Transcript No Slide Title

Volume 3, Issue 2
Division of Campus Life
Spring 2001
Getting too much sun can cause cancer.
Learn how to protect yourself.
Spring break is fast approaching, and many college
students are planning to head to the beaches to relax and
recuperate from busy schedules. While spring break can
be a great opportunity to unwind and have a great time
with friends, it can also wreak havoc on the skin, causing
long-term damage such as wrinkles or melanoma, the
deadliest type of skin cancer.
Although tanned skin is often considered attractive
and healthy, it can be dangerous. The only type of safe
tan is the one that comes in a bottle. A tan is visual
evidence that the skin has been damaged. Some people
believe that skin can be protected by getting a “base tan”
before prolonged sun exposure, but there is no evidence
that this practice offers any protection. Tanning booths
do not offer safer tans, since a tanning booth’s
wavelengths of light burn skin just as readily as the sun’s
rays.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.
More than 800,000 people are diagnosed with it every
year, and it can often be cured when found early.
Although certain people are more susceptible to
melanoma, such as those with fair skin, it can happen to
anybody. While there are several causes of skin cancer,
by far, the sun is the greatest culprit. Since sunlight is a
natural form of radiation, sunburn is essentially radiation
damage to the skin.
In addition to skin cancer, the sun also causes
wrinkles. While everyone eventually gets them, repeated
overexposure to the sun will substantially speed up the
wrinkling process (so will smoking). Tanned skin
tends to develop the texture of crepe paper or
leather, and tends to develop more wrinkles at any
earlier age than skin with less sun damage.
Fortunately, there are steps that everyone can take
to protect themselves from skin cancer. The best
way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun,
especially during mid-day or when around water or
snow. Make sunscreen use a daily habit, even on
cloudy days. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before
going into the sun, use at least an SPF 15, and
reapply at least every two hours, or more frequently
if swimming or sweating.
If you do get a sunburn, your skin will need some
extra care for a few days. First of all, avoid getting
any more sun. Soak in lukewarm water to ease some
of the discomfort. Aspirin or its equivalent will ease
some of the inflammation. Use aloe or a moisturizer
without Vitamin E, which is a skin allergen.
• Stress is a Fact of Life: Learn How to Manage It Better … page 2
• Moles: Beauty Marks or Signs of Trouble? … page 3
• March is Eating Disorders Awareness Month .. page 4
Page 2
Stress is the body’s physical, emotional, and
mental response to change, good or bad. Everyone
experiences stress in one way or another, and in fact, it
can be beneficial. Positive stress causes an extra burst
of adrenaline that can be helpful when meeting a
challenge, such as finishing a term paper. This type of
stress brings up a short-term physiological tensing and
added mental alertness that subsides after the stressful
event, allowing relaxation and the return to normal
activities.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to return to a
relaxed state. When the physical responses to stress -increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and
stomach and muscle tension -- do not subside, they
can start to cause problems, such as mental and
physical exhaustion and other illnesses.
Excessive, negative stress may be a key element in
many illnesses, ranging from the common cold or
upset stomach to heart disease. Research has shown
that stress levels affect the immune and nervous
system, heart function, metabolism, and hormone
levels. Many researchers and doctors now believe that
stress may affect recovery from – as well as
susceptibility to – illness.
College is a time when many people experience a
great deal of stress due to increased personal and
financial freedom, academic pressure, career
uncertainty, or being away from family and friends.
College can also be a time to learn and practice
valuable skills to recognize the signs of stress and
reduce its negative effects.
Signs of stress include: problems eating or sleeping,
muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Check
out the box on the right for tips on managing stress.
However, if stress is overwhelming, individual or
group counseling may be helpful. Signs of serious
stress overload include: a growing craving for food,
alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs; frequent risky
behavior; or friends repeatedly telling you that you
seem stressed out.
Spring 2001
Do choose a quiet place to
study. Studying demands all
of your attention, so choose a
place that is free of noise and
other distractions like friends,
TV, telephone, and Learnlink.
Don’t skip classes.
Although an extra hour of
sleep seems desirable, think
of the extra stress caused by
having to get the notes and
learn the material on your
own.
Do take short breaks.
After each hour of studying,
get up and stretch for a
minute to relax and loosen
your muscles.
Don’t hesitate to seek help.
If you are having trouble with
a class, talk to the professor
or get a tutor. Everyone has
their strong and weak
subjects.
Spring 2001
Moles are growths on the skin that
occur when cells called melanocytes grow
in a cluster with tissue surrounding them.
Most people have between 10 and 40
moles on their body, and may develop
new moles from time to time, usually
until about age 40. Moles are usually
pink, tan, brown, or flesh-colored and
round or oval in shape. They may begin
as small, flat spots and slowly become
larger in diameter and raised. Over the
years, moles may flatten, become fleshcolored, or even disappear.
About ten percent of people have at
least one unusual mole that looks
different from an ordinary mole. The
medical term for these types of moles is
dysplastic nevi. Doctors report that
dysplastic nevi are more likely than
ordinary moles to develop into skin
cancer. These moles should be checked
regularly by a health care provider,
especially if they look unusual, grow
larger, change in color, or change in
sensation.
Doing skin self-exams every six to
eight weeks is important in the early
detection of skin cancer no matter what
your skin color. Familiarize yourself with
the natural landscape of your skin to
know what is normal for you so that you
can recognize changes in skin growths
and appearance of new growths. When
doing a skin exam, use both a full-length
and a hand-held mirror in a well-lit room.
You may want someone to help you with
your exam for hard-to-see areas.
Page 3
1) Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your
arms and look at the left and right sides.
2) Bend your elbows and look carefully at your fingernails, palms,
forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
3) Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look between
your buttocks and around the genital area.
4) Sit and closely examine your feet, including the toenails, the soles,
and the spaces between the toes.
5) Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to have
someone else check through your hair because it is difficult to do
yourself.
Asymmetry -- The shape of one half looks different than the other half.
Border irregularity -- The outer edge is scalloped or not a consistent shape.
Color variation -- There are different shades within the mole (tan, brown, black;
sometimes red, blue or white.
Diameter greater than 1/4 inch (5mm) -- The mole is larger than the end of a pencil
eraser.
OR
•A new mole appears or an existing one changes appearance rapidly;
•A mole itches, bleeds, or grows larger.
For more information on skin cancer, visit the American
Cancer Society’s website at www. cancer.org
Emory University Health Service provides speakers on topics such as nutrition and
eating disorders, sexual health, stress reduction and mental health, and substance
abuse. We can also supply brochures and condoms to distribute at your event.
Contact Tara Schuster for information via LearnLink, or call 404-727-0395.
Page 4
Spring 2001
March is National Eating Disorders Awareness Month
Many Americans believe that
thinner is better, and it is no
wonder, considering the images
portrayed in the media. Often,
people with eating disorders
believe their body size is the cause
or result of many of their
problems. A person suffering from
an eating disorder may become
trapped in a cycle of rigid and
ritualistic behavior focused on his
or her diet.
While there is no single
identifiable cause to eating
disorders, a variety of emotional,
psychological, interpersonal, and
social factors come into play.
Eating disorders are often about
much more than food.
People with eating disorders
generally spend a lot of time
thinking about eating, food, weight,
and body image.
They may
obsessively count calories, weigh
themselves several times a day, and
place themselves on extremely rigid
diets, regardless of their weight.
Often, they categorize food as
good or bad and make judgments
about themselves based on how
well they control what they eat.
If you suspect a friend has an eating disorder,
you can help.
• Learn about eating disorders and available resources. Visit
the website of Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention at
www.edap.org.
• Talk to your friend. Keep the conversation informal and
confidential, and focus on concerns about your friend’s
health, rather than weight or appearance. Explain how the
problem is affecting your relationship and mention that
eating disorders can be successfully treated.
• Realize that you may be rejected. People with eating
disorders may deny their problem because they do not want
to admit they are out of control. Do not take the rejection
personally. Try to end the conversation in a way that will
allow you to come back to the subject later.
• Know your limits. Being angry or impatient will not help.
You are there to give support, not to be a counselor or food
monitor.
• Refer your friend to Carol Kelly, RD LD, Nutrition Counselor
at Emory University Health Service. Students can make an
appointment by calling 404-727-7551, option 1.
A small percentage of people
are able to stop their eating
disorder on their own. However,
because many factors contribute to
these disorders, most people need
help.
Treatments may include
several forms of therapy, such as:
What you can do to feel better:
• Get enough rest.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid caffeine and
alcohol: they can cause dehydration.
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore
throat. Use 1/4 tsp. salt with 8 oz. warm water.
• Breathe the steam from hot beverages and soups,
or take a hot shower to ease nasal congestion.
• Avoid smoke and other irritants.
behavior modification; self-help
groups; and psychotherapy. In
some cases, hospitalization is
necessary. Although repeated or
long-term treatments might be
needed, eating disorders can be
controlled.
Seek medical attention if you have:
• A temperature over 101 degrees for more than
48 hours
• Worsening pain in one or both ears
• Severe headache with fever
• A red, inflamed, painful throat
• A chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes,
which may complicate a cold
Spring 2001
Page 5
The
of Health Insurance
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
Members of HMOs receive a range of health
benefits for a set fee. Usually there is no
deductible, but most plans require a small copayment for each office visit (around $10-25).
Members must choose a primary care physician
from the plan’s list. This doctor is the member’s
“gatekeeper” for all medical needs, the person
the member sees when sick or in need of a
referral to a specialist. Generally, members
receive no benefits for health care received
outside of the HMO network, except for
emergency care.
Health Insurance Terms
Co-payment - A fixed dollar amount paid at the time of service,
such as office visits, prescriptions, and hospitalization.
Co-insurance - A specified percentage of the cost of treatment
the insured is required to pay for all medical expenses after the
policy’s deductible has been met.
Deductible - The portion of health care paid by the member before
their health plan will cover any service. An average annual
deductible is $250-500. Typically, the higher the deductible, the
lower the premium.
Premium - The price that the member pays, usually per month, for
membership in an insurance plan. The premium for a student
insurance plan is typically paid each school year.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
Members of PPOs may seek treatment from
any doctor within the plan’s network of doctors,
or may see a doctor outside of the network at a
higher cost. Usually, members pay a small copayment and satisfy a deductible before the
plan pays any benefits. After the deductible is
met, the member only pays a set coinsurance
amount (often 10-30% of the cost of treatment).
POS (Point of Service)
POS plans are a hybrid of HMO and PPO plans.
Members still have a primary care physician
within the plan that makes referrals to other innetwork physicians, but they may see a
physician outside the network and still receive
some benefits. When paying claims for out-ofnetwork treatment, plans only pay a set amount
and the difference is the responsibility of the
member.
For more information about the Emory-approved College Health Concepts Student Insurance Plan, see
www.emory.edu/UHS/finance.html, and click on the brochure link.
For
a
healthy
milkshake, blend 1
cup skim milk, 1
cup ripe fruit, 1
teaspoon
vanilla,
and 2 or 3 ice
cubes in a blender.
Light
microwave
popcorn
sprinkled with a
bit of parmesan
cheese
Try
vegetabl
e
juice
for extra
vitamins
A cup of yogurt
mixed with fruit
or granola
Pretzels
contain
significantly
less fat than
most kinds
of chips.
Page 6
Spring 2001
March 5th -- 6:30-7:30 PM
Alperin Auditorium
April 4th -- 10am-2pm
1525 Clifton Road, 1st floor
DUC Coke Commons
Get the facts about GHB in
with this multimedia
presentation created by
Emory students!
Dozens of health &
wellness organizations
will be on hand with
information and
freebies!
March 12-16
Have fun and be safe!
The Student Body is a publication of the
Office of Health Education at Emory
University Health Service, in the division
of Campus Life. The newsletter is
published once in the fall semester and
twice in spring.
Editor:
Katherine Bryant, BS
Health Education Staff:
Colleen Carter, PhD, Coordinator
Shirley Banks, Health Educator
Tara Schuster, Health Educator
Carol Kelly, RD, LD, Nutritionist
Virginia Plummer, LMSW, Counselor
Editorial Board:
Janice Latoza, MBA, CHE
Administrative Director
Mary T. Bond, MD
Ray Jarvis, PA-C
Gertrude Thompson, BSN, RN
Emory University Health Service
1525 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 727-7551
www.emory.edu/UHS
EUHS is staffed by dedicated health care professionals who are here to
meet your primary health care needs. EUHS offers these services:
Outpatient primary care
Physical examinations
Anonymous HIV and STD testing
Gynecology, family planning, and colposcopy
Mental health services
Preventive services
Laboratory testing
Allergy injections
Immunizations
Referrals to specialists
Health education
International travel information and immunizations
Nutrition counseling
Substance abuse counseling and referral
We are located at 1525 Clifton Road (next to Clifton Towers).
Please call 727-7551 and press 1 to make an appointment.