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Self-Care Guide

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Animal Bites & Bat Exposures

Domestic pets are the source of most non-insect animal bites. Dogs are more likely to bite than cats. However, cat bites are more likely to cause infection. Human bites are the most dangerous of mammalian bites.

TreatmentWash the bite area with soap and water. If the skin is torn or if bleeding persists, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and seek medical help. Determine if the animal has a current rabies vaccination or, if a stray, try to contain animal until Animal Control (319-356-5295) can capture and confine the animal for observation.

Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common disorders in the United States, and about 80 percent of people have at least one episode of lower back pain in their lifetime. Factors that increase our risk of developing lower back pain include smoking, obesity, physically strenuous work, sedentary work, a stressful job, anxiety or depression, female gender, or older age. Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although it may take several weeks for the back pain to disappear completely, you should see improvement within the first 3 days of self-care.

Burns

CausesContact with thermal (hot or cold), radiation, electrical, or chemical agents. TypesSuperficial-Outer layer of skin only. Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Does not blister. Partial thickness-Deeper. Blisters, swelling, and pain. Full thickness-All layers of skin. Charred or white skin. May be lack of pain if nerve damage-otherwise, severe pain. TreatmentSuperficial - Cool the burned area with water. Apply lotion, cream or aloe. Do not use ointments. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Partial thickness - Cool as above. No cream or ointment. Protect blisters with dry sterile or clean cloth. See a health care provider immediately.

Common Cold

CausesMore than 200 different viral strains cause the common cold. Colds are spread by hand-to-hand contact, breathing in the virus, or by touching infected surfaces and transferring the virus to your nose, eyes, or mouth. SymptomsSymptoms of a common cold can last for up to 2 weeks. They include the following:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Coughing
Watery eyes
Mild headache
Mild body aches
Low grade fever
TreatmentAntibiotics do not work for the common cold or other illnesses caused by viruses. Over the counter medications may provide relief for symptoms.

Depression

Depression affects more than 17 million people a year and is common among college populations. You may frequently hear someone say, "I'm depressed," but clinical depression differs in many ways from a sad mood. It lasts longer (at least two weeks) and affects more than just one's mood. It is not something that you can just "snap out of. "

Symptoms of clinical depression usually begin by early adulthood.

Drinking Responsibly

Having a hangover after a night of drinking is a sign you had too much. Unfortunately, the only cure for a hangover is time. There is no other way to remove the alcohol from your system. PreventionStay hydrated by alternating one glass of water in between each drink. Eat before drinking. Limit drinks to one per hour. (One drink = 12-oz. can of beer, or 4-oz. glass of wine, or 1-oz. hard liquor in a shot or mixed drink)
Healthy drinkers. . .

Exercise

Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It improves physical health, mental health, and reduces the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis later in life. Staying physically active can help pave the way towards a healthier, happier life!

How much physical activity do I need?To promote optimal health and quality of life, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association (2007) recommend that adults engage in both cardiovascular activity and strength-training activity.

Fever

A temperature between 37. 5 and 38. 0 degrees C (98. 7-100. 4 degrees F) is sometimes considered a "low-grade" fever. Usually, this isn't a cause for concern and you do not need to see a healthcare provider unless it persists for 3 or more days. However, you should follow the treatment instructions below. CausesInfection, viral illness, or no apparent reason

TreatmentRest several times during the day, and rest at least 8 hours at night. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids such as water or juice per day.

Flu

CausesInfluenza or “the flu” is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through the coughing and sneezing of infected persons. SymptomsAdults can be infectious from the day before symptoms begin through approximately 7 days after illness onset. Symptoms generally resolve after 7-10 days, although cough and fatigue can persist for greater than 2 weeks.

Headaches

Although uncomfortable and temporarily disabling, most headaches are not associated with serious illness. CausesInfections such as influenza, sinus infection, ear infection; neck muscle strain, eye muscle strain; exposure to noise; metabolic changes such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, menstruation, lack of sleep, heat exhaustion; tension from stressful situations; foods, allergies, medications; high blood pressure; head trauma, alcohol use. TreatmentRelieve acute pain and remove any obvious causes. Limited use of non-prescription pain relievers. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a fever or hangover. Rest and quiet. Treat any allergy or infection.

Insect Bite or Sting

Symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other agents into the skin. A minor bite causes a bump that may itch for a few hours, then disappears over several days. If the venom is potent (such as from certain spiders and scorpions) or if you are hypersensitive to the venom, the entire body may react. Tick bites may also be dangerous. TreatmentRemove bee stingers in a way that will not inject more venom. Apply a cold wet cloth, ice, or a paste of baking soda and water to reduce pain.

Minor Wound Care

DefinitionA wound occurs when the skin is broken. A minor wound typically does not need medical treatment; it is one that is small and sufficiently clean so that the edges can be easily approximated using tape. TreatmentWash your hands well so that you do not further contaminate the wound. Wash area well with warm soapy water for about 60 seconds or longer, making certain that dirt and foreign bodies are removed. Rinse well with tepid water. Blot dry with a 4 x 4 gauze. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, is optional.

Pink Eye

"Pink eye", or conjunctivitis, is defined as an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that lines the inside surface of the eyelids and the sclera (the white part) of the eye. The most common symptoms are red eye and discharge. There are 4 main types of conjunctivitis: bacterial, viral, allergic, and non-specific. Most cases of conjunctivitis are viral in adults and children.

Viral Conjunctivitis
Symptoms frequently get worse for the first 3-5 days with gradual improvement over the next 1-2 weeks.

Rash

Rashes are common conditions that usually are not life-threatening or contagious. Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin; it usually appears as swollen, reddened, and itchy skin. Although dermatitis is non-threatening to us, it can make us feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. There are several types of dermatitis but the most common form is contact dermatitis, a rash that results from either contact with an allergen or after frequent exposure to a mild irritant such as detergent. TreatmentMost simple rashes will improve with gentle skin care and avoiding irritating substances.

Sexual Health

If you are a woman who is sexually active or over twenty-one years of age, obtain a Pap smear and pelvic exam at least every two years. Abstinence from intercourse is the best protection against pregnancy or contracting a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV infection. If you choose to abstainChoices about how, when, and where to express your sexuality are your own. Intimacy can include physical closeness, which may or may not include sexual intercourse. The choice to have intimacy without intercourse is one that many men and women are making today for well-thought-out reasons.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence can affect anyone. It is estimated that in the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Over 80 percent of the time, the victim/survivor knows the offender (National Institute of Justice). Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a variety of physical and emotional responses following the abuse. Common reactions
Common reactions to an assault include numbness, denial, confusion, anger, disbelief, and fear.

Sleep Problems

Along with good nutrition and exercise, sleep provides a foundation for managing day-to-day hassles and functioning at our best. Most people need a minimum of seven hours for good functioning--and not many of us get what we need on a consistent basis. According to an American College Health article, sleepiness is implicated in over 35% of motor vehicle fatalities. We only function at 50-70% efficiency without adequate sleep. We are more likely to waste time re-reading text or making silly mistakes when studying, taking a test, or working. At times, periods of too little sleep are probably unavoidable.

Sore Throat

CausesViral infections such as flu, colds, or mononucleosis (mono); bacterial infections such as strep; allergies; irritants such as smoke, vocal stress, or coughing. TreatmentRest, salt water gargles (1 tsp. salt in glass of warm water), acetaminophen or ibuprofen, throat lozenges. Avoid irritating substances. If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary; but if the cause is viral, antibiotics will not help. If sore throat lasts more than 48 hours or if you see white spots on your throat, see a healthcare provider. To make an appointment at Student Health, call 319-335-8394.

Sprains

CauseSudden twisting injury to a joint. TreatmentRest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R. I. C. E. )

RestAvoid using the joint, especially for weight-bearing activities; use crutches for ankle or knee sprains. IceApply ice packs or cold compresses the first 24 to 48 hours after your injury. After 48 hours, switch to a hot pack (such as a small towel immersed in hot water and put in plastic bag and covered by another small towel). CompressionWrap joint such as knee or ankle with elastic bandage; splint fingers to immobilize them.

Stomach Pain

Almost everyone experiences a “stomach ache” at one time or another. Most of the causes of such abdominal pain are not serious and can be easily treated at home. On the other hand, it is important for us to be able to recognize symptoms that require us to see a doctor. There are multiple causes for stomach pain that include but are not limited to indigestion, constipation, menstrual cramps, food poisoning, gas, ulcers, kidney stones, or appendicitis.

Stress

College is a stressful time. Learning to manage stress before it manages you will help you enjoy your college experience while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Building your stress management skillsThe foundation of good stress management is formed by three everyday healthy habits:eating right, getting enough sleep, and being physically active. It's easy to fall into the trap of staying up late or pulling all-nighters to study, but it's not very helpful. We only function at 50-70% efficiency without adequate sleep (7 hours nightly for most people) and are much less able to deal with stressful situations.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract, which includes your bladder and kidneys, and multiplies in the urine. Most UTIs are bladder infections and affect women more than men. Women experience more UTIs because women have shorter urethras, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel. Although urinary tract infections can be painful, prescribed medicine can eliminate the pain within 1-2 days and can keep your urinary tract infection from becoming a more serious threat such as a kidney infection.