Section A·Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Monday, March 16, 1998
Safer tanning? I don't think so!
Every year at this time numerous college students look forward to basking in the sun on the beach or on the ski slopes over spring break. Although the bronze complexion may appear healthier, people who worship the sun are causing long term damage to their skin and are putting themselves at risk for skin cancer.
Research has proven that ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB, cause premature aging and skin cancer. Each year over 800,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer. The majority of those cases occur on sun damaged skin.
As college students, you probably won't see the damage from tanning for some years, but eventually you will see wrinkles, sagging skin, sun spots and maybe even skin cancer. You would think that would scare people so they wouldn't go out into the sun. But it doesn't.
So if you cannot avoid going out in the sun, you need to take steps to protect yourself :
- Choose a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Also, look for waterproof or water-resistant screens.
- Look for sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreens 30 to 45 minutes before exposure.
- The sun is the strongest between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., so frequently generously apply sunscreen.
- Wear protective clothing.A baseball cap will help protect your face.Also shield your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use some form of protection on your lips. Look for lip balms that contain SPF.
Doc Talk Avoiding food/drink illness during travel
Contaminated food or drink can be major sources of stomach and intestinal illnesses for students traveling outside the United States for Spring Break. If you are one of those students traveling to a country that has poor sanitation, Dr. Robert Brown, one of the physicians at Watkins Health Center, offers this advice:
- Only drink beverages that are bottled or canned.
- Brush your teeth only with bottled water.
- Ice in drinks should be avoided. It might be made from unsafe water.
- Food should be selected with care. Foods of particular concern include: sala publication of The Department of Health Promotion and Education Watkins Health Center / The University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS 66045-8830/785.864.9500 an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer web site://www.ukans.edu/home/watkins e-mail: healthyjayhawk@ukans.edu
- Food should be selected with care. Foods of particular concern include. salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, unpasteurized milk and milk products, raw meat, and shellfish. If you peel fruit yourself, it is generally safe.
- Avoid buying food from street vendors. Choose establishments that appear safe.
If you are traveling abroad and need more information regarding food contamination, Watkins Health Center can assist you.Call 864-9507 to make an appointment.
Health center awarded HIV program grant
The Department of Health Promotion and Education at Watkins Health Center has received a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to develop an HIV risk-reduction program for female college students. The program will be conducted in residence halls, but all women attending The University of Kansas are welcome to participate.
There will be a series of 5 programs held throughout the semester and participants will be encouraged to attend the entire series. Each program will last 30-45 minutes and will focus on HIV education for women. A variety of related topics including sexually transmitted diseases, relationships, self esteem, and alcohol will be incorporated into the series of programs.
Women will walk away with a heightened awareness about campus and community resources for HIV, knowledge about healthy behaviors, communication skills for a healthy relationship, increased awareness about alcohol and its impact on sexual activities, and the ability to protect themselves from the virus. The programs will be presented by Department of Health Promotion and Education staff and other health professionals in the community.
In addition to being informative, the programs will be both fun and interactive. An incentive system will be set up to encourage participation and refreshments will be provided at all programs.
Women are increasingly becoming affected by HIV. Approximately 42% of the 21.8 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide are women. According to the Global AIDS Policy Coalition, if current trends continue, 60-70 million adults will have been infected with HIV by the end of the year. These statistics clearly demonstrate the need for more HIV education for women of all ages.
If you are have questions about the programs or would like to be involved with the grant, please contact Katy Ferrarini, Project Coordinator, at 864-9577.
Medical Tips for Spring Break
Heading out of town for Spring Break? Be prepared! The following are important medical documents and information you should have with you in the event of an unfortunate injury or illness:
Health Insurance Identification Card
-If traveling to other countries, check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered.
Personal Health Record
Vaccination history
—Any special information that may be useful to doctors should you get sick
A list of medications you're currently taking
—A list of medication allergies
Telephone numbers of organizations that supply medical referrals and advise you on what to do once you've been hospitalized when traveling abroad.
U. S.State Department Citizens' Emergency Center (202)647-5225.
—International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers - IAMAT (716)754-4883.
—International SOS (800) 523-8930
If you are traveling abroad and need more medical information, Watkins Health Center can assist you.Call 864-9507 to make an appointment with a health care provider.
REGULAR HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Saturday 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.
Sunday 12:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
URGENT CARE
URGENT CARE (additional charge without appointment)
Monday-Friday after 4:30 p.m.
Saturday after 11:30 a.m.
Sunday all day
PHARMACY REGULAR HOURS
Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Interim Director: James Boyle, M.S. / Chief of Staff: Randall W. Rock, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Department of Health Promotion and Education
Candyce M. Waitley, R.N.C., Coordinator / Julie Francis, B.S.Ed., Health Educator / Deb Howes, B.A., C.H.E.S., Health Educator, Beak HEALTHY Editor
Ann Chapman, M.S., R.D. / Aimee Foppe, Coordinator, The Center for Peer Health Promotion / Tim Brownlee, B.A., Webmaster
Kansan Promotions Director: Andee Tomlin / Kansan Account Executive: Justin Allen