health Advocates. In the meantime have a safe and happy summer.
Tuesday, April 18th is National Stress Awareness Day!
I know you all are really busy with homework, studying, trying to find a job for the summer (maybe not yet), and life’s only going to become more stressful as finals approach. But I’m not here to worry you; I would actually like to provide you some hints to help ease your stress. Stress can be defined as an emotional, intellectual and physical reaction to change or demands; so it really can be a serious problem to your happiness and health.
Think you’ve got it under control? Check out the following list of common symptoms of stress:
~Crying more than usual
~Irritability
~Feeling overly sensitive (touchy)
~Loss of appetite
~Fatigue
~Problems Sleeping
Some “typical� college activities may increase your stress as well. A recent study found that tobacco users, binger drinkers, and students who engage in other drug use were found to have a higher average of stressors than non-users. If you’re concerned about your stress, there are a variety of resources available to you on campus, including stress management workshops at Boynton and Counseling Services.
Boynton’s workshops are free (yup- completely free!) classes offered throughout the week including Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chai; each class is offered at a different time on different days, and if you want to see the schedule, try the website at the end.
Another beneficial service on campus is University Counseling and Consulting Services, located on both the East Bank and St. Paul Campus. In addition to testing services, they even have two workshops being offered at the end of the semester; one covers stress management and one covers procrastination. If you want more information on their hours, making an appointment, try going to their website (at the end).
If you just want some easy at-home suggestions for relieving stress:
~practice deep breathing ~help someone
~go for a walk ~exercise
~say no when you have to ~talk to a friend
~have a plan B ~read for fun
~prioritize responsibilities ~do something YOU enjoy
~eat healthier ~have someone rub your back/neck
~reduce caffeine ~soothing music
Stress Reducing Techniques:
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/topics/stressmgmt/techniques.htm
Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chai Schedule:
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/comfortzone/index.htm
University Counseling and Consulting Services:
http://www.ucs.umn.edu/
Stress Self-Test:
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/topics/stressmgmt/stresstest.htm
Sorry for the delay regarding whether or not donating Plasma lowers your body's immune system. I had done a little research of my own but decided to consult a physcian at Boynton, here is her response that I just receieved today:
Sara--I'm so sorry that I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I looked at several resources regarding your question. Plasma does contain certain elements of the immune system (complement mostly), but in none
of the sources did anyone describe inhibition of the immune system as a result of a plasma donation. Let me know if I can help you any further. And, again, sorry about the delay.
Jennifer Krzmarzick, MD
Boynton Health Services
University of Minnesota
Keep sending your questions, and thanks for you patience!!!
With spring on the horizon it's time to start thinking about allergies. Seasonal allergies affect about 39.5 million Americans each year*. The America Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology gives some great advice for the millions of sufferers out there who feel they need to avoid the outdoors to stay feeling great. So if you're one of those people who are totally miserable from March through June follow these tips and hopefully you'll feel a lot better.
• Do a thorough spring cleaning -- windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collected dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms
• Postpone outdoor activities until later in the morning. Pollens are usually emitted between the hours from 5 - 10am
• Know your local pollen count (visit www.pollen.com)
• If possible use air conditioning instead of having windows opened
• When traveling in a car have the windows up and the air conditioning on
• Stay indoors on hot, dry and windy days
• Don't hang your laundry out to dry. Allergens will collect on them
• Do not mow the lawn or rake the leaves without a filter mask
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed
• Remove visible mold with non-toxic cleaning products
• Beware of high mold spore counts after a heavy rain or in the evening
* and suggestions from: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0305/#when
There are many over the counter anti-histamines and sinus medications that can alleviate allergy symptoms for some people. Medications such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids can also treat or prevent allergy systems, so contact a doctor or pharmacist to find out if any of these treatments could help you.
With spring break fast approaching and the luckier of us dreaming of warmer climbs, its time to start discussing the wonderful return of the sun. Unfortunately there are some things to watch for while soaking up the rays. Over-exposure to ultra-violet rays can have negative health effect, both in the form of nasty sunburns or long term health problems like skin cancer. It’s important to remember that what you do to your body now will affect a great many things with your future health. Here are some problems you may encounter if you spend a little too much time in the sun:
-Sunburn- sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to sunlight longer than the naturally occurring protective pigment can absorb the UV rays. This overexposure leads to damage to skin cells (most notably their DNA - for you bio nerds out there P53 triggered apoptosis). In response to this, the body sends massive amounts of blood to the surface of the body to speed their repair. This has several affects on the body: 1) a great deal of moisture is lost through the damaged skin barrier (This condition requires that someone with a sunburn drink plenty of fluids, especially if the sunburn covers a large portion of the body.), 2) a great deal of heat is also lost due to the rush of blood to the surface (This may not seem intuitive, but it is very easy to become hypothermic due to a sunburn. With all of that body heat leaving through the skin, any exposure to excess cold can quickly drop core body temperature below safe levels.), and 3) chances for infection are greatly increased, especially if blisters form (Try not to pop blisters, this transforms a class II burn into an open wound and makes care for the damaged skin much harder.) Prevention- Wear sun block that suits the needs of your exposure time. The basic rule of thumb is that you have 30 minutes of unprotected exposure to direct UV (more if you have darker skin tone and less if you have lighter). Sun protection factor (SPF) lists the number of minutes longer than standard resistance you can stay out before reapplying more block. This means that at standard resistance with SPF 15 sun block recommended exposure time is 45 minutes, after that reapplication is necessary. Treatment- if the burn covers a large percentage of the body (>70%) it may be necessary to consult a physician, just to ensure that the threat of dehydration is addressed. Otherwise there is little to do to “cure� sunburn. The best way to deal with it is to administer some form of aloe based ointment (helps seal in moisture and protect skin from normal contact damage) and STAY OUT OF THE SUN. Most vacationers jump right back out into the pool, but for bad sunburns it is a good idea to stay indoors for a day or two and let your skin recuperate. When you do venture out again, be sure to protect the skin with high SPF sun block to prevent further unnecessary damage.
-Heat Exhaustion- Heat exhaustion occurs when the body has trouble coping with excessive exposure to heat and dehydration. It is commonly observed as clammy skin, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, slightly elevated temperature, nausea, and feeling feint. Prevention- this one is pretty easy, don’t overexert yourself on hot days, drink plenty of fluids, and if you start to feel any of these symptoms, slow down, find some shade and cool off for a bit. Sports drinks help, but nothing beats good old H¬2O. Treatment- If you notice that you (or a friend) are beginning to show some of these symptoms, head for the shade. Lie down with feet slightly elevated and take sips of cool (NOT cold) water and try to cool down. If the person begins to loose consciousness or becomes incoherent, medical attention is definitely required because the condition has become…
-Heat Stroke- Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to cool down itself and stops trying to regulate body temperature. The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is the absence of sweating and change in level of consciousness. Treatment- If you suspect that someone has heat stroke; it is IMPERATIVE that they get medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Call an ambulance and place them under a tree/ in an air-conditioned area and do all that you can to keep them cool until help arrives.
Helpful Links:
Sunburn-
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003227.htm
http://www.beach-net.com/Oceansunburn.html
http://www.healthcentral.com/ency/408/000062.html
Heat Exhaustion-
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/FA00020
Heat Stroke-
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heatstroke/FA00019
For our guest columnist this month, we asked SNAP to give us a few pointers on having a Safe Spring Break. On a side note: if you live in the Superblock, I'm giving a presentation this evening at 9 in the lounge of Pioneer Hall about this topic and more indepth. Also, I have a few of SNAP's Safe Spring Break kits to hand out to attendees! So come along, grab some condoms and a kit and learn a few things! Thanks a lot!
Have a Fun and Safe Spring Break!
Spring Break is a great time to hang out with friends, and relax, whether you are taking a trip, going home, or just hanging around the U. To make sure that you and your friends have a fun and safe spring break, follow these tips:
• Wear sunscreen
• Don’t drink and drive
• Buckle up
• Don’t leave luggage unattended
• Don’t talk on a cell phone while driving
• If you are drinking, make sure to eat something too
• Watch out for your friends
• Use the buddy system, especially at night
• Let people know where you are, or where you’re going
Hey Gophers, with spring fast approaching love is in the air, but before you go willy-nilly into the night, please remember to use some form of barrier protection. Other forms of birth control go a long way to prevent pregnancy but do very little to protect either party from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Recent University statistics place the lifetime diagnoses rate for students at eight percent, meaning that around 4,000 students on campus have been diagnosed with a STI. It is very important that students know the dangers facing them and know that there are simple actions that can be taken to reduce their chances of getting a STI. First and foremost, one of the easiest ways to avoid catching a STI is to avoid sexual contact. Second, use a barrier protection. Condoms and dams go a long way to prevent the spread of STI. Third, get yourself and your partner tested if it is possible you may have a sexually transmitted infection. If you are contemplating foregoing condoms because you trust your partner. Read what Go Ask Alice as to say on this at http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0675.html .
Here are some STIs and their symptoms (Important note that many of the diseases listed are not just spread by genital to genital contact, many can be spread through anal and oral contact as well):
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or genital warts:
-Prevalence: Officially 1.3 % of the student population; estimated to be closer to 50+% but due to the frequent lack of symptoms HPV often goes undiagnosed.
-Symptoms: Itching, burning, or tingling in or around the genital area, burning and/or pain when urinating vaginal or penile discharge, a rash, bumps, blisters, cuts, or sores in or around the genital area, aches or pains in or around the genital area
-Treatment: Unfortunately HPV is extremely difficult to destroy and there is no active treatment to rid the body of HPV, however there are treatments to control outbreaks and to remove individual warts. For some, HPV will clear itself naturally.
Chlamydia:
-Prevalence: 2.4% of the student population
-Symptoms: thick yellow or clear discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or burning during urination, pain during sex, for women, bleeding between periods and during or after sex
Most women and some men experience no symptoms at all.
-Treatment: Chlamydia trachomatis is treatable with an antibiotic prescription
Genital Herpes:
-Prevalence: 4.4% of the student population
-Symptoms: open sores on genitals, blisters that rupture to form lesions (IMPORTANT NOTE: GENITAL HERPES CAN BE TRANSFERRED BY ORAL CONTACT AS WELL AS DURING VAGINAL AND ANAL INTERCOURSE)
In addition, it is possible to spread genital herpes before sores are present.
-Treatment: there are no permanent cures for genital herpes, but there are some prescriptions available to decrease the frequency of breakouts
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
-Prevalence: .2% of the student population
-Symptoms: (important note: HIV can spread through genital to genital, anal to genital, and bodily fluid to bodily fluid contact, but has not been shown to be able to spread by oral contact) In early stages HIV has few noticeable symptoms and it is in fact possible for an individual to live his/her entire life HIV+ without knowing it. In its later stages patients notice increased fatigue, increased infection rates, inclination toward bruising, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, fatigue, and formation of sores on gums. As HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) these symptoms will increase until the immune system ultimately fails and the body is left vulnerable to common infections, like the flu or pneumonia
-Treatment: currently there are no cures for HIV, however there are combinations of medication available to help slow the progression from HIV to AIDS
Gonorrhea:
-Prevalence: .5% of the student population
-Symptoms: White, yellow, or green pus from the penis with pain, burning sensations during urination that may be severe, swollen testicles, bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse, painful or burning sensations when urinating, yellow or bloody vaginal discharge
-Treatment: Gonorrhea is treated with an antibiotic prescription
Helpful Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdsgen.htm
WebMD: symptom checker-STI http://www.webmd.com/hw/std/hw102111.asp
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/10/2953_511.htm
University Links-
Testing- http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/sti.htm
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/womensclinic.htm
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/shade/index.htm
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/healthdata/SexualBehavior.pdf
According to a recent survey conducted by Boynton Health Services on campus, about 25% of U of M students have been abstinent in the past year. For the other three-fourths of campus, however, birth control is a big concern, and I’m going to tell you about the different birth control options available. The following information includes a brief description, the effectiveness, and cost (when purchased at Boynton pharmacy) of each choice available. The costs assume student services fees are paid (required for all full-time students) and also assumes the prescription will not be reported to insurance (i.e. Parents will not find out).
For more information, try the links at the bottom or call the Boynton Women’s Health Clinic at (612) 625-4607.
Condoms: can be bought over-the-counter for a pretty small price; however, because you live in the Res. Halls on campus, condoms are available for free from any CA, Health Advocate, or SHADE member. (There’s a link at the bottom with a list of the HA’s in your hall.) Health Advocates and members of SHADE have lube too.
Condom Effectiveness: Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 15 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Only two women will become pregnant with perfect use.
The Patch: is a thin plastic patch that is applied to the skin for three weeks, replaced with a new patch each week. No patch is used during the fourth week, during which the woman’s period occurs.
COST: $26/month
Patch Effectiveness: Although no studies have yet been published, it is assumed that the patch will be more effective than the pill — 8 out of every 100 pill users become pregnant with typical use. Fewer than one woman out of every 100 women who use the patch will become pregnant with perfect use.
Nuva Ring: is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week, during which the woman’s period occurs.
COST: $20/month
Nuva Ring Effectiveness: same as The Patch.
Birth Control Pills: available in two kinds: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both are made of hormones like those made by a woman's ovaries. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Birth control pills are taken daily, and must be taken at the same time each day to be as effective as possible.
COST: $16/month for generic brand of progestin-only pill.
$26/month for generic brand of combination pills. $40-$50/month for brand name combo. pills.
Birth Control Effectiveness: Of 100 women who use the pill, only eight will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Fewer than one will become pregnant with perfect use.
Emergency Contraception: is an option used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse has occurred, up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It is used after unprotected sex, if the condom was used incorrectly or broke, after forced intercourse, or if birth control pills were missed. Target and Cub are open on weekends, and the cost includes a brief consultation, no appointment is needed. (See last link for where to get it from, costs are below)
COST: $20@ Boynton, $10@ HCMC, $38@ Target Pharmacy, $38@ CubPharmacy
Emergency Contraception Effectiveness: Progestin-only ECPs reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent if started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Only one woman out of 100 will become pregnant after taking progestin-only ECPs.
LINKS
*Planned Parenthood Website (a lot of good information on these birth control options and many others)
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol
*Boynton Website on Sexual Health (more information and stats on usage)
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/topics/sexualhealth.htm
*Boynton Website on Emergency Contraception (everything you need to know about EC)
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/ec.htm
*List of Health Advocates in Residence Halls and Greek Houses
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/HA/reshall.htm#reshall
*List of Places to Get Emergency Contraception From
http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/ec.htm#afterhours
As college students most of us are accustomed to seeing the number of dollars in our bank account lower than our age. With our lack of free time, spending much of it studying and attending classes and even less time sleeping, many of us are not able to hold down a steady job to supplement our income. Many students have discovered the phenomenon that is donating plasma. Here is some important information on the process.
First of all, we all know that donating plasma gives us some extra cash, but what exactly is the substance? Plasma is a portion of the blood made of a protein-salt solution. Suspended inside this substance are red and white blood cells and platelets. Plasma is a clear liquid with a yellowish-brown tint and is 90% water.
The functions of plasma vary, from maintaining an adequate blood pressure as well as supplying the necessary proteins which allow for blood clotting and immunity. It helps patients with severe burns and organ transplant recipients. Because of its richness it is used to prevent or control bleeding for folks with hemophilia or other coagulation difficulties.
Now onto the actual donation process, students can donate plasma near campus at ZIb Plasma Services on the corner of Washington Ave & University on the East Bank. Considering the large number of people who come to donate, expect a wait. Your first time you must come in for a check-up in which they verify your blood type and ask you questions about your health. Following this procedure you can begin donating.
The donation process is called plasmapheresis and it harvests approximately 1,000 cc of plasma after which it returns the red cells and platelets back to the donor. The entire process takes around 25 minutes depending on the donor, however the time extender is waiting your turn. The returning of the donor’s red cells and platelets, allows for the plasma to be donated more frequently than that of whole blood. Therefore, most donors are allowed 2 donations per week and the fee differs at each location.
Hopefully this answers a few of your questions. So if you are looking to pick up a little spare cash take a walk down Washington Ave and give it a shot.
With Valentine's Day vibes in the air I'm sure a lot of you out there are turning your attention to dating (if you hadn't been paying a great deal of attention to that already). I'm sure a lot of you have also heard stories about dates gone wrong. And I don't mean having broccoli in your teeth or saying something entirely stupid. I mean stories about someone getting assaulted on a date. There are some safety precautions we should all pay heed to in order to make sure that all of our dating experiences go well.
- First off, you always want your first date to be during daylight hours and in a heavily populated area. This is especially important if you don't know the person well (i.e. you met them in a class just recently, over the internet, etc.), although this is a good tip for any date even if you do know the person well.
* On a side note, it's convenient and safer to go on a group date for your first couple of times out. (Plus it is helpful for fewer awkward silences anyway!)
- Secondly, have a plan with your friends. Let them know what time you're leaving, where you're going and when you'll be getting back. That way someone will know where you should be and when, which is a great safety tool. An important tie-in to this is not staying past your "end" time on the first date. Even if the date is going great it's best to establish a boundary and go home when expected to so your friends don't worry about you! Make sure you bring your cell phone with you and keep it on you at all times during your date as well.
- Finally, and this is a very important issue, NEVER LEAVE A DRINK UNATTENDED. Date rape drugs such as Rohypnal are colorless and odorless. You wouldn't know one was in your drink until it was too late. It may seem only like a story you hear about on television but never expect to happen, but the honest truth is; it can. So if you go to the bathroom or anywhere else that your drink is out of sight, get a refill.
Now this article wasn't meant to scare you; dating is a fun way to get to know people and maybe even start a great relationship! I just want to make sure that you're out there having fun as safely as possible. So keep these tips in mind the next time you're setting out on a date, and have fun.
If you want more information check out: www.topdatingtips.com/safe-dating.htm