Health Hints
Student Center 112
You are responsible for your mind and body.
A neglected body can cause poor health,
lowered resistance to illness, and reduced ability
to concentrate. A healthy body results when you
get a good night’s sleep almost every day, eat a
well-balanced diet, and get regular exercise.
SELECT FROM THE FIVE FOOD GROUPS
EVERY DAY
Choose meals that are low in fats, sugar (and sugar
substitutes), and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains. Follow the FDA’s Food Guide Pyramid for
recommended servings.
PLAN DAILY EXERCISE
Walk or jog to class. Park in a distant lot and walk further
than you have to. Take a gym class, take the stairs, and swim
during Common Hour. Locate the track: once around equals
1/4 mile.
ALLOW TIME FOR FUN
Playtime is not optional; it is a must for good mental health.
Leave some time each day to have some fun. Be adventuresome! Learn to laugh at yourself – nobody’s perfect.
THINK POSITIVELY
Eliminate failure words like “I can’t,” “I don’t,” “I never,” and
“I should.” Substitute “I will,” “I can,” and “I want.”
REDUCE YOUR STRESS
Identify stress factors in your life and talk over solutions
with a friend, counselor, teacher, the health nurse, etc.
Everyone needs a listener.
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
See a doctor if after seven days a nasal or throat discharge
persists, if you have ear, neck or sinus pain, or if you have
an elevated temperature (above 100.5° F) for more than
two days.
Sore Throat:
Soreness lasting seven days or elevated temperature for
more than two days may be strep throat. See your doctor
for a throat culture. Antibiotics can be helpful.
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea:
If there is no improvement in 48 hours or there is persistent
severe pain in the abdominal area that lasts more than six
hours, see a doctor.
Headache:
Headaches can be serious if there is severe pain in the neck
area and an elevated temperature.
Injury of Bone or Muscle:
Injuries are serious if swelling and pain increase despite
using R.I.C.E., or if bone or muscle is exposed, indicating
serious injury.
Head Injury:
If there is loss of consciousness or if ongoing episodes of
vomiting or confusion lasting more than 3-4 minutes occur,
see a physician
WHAT SELF CARE IS APPROPRIATE
The Common Cold
Symptoms start slowly: sneezing, runny nose, headache,
sore throat, cough, a temperature below 101° F.
Colds last 7-10 days.
What should you do? Drink at least16 eight-ounce glasses
of liquids in 24 hours. Take a steamy shower or bath.
Let your body heal itself – avoid over-the-counter
medications.
Flu
It starts abruptly. Symptoms may be identical to a cold,
but add weakness, aches, pains, and a temperature over
100° F. The flu lasts a week or more. Treat it as you would a
cold. You may take a pain reliever, but remember aspirin
and aspirin substitutes are not a cure.
Antibiotics do not cure colds or flu.
SELF-TREATMENT
Coughs:
Suck on hard candy or throat lozenges to relieve
discomfort.
Nausea,Vomiting, Diarrhea:
Suck on ice cubes or hard candy for the first few hours, then
try sips of water, tea, and clear soup. Add Saltines, juice, and
fruits to your diet progressively. Avoid all fats.
Headache:
Often tension or allergy-related and may be relieved with
pain relievers and sleep.
Injury of Bone or Muscle:
How do you remember what to do? Think R-I-C-E.
Rest it. Do not use the injured area.
Ice it. Ice lessens bleeding into the injured area.
Compress it. Compression limits swelling.
Elevate it. Elevation limits pain and swelling.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE
As a student at the college you are covered for most
accidents by a mandated Student Accident National
Policy. Go to your own doctor or an emergency room for
treatment. Report all incidents to the Health Service.
REPORT ALL INJURIES PROMPTLY
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU OVERDO
Have you worked too hard, played too hard, eaten too
much, drank too much, or studied too much? Occasionally
you may overdo it. If you’re feeling under the weather, try
the following: before getting out of bed, stretch and take
deep breaths. Reach for the ceiling as you walk around the
room. Shower, dress, and eat a breakfast of fruit, whole
grains, and drink a tall glass of juice or water.
HEALTH RISKS CAN BE MODIFIED
Diet, exercise, and a positive attitude can help.
BE AN OPTIMIST
Bad habits increase risk: stop smoking, drug use, and
excessive alcohol consumption.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
• Insurance – Student Accident Policy
(mandatory)
Reliance National
(voluntary)
• Illness – Reporting
• Withdrawals – Class and College
• Health Counseling
• Weight and B/P Monitoring
• First Aid
• Over-the-Counter Medications (Free)
• Cots for Resting
• Health Resource Materials
• A confidential shoulder to cry on
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases will be treated in
confidence, free of charge, at all area hospital
emergency rooms.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
The Health Service is located in Room 112, Student Center.
914-606-6610
HOURS:
8:30 am – 8:30 pm, Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday
Janice Gilroy, R.N., M.A., Coordinator
Mary Barden, R.N.
HOTLINE NUMBERS IN (914) AREA
On Campus Emergency Number ........................................6911
Police/Ambulance .......................................................................911
Poison Control ......................................................1-800-222-1222
Rape Crisis Hotline ...........................................................345-9111
Suicide Hotline ..................................................................946-0121
AIDS Hotline ..............................................................800-342-2437
Alcoholics Anonymous...................................................949-1200
Alanon, Alateen, ACOA...................................................946-1748
Child Abuse Reporting ..........................................800-342-3720
Abused Spouse Reporting............................................997-1010
Substance Abuse Reporting.........................................285-5258
If you have any questions, please call ext. 6610.
Thank you,
Janice Gilroy, R.N., M.A.,
Coordinator
8/11