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(05/07/19 10:11pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is estimated that 20 percent Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the most preventable risk factor. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
The AAD recommends wearing hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun. Don’t be fooled by cloudy days — up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can break through the clouds and reach your skin. Be especially careful at the beach, since water and sand can reflect and intensify UV rays.
While prevention is always the best option, early detection is also critical. According to the AAD, Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. A spot on your skin may be melanoma if it follows the warning signs, known as the “ABCDEs”.
“A” stands for “asymmetry,” meaning one half of the mark is different than the other. “B” stands for “border” — if the spot well-defined or if the edges irregular or scalloped. “C” stands for “color.” Melanoma may be different from regular marks on your skin and can be brown, black, white, red or blue. “D” stands for “diameter” — Melanoma is detected as usually greater than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser. Lastly, “E” stands for “evolving.” Pay attention to any new spots on your skin to see if they are changing in size, shape or color.
(04/30/19 5:06am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report about the amount of foodborne diseases recorded from 2015 to 2018. The report found that the incidence of foodborne diseases increased in 2018 compared to the previous three years.
Some of the most common causes of foodborne illness during 2018 were campylobacter, a bacteria commonly found in poultry, salmonella, a bacteria found in animal products or produce, and vibrio, a bacteria found in undercooked shellfish.
Foodborne illnesses can require hospitalization in severe cases, so it is important to protect yourself through safe food habits.
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, some ways that you can avoid these illnesses at home are to wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after cooking and to thoroughly clean your cooking spaces.
Avoid having pets, household cleaners and other chemicals near surfaces used for cooking. You should always thoroughly cook your food to the proper temperature.
Never use the same platter and utensils that held raw food to serve cooked food — the bacteria present in the raw product can contaminate what could have safely cooked.
(04/22/19 11:29pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
As the weather gets warmer, you’ll hopefully be spending more time outside. Sunny days are great, but they can leave you with a sunburn if you don’t use proper protection. Prevention from sunburn is always the best option, but sometimes you might find yourself a little red at the end of the day. Here is what the American Academy of Dermatology recommends to help you recover from a sunburn.
As soon as you notice a sunburn starting, get out of the sun and preferably stay inside. To help relieve pain, take periodic cool baths or showers. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing and leave a little bit of water on your skin.
Use moisturizer to trap the water in to help reduce the dryness of your skin. Using a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy can help soothe the skin.
Do not apply products that end in “-caine,” such as the topical anesthetic, Benzocaine. These products can further irritate the skin and have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen will help to reduce swelling, redness and discomfort if your skin gets irritated.
Sunburnt skin draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. To avoid dehydration, you should drink extra water to compensate for this side effect.
Second-degree sunburns will cause blisters on the skin. Allow these blisters to heal on their own — popping the blisters will interrupt the skin-healing process and opens the skin to potential infection.
While the skin is recovering, take extra precautions to protect it from getting burnt again. The best option is to wear clothing that covers your skin when outdoors.
As you spend more time enjoying the warm weather, remember that the best way to avoid a sunburn altogether is by applying and reapplying sunscreen and keeping yourself covered from the sun with hats and clothing.
(04/16/19 6:00am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, according to the National Safety Council. Every day, 100 Americans are injured and at least nine are killed in distracted driving crashes. Distracted driving includes all activities that take your attention away from the task of driving, such as talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup or setting the GPS. Making a commitment to keep your focus on the road can save your life as well as others.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes three main types of distraction while driving to look out for.
Visual distractions involve taking your eyes off the road, such as turning around to see passengers in the backseat or looking down at a cell phone. Manual distractions can involve taking one or both of your hands off of the wheel to change the radio station, move side view mirrors and adjust climate controls. Thirdly, cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off of driving, like talking to a friend in the car. This kind of distraction can be just as dangerous as visual and manual distractions.
Texting while driving is especially dangerous since it ties together all three types of distractions. Other combination distractions, such as eating and drinking, pose the same heightened chance of injury.
It takes about five seconds to read or send a text message. That may not sound like a long time, but at 55 mph, it’s long enough to cover the length of a football field. Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times, according to the US Department of Transportation.
Keep your eyes and your attention on the road at all times while driving and remind your friends and family to do the same when you are a passenger.
(04/09/19 6:17am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Reproductive health is an important aspect of a student’s well-being. When it comes to contraception, hormonal pills are the most common choice.
According to the American College Health Association, 40 percent of female college students are on the pill. But the pill may not be the right choice for everyone and there are other methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
One of these methods is an intrauterine device, or an IUD. An IUD is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic that is placed inside of the uterus.
There are two types of IUDs — copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs do not contain hormones. They are wrapped in a small amount of copper that releases copper ions, a substance that is toxic to sperm.
ParaGard is the only FDA-approved copper IUD. Hormonal IUDs release progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin alters the ovulation process to stop eggs from leaving the ovaries. It also thickens the lining of the cervix so the lining can block and trap sperm.
The hormonal IUDs approved by the FDA are Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla, according to Planned Parenthood.
IUDs provide long term protection against unwanted pregnancy. Copper IUDs can last as long as 12 years. Hormonal IUDs last between five to seven years.
If you decide to try to become pregnant or to switch to a different method of birth control, IUDs can be safely and quickly removed by a healthcare professional.
However, IUDs have potential side effects, which include pain when the IUD is inserted, cramping or backaches for a few days after insertion, irregular periods and heavier periods and menstrual cramps (copper IUD only).
According to Planned Parenthood, the side effects normally go away in about three to six months. Talk to your primary care provider or OBGYN about which method of birth control is right for you.
(04/03/19 10:00pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Last week, a mumps outbreak started at Temple University and spread to some Philadelphia residents, according to NPR. As of Thursday, March 28, the city’s health department reported 106 cases.
Mumps is a viral infection that affects the saliva-producing glands located near your ears, which causes the cheeks to puff out. The symptoms include swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While incidence of the virus has reduced significantly since vaccination became routine, outbreaks still occur. Outbreaks are more common in close-contact settings like schools and college campuses.
The outbreaks normally affect people who are not vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. According to the CDC, doctors advise that all children receive the MMR vaccine. However, in this case, most of the students affected were vaccinated as children, according to NPR.
The protection that the vaccine provides wears off over time.
“‘By the time (students) get to college, their immunity is lowered,’” said James Garrow, a Philadelphia Department of Public Health spokesperson, according to NPR.
The good news is that there is an MMR booster shot to increase your immunity. The Mayo Clinic says that doctors may recommend a booster if you are in an area that is experiencing an outbreak.
Mumps is spread through saliva and mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person. Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid sharing items like cups and utensils and wash your hands frequently.
(03/26/19 5:42am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
It’s officially spring and the weather has been warming up. While this is great for spending time outside and getting some fresh air, many people will also suffer from seasonal allergies.
The Mayo Clinic defines allergies as reactions to foreign substances by your immune system that most people’s systems don’t react to. For people who have allergies, their immune systems identify allergens as harmful even though they aren’t.
Common allergies include bee venom, pet dander and pollen. Pollen allergies peak in the spring because the substance is released as part of the plant fertilization process.
Pollen causes a type of allergic reaction called allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. The symptoms of hay fever include itchy eyes, nose or roof of the mouth, sneezing, a runny, stuffy nose and red, watery or swollen eyes.
If you have an allergy that is heightened in the spring, you can try to avoid the allergens by staying inside and keeping the window closed on days when the pollen count is high. Most weather services and websites will have the daily pollen count.
You can also use over-the-counter allergy medications like Claritin or Zyrtec. Pay attention to the side effects of these drugs because some can cause drowsiness. If your symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter medications, contact your doctor to explore other options.
(03/12/19 3:36pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Next week is St. Patrick’s Day — a day associated with celebrating Irish culture, the color green and, for many people, binge drinking.
Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of four drinks in two hours for women and five drinks in two hours for men.
In the short term, this kind of excessive drinking increases the risk of car crashes, sexual assault and injury.
Binge drinking over the long term can damage the liver and other organs as well.
These guidelines from the University of Iowa’s Student Health Services will help keep you safe and responsible as you celebrate.
Stay hydrated — drink one glass of water between each drink. Alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to retain water.
You might notice this effect when you find yourself urinating more frequently during a night of drinking.
Eat before drinking. Having food in your stomach will slow down how fast alcohol is absorbed in your stomach.
Try to limit yourself to one drink per hour. Not all drinks are created equally. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer (a standard can or bottle), 4 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor.
Watch out for signs that you or a friend has consumed too much alcohol.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, according to the Mayo Clinic, include but are not limited to confusion, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths per minute), blue-tinged, pale skin or passing out.
If someone you are with experiences any of these symptoms, immediately call 911 and do not leave them alone.
(03/05/19 6:54am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
During the winter months, it’s common to catch a cold or two, but it can be hard to decide exactly what you need to get better and whether or not you need medical attention. The following are common ailments that require different treatments, according to the University of Michigan’s student life health service.
You likely don’t need medical attention for a cough. Use cough drops and warm liquids, such as tea, to soothe your throat and try taking a hot shower to breathe in moisturized air. You should call for medical advice if the cough is persistent or if you are experiencing chest pain, wheezing or shortness of breath or have mucus that is brown or bloody.
For a runny nose and sneezing, if your mucus does not smell bad or have a brown or bloody color and you are not experiencing severe discomfort, you can take care of this issue on your own. Keep tissues on hand and gently blow your nose as needed. Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke.
A headache that is mild and is relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine, such as Advil or Tylenol, likely does not require medical attention. If you are experiencing a headache with blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, a stiff neck or back, confusion, a fever or a rash you should seek medical care immediately. These symptoms could be a sign of meningitis, an infection in the brain.
If you have a fever that is less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you can self-treat by drinking fluids, resting and staying cool by dressing in light clothing and keeping a damp washcloth on your neck or forehead. If the fever is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit for longer than three days or if you experience shaking chills, you should seek medical help.
When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to visit your primary care physician or utilize Student Health Services, which is located in Eickhoff Hall Room 107.
(02/26/19 7:02am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
February is American Heart Month, which is a campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association. For young adults, heart health may seem like a distant worry. However, the habits that you form now can impact your heart health for the rest of your life.
Healthy eating is a huge part of heart health. The AHA suggests a diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts, legumes and, skinless poultry and fish.
Watch nutrition labels and limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and sugar.
Also, avoid what the AHA refers to as nutrient-poor foods, or foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, such as soda or corn chips.
Exercise is another part of keeping your heart healthy. The AHA recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
If you don’t have time to hit the gym, you can make small changes in your regular routine to stay active, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking a longer route to class.
There are other lifestyle changes that are less obvious than diet and exercise but have an effect on your heart. One factor is stress. Stress by itself can increase your blood pressure. The way that we respond to stress can make even more of an impact.
Drinking, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating are common responses to stress that have a negative impact on heart health.
Sleep also plays a role. According to the CDC, adults who get less than seven hours of sleep each night are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, all of which are factors that are bad for your heart.
(02/19/19 5:53am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Being away at school may make it more difficult to get to the dentist every six months. You’re away from home for most of the year and your parents are no longer there to nag you about making an appointment.
However, Penn Dental Family Practice reports three risk factors college students face that make an annual trip to the dentist’s office very important.
The first risk factor is alcohol use. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 80 percent of college students consume alcohol on a regular basis.
Alcohol reduces the amount of saliva produced, which leads to dry mouth. This not only causes bad breath, but also creates a perfect environment for bacteria, which increases the risk of developing cavities.
The second risk factor is smoking tobacco or marijuana. The nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes is associated with increased biofilm production. Biofilms are thin, slimy layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces.
When biofilms form on your teeth, they can cause cavities. Smoking marijuana also decreases saliva production. Changes in saliva production alter the environment of your mouth, which can increase the risk of gum disease and cavities.
The final risk factor for poor oral health is stress and lack of sleep. Your nervous system responds to stress by decreasing saliva production.
During particularly high stress periods, your body may secrete substances called inflammatory cytokines. These molecules cause an inflammatory response that can affect your gums.
To prevent this damage to your oral health, be sure to schedule that dentist’s appointment as soon as you can.
(02/12/19 8:41pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
According to CandyStore.com, people buy 58 million pounds of chocolate during the week of Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s from a significant other, your parents or yourself, chances are you’ll get a sweet treat this week.
There’s a significant number of health claims surrounding chocolate, although the accuracy of those claims are up for debate.
It is a myth that chocolate causes acne, according to The Huffington Post. A diet that is high in sugar and fat, such as chocolate, can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation, which can therefore cause acne. However, chocolate itself is not the culprit and, in moderation, won’t make you break out.
A second myth is that chocolate is high in caffeine. According to the USDA, 1.55 ounces of milk chocolate – a standard chocolate bar size – contains 9 milligrams of caffeine. A cup of regular coffee, for reference, contains 95 milligrams.
The last myth is that chocolate is said to be good for your heart. This one, however, is partly true. Cocoa beans are high in antioxidants –– vitamins and minerals that fight the effects of free radicals in the body.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, free radicals naturally form in the body. However, if they are left unchecked, they can cause damage to your body. One effect of these molecules is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, known as heart disease. Antioxidants, such as those found in chocolate, can prevent this from occurring.
Pay attention to nutrition labels, because the added ingredients in most chocolate add lots of calories and fat. While you celebrate, remember that everything should be consumed in moderation, especially when it comes to chocolate.
(02/05/19 8:54am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Finding the motivation to stay active and fit during the winter months is hard. Once you add in a polar vortex with temperatures close to zero degrees, it may feel impossible. Nevertheless, exercise is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity prevents chronic conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease, improves mood, boosts energy levels and can better sleep patterns.
So how do you get a workout in without braving the cold?
One answer is to take advantage of the Fitness Center located in Campus Town. If you are new to working out in a gym, you can find easy beginner workouts online. If you find that the gym is too crowded, try going during less common hours throughout the day, like first thing in the morning or around 9 p.m. Remember to bring your student ID to swipe in!
The College also offers a Group Fitness Program if you prefer to work out in a group and with an instructor. For $25, you can have unlimited access to a semester full of classes such as kickboxing, Zumba and cycling. The classes take place in either the Recreation Center Fitness Studio or the Travers-Wolfe Fitness Studio.
Another option is to join a club or intramural sports team that has indoor practices during the colder months. Club sports are a great way to learn new skills and become part of a team. If you are looking for less of a long-term commitment, intramural sports provide a more laid-back atmosphere to have fun with a group of friends or floormates. The intramural seasons only last for a few weeks. Options include classic sports like basketball and more novel sports like team handball.
Check out the Recreation and Wellness on the College’s website for more information about all of the activities discussed for a healthy and warm winter.
(01/29/19 8:01am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
If you had some free time over break, you may have used it to binge-watch “Tidying Up,” a new series in which Marie Kondo, an organizing consultant and author, helps people declutter and organize their homes. The changes are aesthetically pleasing, and mental health experts say that the newly organized homes can also have psychological benefits.
According to WSLS.com, Psychologist Michael Tompkins said that our moods can be improved by “both pleasant activities and mastery activities.” Pleasant activities are things that are inherently enjoyable, such as spending time with friends or watching a favorite TV show. Mastery activities are tasks that require the development of skills. These activities may not be enjoyable at first, but they provide a sense of accomplishment when completed. Tasks like organizing and decluttering provide experience in these types of activities.
While the initial stages of decluttering and organizing may feel tedious, you may experience an unexpected mood boost once you’ve completed a goal.
Another benefit of tidying up is the added potential to help others by donating some of your clutter, such as clothes you no longer wear. According to the Mental Health Foundation, helping others benefits your own mental health in return. It releases endorphins, which activate the pleasure and social connection centers in our brains.
The next time you’re stressed or unhappy, try cleaning up your living spaces, organizing your things and donating items you no longer use to get an extra mood boost.
(11/12/18 11:49pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Binge drinking and eating disorders are both big issues among college students. When these two habits combine, students may suffer in what the University of Texas at Austin refers to as “drunkorexia —” the practice of restricting calories throughout the day in order to make room for calories from alcohol.
Studies show that 30 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 23 diet in order to drink alcohol, according to a study by The University of Texas at Austin.
According to The New York Times, as soon as alcohol enters your system, your body starts breaking it down, but some will immediately enter the bloodstream. When you eat before drinking, the food in your stomach slows the absorption process. When you eat on an empty stomach, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream faster, making you feel the effects more quickly. This can lead to a higher level of intoxication that inhibits judgement and increases risk of injury.
The body uses certain nutrients when it breaks down alcohol, but restricting calories limits the amount of nutrients available in the body. The combination of drinking and not eating enough can increases risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Other physical risks of drunkorexia include blackouts, alcohol poisoning and stomach irritation.
Make sure that you are keeping yourself healthy and safe by eating balanced meals throughout the day, especially when you are planning on drinking later. Finding a balance of healthy food and physical activity — not skipping meals — will help prevent weight gain associated with alcohol consumption.
(11/05/18 11:15pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Gluten has caused a surprising amount of controversy in recent years. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, it is found in grains, including wheat, barley and rye, and acts like a “glue” that keeps dough elastic.
For people with celiac disease, their bodies recognize gluten as a dangerous pathogen and launches an immune response. The response damages the small intestine, which overtime prevents the body from absorbing nutrients from food properly, according to The New York Times.
There is no medication or treatment for celiac disease. The only way to manage it is through a strict gluten-free diet.
According to Forbes, as of January of last year, around 3.1 million Americans followed a gluten free diet. However, not all of these consumers suffer from celiac disease. Seventy-two percent are classified as non-celiac disease people who avoid gluten.
The number of people following a gluten-free diet has tripled since 2009, while the prevalence of celiac disease remains the same. Many people consider themselves sensitive to gluten and report a link between eating gluten and experiencing symptoms including headaches, a foggy mind and joint pain, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
While there are no particular health benefits to a gluten-free diet, there is nothing wrong with avoiding gluten if it makes you feel healthier. However, there are potential downsides to be aware of as mentioned in The New York Times.
There is a limited number of commercially-prepared gluten-free products and, in order to replicate the texture and taste of their gluten-containing counterparts, these products often contain higher levels of saturated fat, sugar, sodium and lower levels of protein — these ingredients, when eaten in high amounts, can be unhealthy substitutes for traditional wheat products.
Gluten-free products also tend to be lower in important vitamins and minerals like folic acid and iron because they do not contain enriched wheat. However, some gluten-free grains, including quinoa, rice and corn can be good sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fiber.
While it is important to feel good from what you eat, it is also important to ensure that you’re getting the necessary nutrients from your diet. Searching for healthier substitutes is one way to be conscious of what you’re eating and maintaining a balanced diet.
(10/30/18 4:51am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Since early September, students at Johns Hopkins University and Lehigh University have been facing outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease, according to The Wall Street Journal. As of Oct. 19, Johns Hopkins reported more than 100 cases and Lehigh reported 116. Princeton University has also seen eight cases.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that starts with a fever, sore throat and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After one to two days, it causes a skin rash of small, red spots on the palms, knees, elbows as well as painful blisters in the mouth and back of the throat.
According to the CDC, the disease is easily spread because there is a period when a carrier of the virus has not developed symptoms yet, but is already contagious. The disease is caused by a subgroup of viruses called enteroviruses. They are spread through bodily fluids, including saliva, mucus, stool and fluid from the mouth sores.
While there are no reported cases of HFMD at the College, it is good practice to follow these tips from Johns Hopkins University to prevent the spread of any virus: wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, avoid close contact with anyone who is sick and avoid sharing drinks, utensils or chapstick with anybody, even if they do not seem sick. If you start to feel sick, minimize contact with other people and avoid crowded events.
(10/23/18 12:25am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
The week of Oct. 7 to Oct. 13 marked the 28th annual Mental Health Awareness Week. Critical for a person’s overall health and well-being, mental health refers to conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling or mood.
Mental health is a prevalent issue for college students, as 75 percent of young adults develop chronic mental health conditions by age 24, according to National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The college transition can be stressful since it involves a lot of changes, such as living with a roommate, being away from home and getting used to having a heavier workload. It can also be a challenge to manage a pre-existing mental health condition in a new environment. However, there are resources available to all students at the College that help students maintain their mental health.
Counseling and Psychological Services provides group counseling sessions and short term individual counseling sessions. It also has workshops specific to issues that students face, including anxiety, family functioning and sexual identity. CAPS will also help you find off-campus services if you want longer individual counseling. CAPS is located in Eickhoff Hall Room 107 and is open Monday through Friday.
At the TCNJ Clinic, graduate student interns provide low-cost counseling services under the supervision of licensed professionals. The services are available to the College’s students and faculty, as well as members of the surrounding community. The TCNJ Clinic is located in Forcina Hall Room 124 and is open Monday through Thursday.
The Center for Mindfulness and Compassion hosts 30-minute drop-in meditation sessions in the Spiritual Center that can help ease stress. These sessions run on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Remember that mental health is just as important as your physical health, and don’t hesitate to use the resources available to you.
(10/09/18 2:25am)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
More than 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. They are a convenient way to correct vision problems without the hassle and appearance of glasses, but when you do not properly take care of them, they can cause eye infections.
Minor infections can cause discomfort and redness, while more serious infections can cause long term damage to your eyes, including vision loss.
To minimize the risk of contact lens-related infection, closely follow all instructions from your eye doctor and use these tips from the Centers for Disease Control.
Don’t sleep with your contacts in, unless your eye doctor directed you to do so. People often sleep with their contacts in to save money or because they forget to take them out, which a lot of broke and stressed college students might also be tempted to do.
Sleeping with your contacts in is not worth the risk, as it significantly increases your risk of infection. The lens traps bacteria against your eye, so it is important to give your eyes a break, especially during the night when less oxygen is getting to your cornea.
Always use fresh contact lens solution in your case. “Topping off” old or used solution with new solution reduces its effectiveness and cleaning power. Always wash your hands with soap and water before changing your contacts.
Avoid wearing your contacts while you swim or shower. Germs from the water cling to the lens and can cause serious eye infections.
Follow these habits and contact your eye doctor with any questions to keep your eyes healthy and free of infection.
(10/02/18 3:43pm)
By Anna Kellaher
Columnist
Urinary tract infections are a very common issue, especially among women. Not only are these common infections uncomfortable, but they can cause big problems for your body when left untreated.
Research suggests that anywhere between 40 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI within their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
UTIs refer to bacteria invading any part of the urinary tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most are limited to your bladder, however, the infection can “climb” up the urinary tract to the kidneys. Kidney infection is a serious issue, because kidneys play a critical role in filtering out toxins and excess fluid from the blood.
You can prevent urinary tract infections by following a few easy recommendations from the Mayo Clinic. Drink plenty of water to clear bacteria from the bladder quickly. For women, always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and urinate after having intercourse. This prevents bacteria from entering other areas from entering the urinary tract.
If you do develop a UTI, it is important to recognize the symptoms in order to get treatment right away. You may experience a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, pelvic pain or urine that is cloudy or has an unusual odor. If you experience a fever, chills, nausea and pain in your upper back or sides, this could be a sign that the infection has spread to your kidneys, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
If you think that you may have a UTI, go to Student Health Services, a local health clinic or your primary care provider. Infections are commonly treated with antibiotics, which require a prescription.