Health-N-You

Feeling sick ≠ Antibiotics

The best course of treatment for every illness is not antibiotics. Click here to read The Journal of the American Medical Association’s recent article on treatment of sinus infections.

Sometimes a care package from UHCS may just do the trick.

Superbowl weekend is here!

Check out these tips on playing it safe.

http://www.bpdnews.com/2012/02/02/important-super-bowl-safety-tips-for-patriots-fans-looking-to-behave-like-champions/

Gray Rape

Some commenters thought it strange that our last entry discussed two topics together: Sex Week and ViSION. This combination made some people think about rape and/or sexual assaults. One of our clinicians here at UHCS is sharing the next blog entry to raise awareness to a newer term to many Gray Rape.

A few years ago an article was published in Cosmopolitan magazine coining the term Gray Rape. The author, Laura Sessions Stepp, used this phrase to describe “sex that falls somewhere between consent and denial and is even more confusing because often both parties are unsure of who wanted what” (A New Kind of Date Rape, Cosmopolitan, p.2). More recently, a “gray rape” scenario was highlighted on an episode of CSI: Special Victims Unit entitled Grey. This term is very controversial amongst antiviolence advocates with the vast majority out rightly rejecting it.

In the Cosmo article (A New Kind of Date Rape), Ms. Sessions Step starts the article with the following scenario:

Alicia has been out of college for three years, and by most measures, she’s doing great; she has a good job as a consultant a high-rise condo, and a boyfriend her friends envy. But in one disquieting way, she has not been able to leave her college self behind. She is haunted by the memory of something that occurred one night years ago- a sexual encounter and an unanswered question- Was I raped?

This is what happened: Alicia had asked another student, Kevin, to be her “platonic date” at a college sorority formal. The two of them went out for dinner first with friends and then to the dance. She remembers that they got drunk but not what she would call sloppy wasted.

After the dance, they went back to Kevin’s room and, eventually, started making out. She told him flat out that she didn’t want it to proceed to sex, and he said okay. But in a few minutes, he had pushed her down on the couch and positioned himself on top of her.

“No. Stop,” she said softly—too softly, she later told herself. When he ignored her and entered her anyway, she tensed up and tried to go numb until it was over. He fell asleep afterward, and she left for her dorm, “having this dirty feeling of not knowing what to do or who to tell or whether it was my fault.” While it felt like rape to her—she had not wanted to have sex with Kevin – she was not sure if that’s what anyone else would call it.

Is this “gray rape?” Is this acquaintance rape? What happened?

According to Massachusetts law and Northeastern Code of Conduct, this event/occurrence fits the description of rape/sexual assault. There’s nothing gray about it. In this depiction, Alicia did not consent to engage in sex with Kevin. Regardless of whether or not force was used, regardless of what she was wearing, whether or not they had a pre-existing sexual relationship, whether they were friends, whether they were making out that night, whether they were drunk, or any other number of factors, consent was not obtained. Even further, Alicia said NO. Additionally, we have a statement that says that she was intoxicated and we know that under Massachusetts law consent cannot be given when one is intoxicated.

Ms. Sessions Step attributes some of the difficulty identifying rape situations as such to today’s “hook-up culture.” She asserts that because women are becoming increasingly comfortable pursuing sexual encounters with partners with whom they are not involved in committed relationships, signals are more likely to be misread and boundaries may be crossed. This is a troubling statement.

Many survivors engage in self blame following an assault. This contributes to low reporting rates and challenges one’s ability to seek help. Many survivors worry what others will think if they tell a friend or a loved one and fear that they will be held responsible for the perpetrator’s behavior. Survivors’ state: “Well it must be my fault because I went back to his apartment with him” or “I was making out with him so I must have given him the wrong idea.” Rape does not happen because of mixed signals or a misunderstanding. Ms. Session Step’s link between increased sexuality and sexual assault is highly damaging and frankly incorrect.

It is important to note that there is help available both on and off campus for students who have been affected by rape and sexual assault. University Health and Counseling Services offers medical evaluation and treatment, counseling, follow up, and arranges for transportation to an emergency room if desired. Please visit ViSION’s website for a list of additional resources: http://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/vision/index.html including the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center which provides-individual and group counseling, legal and medical advocacy.

Post by: Christine Civiletto, Psychologist, Coordinator of Sexual Assault Services at UHCS

‘Tis the season for sharing germs

No one ever wants to be sick, yet the winter seems to be the time for flu, colds, and stomach illness. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people are two easy ways to prevent getting sick. Dr. Doyle, Medical Director at UHCS, recently commented on the importance of the flu vaccine in the Huntington News. And one student shared how easy the process of getting the vaccine was for her. Learn more about the flu and prevention here. Unfortunately, stomach illnesses don’t have vaccines like the flu. Norovirus is the most common stomach virus in the United States. Symptoms which include nausea, vomiting diarrhea and stomach cramps typically last about 1-2 days. If symptoms persist longer, contact UHCS or your health care provider. Suggestions for the prevention of the Norovirus are very similar to the recommendations for avoiding the flu virus with frequent hand washing once again being at the top of the list. Since Norovirus is transmitted in a hand to mouth manner, hand washing just prior to eating is particularly important. If you have the Norovirus or live with someone who does, keeping shared surfaces like countertops clean will also decrease the risk of transmission. If you do contract the virus, do not panic. Try to keep a good fluid intake despite any vomiting (sips of liquid every 5 minutes helps) and take only simple foods. If you feel like you can’t control your symptoms or keep even tiny sips of water down, see us at UHCS or go to a local Emergency Room.

It has come to our attention that an off-campus event organized by an outside organization has led some students to feel that their safety and well-being are at risk. Because sponsorship of the event has been confusing to some, we would like to make it clear that the University is in no way affiliated with it, and is not involved with the planning or promotion of it in any way.

Threats of violence will not be excused or tolerated at Northeastern. This behavior violates criminal laws as well as the Student Code of Conduct, and violations of these laws are treated very seriously, in accordance with University standards. Northeastern is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our entire community, and takes a proactive stance in the prevention of violence. Strict sanctions are enforced against those found responsible for committing such acts.  Any threat, act of aggression or act of violence should be immediately reported to NU Public Safety.

Get your flu vaccine!

How many times have you heard this before and wondered if it will really help? The answer is yes! The flu vaccine will protect against 3 influenza viruses that research show will be most common this season. The vaccine causes the body to build antibodies against infection with the viruses.

The flu season is upon us and can make you sick enough to miss classes, events and final exams. Protect yourself and get vaccinated now!

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu. So prevention remains the simplest measure to combat the spread of the virus -Hand washing and
cough etiquette is a must.

UHCS has the flu vaccine available. No appointment is necessary. The cost for the vaccine is $20.00. This fee can be paid for by credit, debit, or Husky Dollars at UHCS-NO CASH can be taken. To pay with cash, visit the Cashier's office in Richard's Hall in advance. Please bring your receipt with you to UHCS as proof of payment.

Freshman 15 is a myth

Check out the latest research on the freshman 15. It seems to be that a couple more pounds is actually just part of getting older.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/11/01/new_research_debunks_myths_on_college_weight_gain/

How much is too much?

This question remains in some students’ minds when it comes to drinking alcohol. 

We should begin with explaining a standard drink. It is the amount of alcohol that your body can safely process in one hour. When drinking from solo cups, it can be very easy to lose track of how much you are consuming. Below are the measurements within a solo cup for different types of alcohol.

 

12 oz. beer  

4-5 oz. wine or champagne (2nd from bottom line)

8-10 oz. malt liquor (Smirnoff Ice, Colt 45, etc.)

1-1.5 oz. liquor (bottom line)

Now that we know what a standard drink is, how does that help us understand how much is too much?

We know that weight and gender play a large part in determining how much to drink. Staying in your Green Zone is a term used by many experts to understand how much to drink. Read more about this here.  The average person is in their green zone when having about 2-3 drinks over about 1-2 hours.  To find out your personal BAC and how many drinks over how much time will allow you to keep your BAC in the green zone, check out BloodAlcoholCalculator.org  or download the Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator to your iPhone. 

 

Please note: in no way are we encouraging or giving you permission to drink, especially if you are under 21 years old.  However, if you make the decision to drink, we want to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make informed and healthy decisions.

 

I missed class because I was sick...what should I do now?

We do not provide written excuses for students who miss class due to illness or injury. This policy was highlighted in the Provost’s guidelines for missed classes during the H1N1 flu epidemic of 2009. 

Students who need to miss class due to illness/injury are encouraged to notify their professor that they are ill or injured and unable to attend, preferably prior to the class. It is the right of the faculty to determine when or if a student will be excused from class.  

Our policy is consistent with our commitment to maintain confidentiality, appropriately use health care resources, and support the faculty/student relationship. Integrity in this process is an expectation of the Northeastern Academic Integrity Policy.

Download a sample email notification to send to your professors if you miss class.

Do I have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on blood leaving small bite marks typically on your arms, chest, and back. It’s important to act quickly if you suspect bed bugs in your apartment or room.  An expert must confirm the problem is truly bed bugs. If you reside in an apartment building, you should contact your landlord immediately. If you reside in the residence halls on campus, contact your RA or RD. If bed bugs are confirmed, you will be advised of the prescribed room treatment and how to prepare for it. Click here for important health information from NU.

What do I look for to see if I have bed bugs?
When cleaning or changing bedding, look for:

• Dark spots (about this size: •) which are bed bug feces
• Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and white
• Skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger
• Live bed bugs
• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed

What do I do with my belongings if I think I have bed bugs?

Once you have contacted your RA or building manager, it is extremely important that you do not remove or relocate anything from your room or other areas of your apartment. It is unnecessary to discard potentially infested furniture, mattresses, and other belongings. DO NOT relocate laundry to laundry rooms or other areas until AFTER a bed bug inspection, and follow instructions you receive for any treatment to your room.

Can I prevent bed bugs? 

There are some precautions you can take to help prevent bed bugs:

• Check secondhand furniture, beds, couches for any signs of bed bug infestation as noted above.
• Use a protective cover to encase mattresses and box springs
• Reduce clutter to reduce hiding places for the bed bugs
• When traveling in hotel rooms check the mattress and headboard for signs of bed bugs-keep belongings off the floor and unpack directly into the washing machine upon return home.

Recall on Certain Oral Contraceptives

 
The FDA has announced a recall on Qualitest Pharmaceuticals oral contraceptives. The recall is being implemented because of a packaging error. As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy. These packaging defects do not pose any immediate health risks. Product that has been improperly packaged has no visible lot number and no expiration date on the back of the blister package.

University Health and Counseling Services has not found any prescriptions written to students in our records. Nonetheless, if you have received oral contraceptives from clinicians outside of UHCS, you should check to see if you have a defective product. Click here to see a list of the oral contraceptives that have been recalled.

Women affected by the recall should use a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as condoms, immediately.

You are here, now what?

You made it!  You have unpacked, set up your room, had some fun and you are gearing up for the first semester of classes.  The move from high school to college is an exciting one. It means freedom, independence and choice.  But there is one important challenge- high school and college are different!  Understanding and acknowledging the differences is the key to success.

The high school schedule provides a structure.  You attend classes five days a week, seven hours a day with extra-curricular activities and homework to round out the evening. Your high school teachers would remind you of upcoming assignments and correct your homework.

College life provides little structure. College classes meet only a few times a week, sometimes with hours in between each class. You will be doing most of your studying outside of class time (2-3 hours of studying for each hour in class) with lectures and other class work as a guide.  A substantial amount of reading and writing will be assigned and may not be reviewed in class.  Tests and exams are scheduled far less frequently than in high school.  It would not be unusual to have only 2 or 3 tests for the semester in a class in college.  It is also possible to have two classes schedule tests for the same day. 

So, what can you do?  Believe it or not, you have an amazing amount of control over this situation.

1. Attend class.
2. Read the class syllabus! College professors feel that their expectations of you are clearly outlined in the class syllabus.
3. Review class notes and textbook material on a regular basis.
4. Get an organizational system in place, whether it is a week-at-a-glance planner or electronic calendar.
5. Contact the professor or visit during office hours if you start having difficulty in class. College professors can be very helpful, but they will expect that you initiate any contact.
6. Never be afraid to ask for help.

As a member of the Northeastern community, expect to be challenged, and expect to grow and succeed. It is the choices and decisions which YOU make that will determine the success of your university experience.

post by Mary Barrows, Director of the Learning Disabilities Program

Wash your hands!

Wash your hands! How many times have you heard this and wondered if it really helps keep you healthy.

The answer is yes.

Not only does hand washing keep germs from affecting you, but it stops any bacteria from getting passed to others and causing illnesses ranging from the common cold, flu, viral meningitis, to the far more serious ones such as E. Coli.

Look at the microbial growth on this petri dish. A) no disinfection B) after hand washing with soap C) using alcohol based cleanser. 
 

Watch this video to learn how to wash your hands properly from the CDC

Preparing for the Weekend Storm

Any time of the year, storms in New England are unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. We may lose power or we may not.  Here are some things to add to your checklist-

The basics we all hear about a lot:

• Batteries and flashlight
• Water and food for at least 3 days
• Safety first when using candles

And a couple of other tips with regard to health and safety:

• Be sure you have enough medication to last a week or two
• Check the University’s website for updates regarding safety

Stay healthy and safe this weekend!

Summer heat

Nobody likes a sunburn, but that's not the only thing to watch out for during a heat wave.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are other unpleasant side effects of hot weather.  Prevention is the best defense during hot weather.

 

• Fluids: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.  Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic) than usual, regardless of your activity level. While exercising, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Keeping Cool: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Stay indoors during the peak heat hours of the day. If your apartment or res hall does not have air conditioning, go to the Curry Student Center, the shopping mall, library or other air conditioned space –even a few hours   spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. 
• Outdoor Activity: Limit your outdoor activity and exercise to morning and evening hours when the sun is lower in the sky. It is important to rest often in shady areas.
• Protection: Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Emotional wellness

Emotional wellness is linked to overall good health.  The capacity to experience a full range of emotions is essential to productive daily living. The range of emotions some college students experience can vary from mild performance anxiety to incapacitating worry.  Some of these emotions are predictable and even functional, while others may linger a little too long and cause interference with daily functioning.

Controllable vulnerability factors can contribute to feeling emotions, particularly negative emotions, more intensely.   Steps can be taken to reduce emotional vulnerability before it interferes with functioning.  These concepts are core skills in the Dialectic Behavioral Therapy model by Dr.Marsha Linehan and have been adapted for use with many different populations as a means of maintaining emotional well being.  

Here are a few suggested steps:

• Eat balanced:  A healthy diet and small, frequent meals can contribute to a more balanced mood.  Not eating enough, overeating, or eating foods high in fat can contribute to mood instability.  The movie “Supersize Me” illustrates this concept quite clearly.
• Sleep balanced:  Much like eating, too much or too little of sleep can impact mood.  Think of sleep as “recharge” time for your body and mind.  6 to 8 hours of sleep is optimum; however this may vary from person to person.  Concentration, attention, and mood changes can be the result of hypersomnia or insomnia.  Keeping to a regular sleep schedule can greatly reduce the intensity of emotions. 
• Avoid mood altering drugs:  Drugs and alcohol, including caffeine and nicotine, can have the façade of having an initial positive effect on mood.  Long term use can result in anxiety, depression, irritability, tolerance, or dependency.
• Exercise:  Endorphins are “happy chemicals” in your body that get released with exercise.  Exercising 30 minutes per day can improve your sense of emotional well being via release of endorphins.  Regular exercise can also improve your overall physical health, which is a secondary means of reducing emotional vulnerability. 
• Attend to physical illness:  This means taking medication as prescribed or seeking medical treatment if you are sick.  When you are not feeling well physically, it is hard to be on your “A” game emotionally.
• Challenge yourself:  Do one thing daily that is challenging.  Try a Sudoku puzzle, walk an extra 1/2 mile on the treadmill, read an article on a topic you know nothing about, or think of an affirmation or a positive thought.  Overall mood will improve with a positive attitude and feelings of accomplishment.  

Try these ideas, but if you find yourself emotional wellness deteriorating, then it is time to seek support.  There are a number of effective methods of treating behavioral health issues, including counseling and medication.  UHCS counselors and psychopharmacology providers are available to assist in determining the most effective means of treatment and support. 

 

post by Joy Camara, MSN/PMHCNS candidate in adult psychiatric nursing at Northeastern University, practicum student in Behavioral Health at UHCS

Alcohol and Caffeine

While mixing alcohol and caffeine is certainly not a new idea, what is “new” is mixing energy drinks and alcohol. Energy drinks are not just “coffee”. Therefore, mixing energy drinks with alcohol is not the same as having an Irish coffee after dinner.

If you look closely at the label of any energy drink, you will see that there are a lot of ingredie nts that are not in a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop. Ingredients like Taurine, Guarana, Ginseng, along with high concentrations of sugar and caffeine act as stimulants.  While these ingredients may increase your level of alertness and wakefulness, when mixed with alcohol, they do not take away the impairment experienced when intoxicated. The ability to make appropriate decisions, think clearly, and make healthy decisions continues to be affected. And you may actually think you can drink more because ingredients in the energy drink “trick” you into thinking that are not as intoxicated as you really are.

Think about it – what do you get from an “alert-drunk”? Someone who thinks they can talk, dance, walk, drive, hook-up, party and use drugs; all the while not having the needed “soberness” to make good decisions regarding these actions.

So while mixing alcohol and caffeinated energy drinks may be popular amongst some, make your own decisions - don’t just be part of the crowd. 

 Be Safe and Be Original!

 

post by Felix Fernandez-Pizzi, Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor at UHCS

Ticks

Spring and summer mean better weather and enjoyment of the great outdoors. A word of warning though, please be aware of our least favorite members of the natural world – TICKS. 
These little insects are in forests, tall grasses, sand dunes, fields of clover and other beautiful spots.  They survive by leaping on us (and dogs and cats) and sucking our blood so they may reproduce before they die.  Unfortunately this unpleasant form of contact can allow the transmission of illnesses like Lyme disease, Erhlichiosis, Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

As with many illnesses, prevention is the best protection!  Long, light colored clothing helps prevent ticks from getting on the skin and aids in their detection.  A self check for ticks after an outdoor activity is also an excellent idea. Be sure to have a mirror available to visualize those hard to see areas.  After a self check, a thorough bath or shower is a must. 

Most tick borne illness requires a tick to be feeding on its human host for greater than 24 hours so don’t panic if you find one after your outdoor activity.  If there is any sign of rash or infection around a tick bite or anywhere on the body, you should make an appointment at UHCS or with your primary care clinician.  If you develop a fever above 102 degrees F, rash or decreased mental functioning after a tick bite, you should be checked out right away. 

The bacterial diseases a tick bite can transmit have symptoms that range from mild fever, body aches, headache and fatigue to a life threatening septic shock.  Long term health problems are possible and become more likely with delays in diagnosis and treatment.  Fortunately, treatment is fairly routine and if caught early, highly effective.  Testing and therapy is available here at UHCS and we are happy to examine any insects brought in.

So, go forth and enjoy the world but be sure to check yourself upon the return from the outdoors and please seek medical attention if you have any questions. 

Measles in Boston

The media is continuing to report on more cases of measles in the Boston area. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease which spreads in the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing.  Symptoms of measles include a blotchy rash all over the body, fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, feeling run down, and tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth.

Being proactive is our safest strategy.  The best defense is to receive two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunizations. Northeastern students’ immunization requirements include two (2) MMRs. It is strongly recommended that all students, staff, and faculty check their vaccination history to be sure they have record of two doses of MMR vaccine given at least one month apart. Persons who are not fully vaccinated against measles are at the highest risk for infection.  Measles immunizations are available at UHCS.

Remember, there is no treatment for measles - prevention is the only way to reliably avoid a potentially life threatening infection!

If you think you’ve been exposed, it is important that you be seen by a medical clinician right away to see if you need to be vaccinated. The vaccine should be given within 72 hours after exposure in order to prevent or decrease the severity of the disease.

For more information about measles, click here.

Are you ready...?

Does the spring weather have you motivated to get outside more?  Are you thinking that a walk around Boston sounds fun?  Ready to start a new exercise program?

Spring temperatures and sunny days can motivate everyone to get out of their apartments/res halls but its important to do it safely.

Flip-flops and heels are not the best footwear option for that walk around town. They can change your gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. Throwing on a good pair of sneakers will be better for your feet. Walking in bare feet is also good for your feet, but weather, safety and cleanliness - as well as the ability to go into a store or a Dunkins - may argue against it.   

The sunny days and warmer weather also means sun exposure. Every day application of sunscreen is important to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. If you are swimming or sweating, remember to check the label for the best variety AND to determine if reapplication is necessary.

We hope that you can apply the suggestions we make and start putting yourself on your Springtime/Summer path to good health! Note: Always consult your doctor prior to beginning any new exercise regiment!

Everyone needs a dose of spring air and sunshine!

Many people say they love spring. But instead of enjoying it, the average American spends most of the season stuck inside. All this indoor living isn't doing much for everyone’s health. We have lost sight of the benefits and value in fresh air and sunshine. So, don’t spend most of your day indoors if you can find the time to get outside.

Fresh air not only provides essential oxygen to your lungs but it also helps purify the blood and cells.  After you take in air through your lungs, your red blood cells pick up the oxygen and carry it to the rest of your body. This steady supply of oxygen is needed by your brain and every single cell of your body.

Sunshine is the best source for Vitamin D.  Simply being in sunlight triggers skin to make vitamin D. It is shaping up to be a potent cancer fighter and protector to certain chronic disease. When outside make sure to protect your skin with SPF 15 or higher. Not only will sunshine help in combating disease it also improves moods.

So get outside, breathe some fresh air and bask in the rays of the beautiful sunshine.  You will be amazed by how refreshed and energized you will be.

Access to Care on Weekends and Holidays

Getting sick on a weekend can interrupt plans and not be fun.  But not everyone gets sick Monday through Friday. We want to make sure that you know that UHCS is open on Saturdays and most holidays during the academic year. We are excited to announce that starting this Saturday, March 19^th, UHCS will now be open 12-4pm on Saturdays instead of 10-2pm. This change is based on input from students who expressed a clear preference for access to UHCS in the afternoon as opposed to the morning.

When the health center is closed, students with health questions or medical concerns can call New England Baptist Hospital at (617) 754-5544 to speak with a nurse. Students in need of urgent care on campus can contact our Northeastern police officers who are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and are able to respond immediately and in a medically competent manner, to any crisis on campus, more quickly than local emergency services.

Students are also fortunate, due to our location in the heart of Boston, to have access to some of the highest quality and most readily available emergency, inpatient and community-based care in the nation.

UHCS provides 24-hour consultation to the University and local hospitals on urgent student matters.  We coordinate directly with the Northeastern University Police Department and the Office of Student Affairs on a 24-hour daily basis for consultation on matters of student and community safety.

We hope the new Saturday hours and explanation of care on weekends and holidays helps students to get the care they need when they need it.

Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan: Supports available for students

The effect of the Pacific earthquake and tsunami on Japan and its citizens is heartbreaking. The aftermath has also affected parts of the west coast and Hawaii.  We at UHCS offer our sympathy and support for students who have loved ones or friends in these areas. We know that anyone who experiences a disaster is affected by it, whether directly or indirectly.

For many students whose loved ones are in or near these affected areas, confirmation of well-being may not be immediately available.  Although we turn to our friends and local supports, some of us may be in an agonizing time of waiting, or may have already heard painful news.  

Anxiety, worry and grief are normal responses to an abnormally stressful situation.  Although we realize that we each have our own ways of dealing with stress, we encourage any student in need of support at this time to call or come to UHCS.  We have staff available to talk and help strategize the best coping plans for an extremely difficult time. Click here for self help information on stress.

Updated information is available through the Red Cross.

Please stop in to UHCS at 135 Forsyth Building or call 617-373-2772.

Not everything that happens on spring break stays on spring break

It’s never easy to come back from spring break whether you went on vacation or went home.  Here are a couple things to make the return to life at NU, a little easier.

1 – Reestablish healthy patterns.  Maybe you didn’t go to bed as early as you know you should, or maybe you’re still recovering from a case of jet lag.  Either way, now’s the time to catch up on your sleep, before the semester gets going again and your sleep debt starts to catch up with you.  Getting a healthy, balanced diet back on track and visiting Marino or Squashbusters a few times a week might not be a bad idea either.

2 - Not everything that happens on spring break stays on spring break.  If you’re worried about more than just the memories of that spring fling coming home with you, schedule an appointment with a clinician at UHCS for STI testing.  It’s confidential!

3 – Be on the lookout for international stowaways.  Did you choose an alternative spring break this year?  Eat some questionably cooked food while helping out in the Congo?  Dined on mystery hash in Haiti? Chilled out in a lake in Chad? If you’re feeling more under-the-weather than you would expect from your post-vacation blues, you might have picked up a tropical infection..  So, if you have fever, chills, night sweats, lingering cough, mysterious itch, rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, diarrhea, vomiting, or anything else outside the norm for you, consider scheduling an appointment at UHCS.

Post by Cathryn Imperato, Nurse Practitioner at UHCS

Measles Update

From Dr Doyle:

We are sure that you are aware of the recent press reports of several cases of measles in the Boston area.  Although there are currently no confirmed cases that put NU at particular risk, I believe that being proactive is our safest strategy.  To this end I strongly recommend that all students, staff and faculty check their vaccination history to be sure they have record of two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine given at least one month apart.  For students who are missing these records or who are unvaccinated, UHCS is currently offering the MMR vaccine at no cost!  Remember, there is no treatment for measles - prevention is the only way to reliably avoid a potentially life threatening infection!

Northeastern White Ribbon Day and Sex Week

At Tuesday night’s men's basketball game in Matthews Arena, members of the Northeastern community participated in a nationwide effort to promote and maintain respectful, safe and healthy relationships. Northeastern University is joining the call for individuals to stand up and be counted as allies against violence.  Northeastern Athletics and the Violence Support, Intervention and Outreach Network (ViSION) distributed White Ribbons to those who came to the game and took the pledge.

Some members of the Northeastern community, including athletes and students leaders from a variety of cultural and fraternal organizations, have already contributed their voices to a public service announcement (PSA) around the issue of violence prevention to encourage the community to take a stand against violence. Click on picture to see the video.

Our school. Our people.
   Our responsibility.    

Throughout the week RSA held events for Sex Week and UHCS participated by tabling is Res Halls with our Wheel of questions. Spin for condoms!

Bitter cold. Arctic cold. Wicked cold

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, chin, cheeks, fingers, and toes.   Seek medical care if you think you have frostbite. 

Take steps to prevent frostbite.   
Dress warmly. Wool is better than cotton.
Wear a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water-resistant coat and boots (no flip flops), and several layers of loose fitting clothing.

Prevent the flu!

 
From Dr. Doyle, Medical Director, UHCS:                                 

UHCS is already seeing an increase in flu like illness on campus and expect to see even more cases as  the semester proceeds.  Most of the influenza circulating is still the H1N1 variety that hit college age patients very hard last year.  Over 30 deaths due to this flu have been reported in England this season.  So far the flu is not so widespread as last year, but having the flu is still pretty miserable and it is something we can help prevent. UHCS has plenty of flu vaccine available so please take advantage of this and get vaccinated now!

For more information about the flu vaccine at UHCS click here.

The Rankings of Drugs on Campus

Earlier this week, a list of the "Druggiest Colleges" compiled by the website The Daily Beast brought a lot of media attention to NU.  The rankings gave 1^st place to UNH, followed by Northeastern University in 2nd. But our ranking in 2^nd place did not last long, and why is that?

While there are reputable college rankings out there done by legitimate sources, based on scientific assessment of verifiable data, this particular site uses methods that are deeply flawed and many of the sources they rely on are subjective and unverifiable. For example, the student population was off by nearly 20,000 students. 

Yesterday, The Daily Beast changed the ratings and we are now in 23^rd place.

NU takes the health and safety of its students seriously. We have programs and policies in place to help any student with any issue that may negatively impact their health and well-being.

Beyond Boston Bon Voyage 2010

On Wednesday evening UHCS joined Co-op Connections in their annual bon voyage event.  Students going away on Co-op for Spring 2011 were invited to this event to help prepare them for their journey. Information about services, programs and events from various offices were available.  In addition, students who had traveled to these destinations shared their experiences and insight.

There are many things to remember when you are preparing to go away on Co-op.  One important area often overlooked -- until it is an emergency situation -- is your health. 

At the Bon Voyage event, the UHCS wheel offered some questions to consider when preparing to go on Co-op:

    1.  Do you have your own insurance card?

    2.  Have you identified a health center and/or therapist where you are going on Co-op?

    3.  Is your health insurance accepted by these health centers and/or therapists?

    4.  Have you made an appointment with your clinician to get refills on medication to cover the months while you are away?

   5.  Have you made arrangements to get your medications?

   6.  If traveling outside the country, are you aware of any emergency assistance your health insurance provides for evacuation if you were to become ill?

Best of luck on your Co-op! We look forward to hearing about your incredible experiences all over the world.  If UHCS can be helpful, be sure to contact us at 617-373-2772.

Let's talk about TESTing for STDs

STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases….Talk. Test. Protect.

In our TALK TEST PROTECT blog series so far, we provided some tips on TALKing about STDs with a partner. Now let’s talk about TESTing for STDs. 

You may hesitate to get STD testing due to a number of questions.  The questions may concern confidentiality, or cost, or location, or ‘what are you going to do if the test is positive?

• Confidentiality:  If you get STD testing at UHCS, your testing is done confidentially, but not anonymously.  Confidential testing means that the only people that will have access to your test results are those with access to your medical record.  All health care testing sites provide confidential testing.  Anonymous testing (not providing your name) is available at some sites for HIV testing only.
• Cost: Depending on your health insurance and symptoms, you may receive a bill from the lab for STD testing.  You may want to call your health insurance company and update your local address to make sure that the bill will come directly to you.  Please note, however, that most lab bills will not state specifically what test was done.
• Location: UHCS offers STD testing as part of a visit with a clinician.  There are also other testing sites close to campus. These sites are listed on the UHCS website.
• What if the test is positive? First remember, STDs are treatable and many are curable. There are different treatments for different STDs. If your results are positive, we can provide treatment right away.  Remember:  It is important that you follow the treatment recommended by your clinician—completely. For example, if you're on antibiotics and your symptoms go away, you should still continue your medication until it is finished and STOP all sexual activity until 2 weeks after this.

Ask for STD testing if you think you need it
If you think you need STD testing, request it from your clinician. Talk to your provider about your concerns and what tests you would like or need.  See your clinician for STD testing if you have any signs of an STD, such as:

• Genital sores, including fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations or warts
• Unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
• Abdominal pain or fever along with unusual vaginal discharge in women, which may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Some students want to be tested for “everything.”  Regrettably, this cannot truly be done.  For some STDs, including genital herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), there is no practical way to screen everyone, so testing is usually limited to high-risk groups and people with signs and symptoms of particular STDs. Even if you ask your doctor to test you for everything, you can't know for certain that you or your partner will be screened for or clear of all STDs. And so, you will still need to PROTECT yourself and your partner.

Let's TALK about STDs

  STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases….Talk. Test. Protect.

Last week’s blog highlighted our TALK TEST PROTECT STD posters with an added Halloween theme. Now we want to begin to TALK about STDs.

There could be a number of reasons why you decide to talk with someone about STDs.  Maybe you want to discuss protection, or you want to talk about getting tested, or you have to disclose that you have a STD.  The decision to talk about STDs was probably a difficult one to make and we have some tips to help you through the process.

• Bring up the topic of STDs before getting either of you aroused.  If you wait to bring up the subject until a time when you may not be thinking “as clearly as normal,” you or your partner may be inclined to brush the topic aside. 
• It is best to talk in person or over the phone. Do NOT text: “hey, I want to talk about STDs later”. It may lead to a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding or may derail the conversation completely.
• If you have a STD, stay calm and remember this is a discussion, not a confession.
• Try to have a conversation, which means both of you will do some talking.
• Be prepared. Think about what you want to discuss.  Have a listing of nearby testing sites, options for protection, or specific STD information.

UHCS offers STD testing but depending on your health insurance and symptoms you may receive a bill for the STD testing.  It is best to check with your individual insurance company to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.  Other STD testing sites close to campus are listed on the UHCS website as well. 

Talking about STDs isn't easy at first, but the discussion is an important part of being sexually healthy.  If you can't talk about sex, maybe you shouldn't be having sex.

STDs....Talk. Test. Protect.

 

STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases

Why is it scary to TALK about STDs before taking your clothes off and having sex with somebody?   Does the thought of getting TESTed or getting the TEST results for a STD cause worry? How do you negotiate using a condom or other barriers to help PROTECT yourself from STDs? Add your comments to the blog…we want to hear from you!  

Staying healthy during cold and flu season

While it feels like fall just arrived with a bang this week, here at UHCS we’ve been seeing evidence of the start of cold and flu season for weeks: the sniffling, the coughing, the misery, the panicked faces at the thought of missing yet another class or exam. 

Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and absence-free from classes during this long, long season:

1.  Get some sleep!  Adequate rest is vital to the immune system’s ability to fight off all the viral infections we come in contact with on a regular basis.  This is easier said than done during especially midterms and finals. Just turning off the computer or TV a little earlier at night can add some much-needed time to your daily sleep routine.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Iced coffees and Red Bulls are not substitutes for water.  Drinking 8-10 cups of water per day prevents dehydration, which in turn leaves you less susceptible to illness. 
3. Keep your friends close but your hand sanitizer closer.  Close personal contact with sick people opens you up to exposure of their viral infection, which typically spreads through contact with nasal and oral droplets and saliva.  If your roommate is sick, keep a little distance, limit the hugging for awhile, and wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently.  Limiting the amount of time you spend touching your own nose and mouth can help as well. 
4. It’s never too late (or early) for a flu vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccine provides the best protection available. Vaccination can lessen illness severity and is particularly important for people at high risk. Try to get it as soon as it is available but remember you can get vaccinated at any point throughout the season to help prevent the flu! Flu activity typically peaks in January or later but the timing and duration of the season can vary. So, get your flu vaccine now!

The flu vaccine is available at UHCS for $20 to NU students. No appointment is necessary.

Post by: Catheryn Imperato, Nurse Practitioner