Health Alerts

TIPS to help get you through finals week

ecanesi — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:59 +0000

While your notes, books, PowerPoint slides, and all other academic related things are important during finals, here are 10 non-academic things that can help you manage your week.

1. Good Music - - Relax, relieve stress by dancing around the room, or listen to music for the background noise

2. Snacks - - Don't always opt for the junk! Grab a piece of fruit to supply you with an energy boost and some vitamins to help maintain your immune system.

3. Water - - Drink that water! Caffeine might be necessary early in day (be careful because it could leave you feeling jittery) but sleep is way too important to risk the stimulating effects of caffeine at night, plus water is better for you.

4. Blanket - - Whether it is to cuddle up with before sleep or to warm you up from the walk back from the library a good blanket is a necessity.

5. Chocolate - - Although we don't want to overindulge, chocolate is one of those things that can brighten your spirits during exam week.

6. Balloons - - Need to relieve some stress? Blow up a balloon for each final and after you finish each exam pop the balloon that represented that final. It's a good way to get out your aggression.

7. Movies - - While you might be studying a lot you do need some time for rest and relaxation. Have a few DVDs on hand to help ease the pain of finals.

8. Comfy Clothes - - Dressing in comfy clothes will give you a sense of security and help you too relax.

9. Meals - - Make sure that you take the time to eat three meals a day. This will keep your energy up for optimal studying. Also, don't forget to get yourself a great breakfast before your exam, it will keep you alert and provide you with energy.

10. Stress Relieving Objects - - Pick whatever stress management technique that works for you and go with it! If it is exercise - don't forget to fit it in; journaling - get it all out so your mind is clear to study; or a stress ball - take out your stress on that little ball!

GOOD LUCK on your finals!!

Don’t Become a Victim of Dating Violence

ecanesi — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:18:05 +0000

A healthy relationship consists of a balance between honesty, respect and, above all, trust. But when these values hold no meaning in a relationship, chaos is inevitable. In today's day and age, our lives are run by technology. Digital dating abuse is the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to harass, stalk, intimidate, or negatively affect a partner in any way. This can include name-calling, giving demands or ultimatums, sending unwarranted texts or photos, or pretending to be you, posting on any of your social networking sites or texting from your phone. In the world of Twitter, iPhones, Facebook, Androids, Instagram, Youtube, and Snapchat, our lives are on display for the world to see. By utilizing this technology properly, we are inviting others to take a peek into our lives rather than controlling them.

If you ever feel as though you have been the victim of dating abuse, there are many resources on and off campus that you can use to your benefit.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Resource & Crisis Center 24-hour Hotline: 1 888 919 7233

LoveIsRespect Hotline: 1 866 331 9474 or text "loveis" to 77054

Women on Call 24-7 Hotline: 401 258 4209

Health Services: 401 232 6220

Counseling Services: 401 232 6045

April is: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ecanesi — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:12:37 +0000

Did you know that sexual assault can take the form of:

Harassment
Exposing/flashing
Forcing a person to pose for sexual pictures
Fondling
Unwanted sexual touching

In most extreme cases, sexual assault may involve force, which may include, but is not limited to:

Use or display of a weapon
Physical battering
Immobilization of the victim

More often, however, sexual assault involves psychological coercion and taking advantage of an individual who is under duress or incapacitated and, therefore, incapable of making a decision on his/her own (including under the influence of alcohol and drugs). Protect yourself from sexual assault - - here are some things you can do:

When you go out to a social gathering, go with a group of friends, check in with each other throughout the evening and leave together
Trust your instincts - if you feel unsafe in a situation, go with your gut
Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom or making a phone call - if you've left your drink alone, get a new one
Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust
Watch out for your friends and vice versa
If you suspect that you or a friend has been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately

For more information, please stop by the Health Services satellite table on April 24th from 10:00-12:00

Seasonal Allergies

ecanesi — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:47:50 +0000

Seasonal allergies show up around the same time every year if you continue to live in the same part of the world.

Symptoms of season allergies may include:·

Itchy, watery eyes
Sneezing
Runny, stuffy or itchy nose
Headache and fatigue
Post nasal drip
Itchy throat
Cough

You can reduce your exposure to pollen by:

Keeping house and car windows closed
Limiting time outdoors when pollen counts are high (during midday and afternoon)
Rinsing your eyes with cool water or saline eye drops after you come indoors
Taking a shower and changing clothes after you play or work outside
Avoiding use of window fans

More information on allergies can be found at the HEALTH SERVICES Satellite Table in the rotunda on Wednesday, April 17th from 10:00am-12:00pm

Eyes Part 2: Pink Eye?

scurran3 — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:13:37 +0000

The common symptom of Conjunctivitis (inflamation of the conjuntivi of the eye) is the pink appearance, thus pink eye1 The three main types of conjunctivitis is Viral, Bacterial, or allergic.

Viral Conjunctivitis: Watery, itchy eyes sensitive to light. One or both eyes may be affected. This is very contagious spread through coughing, sneezing, touching your eys then something else. In most cases this runs its course in several days and medical treatment is not indicated. Apply a cold compress to the eye several times day to relieve symptoms. Do not share towels or wash cloths with others.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: A sticky, yellow or greenish discharge in the corner of your eye. Sometimes causing the lids to be crusted shut. One or both eyes may be affected. Contagious by direct contact with infected hands that have touched the infected eye. Treatment generally is a prescribed antibiotic drop or ointment. Throw out all eye makeup, change pillowcase you have been sleeping on, leave contact lens out until advised to use them again.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Watery, burning, itchy eyes, often with a runny nose and stuffiness. Both eyes affected. This is not contagious. Allergy medicines can often help and should be started before allergy season or at least before your allergy symptoms are in full bloom.

10 precautions to help reduce your risk of getting pink eye:

1. Do not share personal items, towels, wash cloths,tissues, or makeup.

2. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.

3. Never share contact lens or those special effect lens.

4. Wash your hands constantly especially when in public places.

5. Keep hand disinfectant handy in backpack or purse.

6. Frequently clean surfaces such as countertops, bathroom vanaties, faucet handles, cell phones.

7. If you have seasonal allergies began treatment before season or as early on when symptoms occur.

8. Contact wearers be sure to follow cleaning instructions and length of time wear.

9. Wear goggles when swimming to prevent exposure to bacteria especially in pond bodies.

10. Before showering remove contact lenses to avoid trapping bacteria from other body parts between your eyes and lens.

(information obtained from all about vision)

Your Eyes are the Window to Your Soul

scurran3 — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:29:59 +0000

Do you know whether you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other disease; damage to the blood vessels in the back of your eye may be the first sign of this health issue. So have your eyes checked! Here are some common eye problems: Irritated eyes with blurry vision may be called Computer Vision Syndrome caused by eye strain. Take regular breaks from the screen to rest your eyes. Nearsightedness called Myopia and Farsightedness called Hyperopia are two of the most common and generally inherited eye diseases. Most children have a slight degree of Farsightedness. Presbyopia happens as the eye ages and the lens cannot change shape enough to allow the eye to focus on close objects. Astigmatism is when the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina. Do you know anyone who says they are Colorblind? People who are colorblind can actually see colors, they just have difficulty distinguishing reds and greens because of a problem with the cone cells on the retina that sense color. Cataracts are when the lens of your eye turns cloudy. The risk factors for this are an overexposure to sunlight, high blood pressure, diabetes and advanced age. Jaundice is when you have yellow eyes. This is a sign that there is something wrong with your liver, pancreas, or gall bladder. Has anyone ever mentioned having a blind spot in their vision? An Ocular Migraine can temporarily cause a blind spot in someones vision. Stress may also be the culprit here.

Tips for Healthy Eyes

1. Follow the 20/20/20 rule when at the computer. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break looking 20 feet away to rest the eyes.

2. Always wear sunglasses. Just like your skin sun exposure can cause corneal burns, cataracts, and yes cancer, melanoma!

3. Use saftey glasses at work and play to prevent injury. Splashes, debris, cuts, all from the environment you are working in can damage the eye.

4. Eat for healthy eyes. Foods that help circulation of blood to the eye are helpful. Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, whole grains, zinc, vitamin A and beta caratene all fit the bill.

5. Don't ignore eye problems. If the eyes are itchy or irritated soothe them and take an antihistamine. If they feel gritty or feel like there is sand in them rinse them with water. If these symptoms continue, or there is pain, drainage, or loss of vision, see your provider at once.

6. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, especially changing contacts.

7. Know your health history, what medications you may be taking, and what changes to your eyes they may cause.

8. Throw away old eye makeup. Germs live in the container and on the wand.

9. Have regular eye exams.

10. Stop smoking. Smoking builds up plaques in the blood vessels and prevents the blood flow to the eyes.

What are your eyes saying???? Check out these videos.

http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-vision-tv/default.htm?vid=vd-3007-cntv-ed-1001

Don’t Be A Dip!

scapuano — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:04:38 +0000

Nicotine found in all tobacco products is a highly addictive drug. Dip and chew contains more nicotine than cigarettes. Holding an average size dip in your mouth for 30 minutes gives you as much nicotine as smoking 3 cigarettes. A 2 can a week snuff dipper gets as much nicotine as a 1 ½ pack a day smoker does. ( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-National Institute of Health, August 2012).

A can of dip costs an average $3.00. A 2 can a week habit cost nearly $300 per year and a can a day costs about $1100 per year. Think about all the money your spending on this habit and other things you could be spending your money on.

Health effects of the harm of dipping to the mouth:

Smokeless tobacco use may cause cancer of the mouth.

Sugar in smokeless tobacco may cause tooth decay.

Leathery white patches and red sores are common in dippers and chewers and can turn into cancer.

Smokeless tobacco use can cause pancreatic cancer and may also play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Remember tobacco is addictive and makes users become both psychologically and physically dependent on nicotine. Kicking the dip or chew habit can be tough, but it can be done and YOU CAN DO IT!

For more information go to www.killthecan.org

The National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quit line at

1-800-784-8669 and www.smokefree.com

Stop by and visit Health Services satellite table on Wednesday, April 3rd from 10:00AM-12:00PM in the rotunda to learn more information.

Don't Be A Dip!

What Does Health Look Like?

scurran3 — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:07:04 +0000

What do the following have in common? A 6′8″ 249lb male, 5′8″ 340lb female, 5′10″ 130lb male, 6′4″ 194lb male, 4′11″ 90lb female? They are all Olympians from the 2012 London Olympics. Lebron James, Basketball; Holley Mangold, Weightlifting; Ryan Hall, Marathon Runner; Michael Phelps, Swimming and Gabby Douglas, Gymnastics. Being healthy comes in many sizes. With the increase in social media, visually as it may be and subliminally as it may be, the picture of health looks a specific way. The feelings, emotions, and activities surrounding these dipictions creates everything from motivation to eating disorders with dysnophic body images in between. How many of us try to look like what society as shown us to be as the "perfect size." These mentioned athletes bodies are well tuned machines, yet all different sizes and weight. It is so important to know what is your body's best weight and physical tone. Think of your body as if it were an instrument. Any instrument you choose. If you kept it idle in the corner it would become out of tune, dusty, sound not as it should, in time become discolored. To keep it working at its peak, you need to use it, care for it, maybe oil it. You want to tune it until it is performing at the most wonderful sound. So your body needs to be exercised or moved, well fed "healthful eating", hydrated, moisturized, kept clean, and exposed to elements that help the mind thrive such as sun, music, readings, social interactions, spiritual things and whatever it takes to be happy. If you are doing all of these these things and your instrument "your body" is well cared for and tuned, then you are at your perfect healthy size that you should be.

National Diabetes Alert day

scurran3 — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:57:30 +0000

This is a wake up call. Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Diabetes is a serious disease striking 26 million children and adults in the United Staes and most don't even know they have it. In addition, 1 in every 3 people are pre-diabetic which puts them at risk for developing diabetes. Diagnosis of diabetes is crucial. Most people are not diagnosed until they have had it for many years and complications of the disease such as heart disease, kidney disease and stroke have occurred. How do you prevent this? Know your family history, engage in healthful eating, exercise, take the test to see if you are at risk. These things can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. just losing 10-15 pounds if you are not the right weight for you, increasing physical activity daily and healthy eating studies show will make the difference. People often ask what the symptoms of diabetes is. They are severe thirst, increase urination, fatigue, slower than normal healing of cuts and scrapes and frequent illness. What is most important is knowing your risk and prevention because by the time symptoms have occurred it will be more difficult for you.

So today the tag line is "take it, share it" Take the test and get everyone you know to do it too..

Go to www.stopdiabetes.com

If you have any concerns or questions call Health Services 401-232-6220

Health Services Excuse Policy

scurran3 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:00:57 +0000

Health Services does not provide excuses for illness or visits to Health Services that may have led to missed classes or exams. This policy resembles those of most Universities and is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association, CDC and Rhode Island Department of Health. Health Services will recommend to students to contact their professors if they are ill and unable to attend class, complete assignments, or take an exam. It is the student's responsibility to communicate directly and proactively with faculty of conditions that interfere with these processes. This policy reflects our respect for our students' medical privacy and our educational mission to help our students become independent stewards of their own health care. There are many patient confidentiality laws that must be observed. Requiring a written excuse from Health Services causes students who would not normally be in Health Services to be exposed to more infectious diseases. Requiring a note also makes students more likely to go to class when they are ill and thus exposing others creating a public health issue. When you are sick you should stay home in order to limit the transmission of illnesses around campus. Health Services' duty is to provide direct medical care to students which is critical to their health and well being.