Health Center

Get outside on these sunny winter days and let your skin absorb a little sunshine.  We need some sun in the winter months to make and store vitamin D, which health experts say is associated with decreased mood, bone health, and more.  No need to sunbathe – all you need to do is roll up your sleeves a little as you walk across campus.  Stay well!

Here are 10 tips from the Health Center for safe travelling:

1. Before you leave home, make sure that you have the address and phone number of your destination (and, for foreign travel, your embassy). Make sure that you know the laws of the state or country you are visiting.

2. If you intend to travel around the state or country you are visiting, plan your itinerary. Give a copy of your travel plans to your family, and include hotel phone numbers.

3. Photocopy documents before you go, and carry these with you when you are out. Leave your original passport and documents in the hotel safe.

4. Only carry a daily cash allowance on your person. Leave the rest of your cash in your hotel or room safe. Only take one or two credit cards on your trip, and always leave one of them in the hotel safe. Check that you know what to do if one is lost or stolen, and take the credit card company contact details with you.

5. Always use well lit main roads when walking at night time. If you use a cab (taxi), then only use registered ones (they will usually have a plaque on their license plate). Do not accept rides from unmarked cars. If you are using public transport at night, make sure you know the route. If possible use taxis (cabs) that you or your hotel has booked.

6. When in a bar or club, never leave your drink unattended. Do not accept drinks from strangers. Often, bottled drinks are best, as you can keep your thumb over the top of the bottle, which will help to make sure that no drugs can be added to it.

7. For foreign travel, know the emergency number in the country you are visiting.  (For example in the UK the emergency number is 999.) 

8. Do not wear an expensive watch or jewelry when you are out. Keep them in the hotel safe, or better still, leave them at home. If you have an expensive mobile phone, consider taking a cheap one away with you.

 

9. Carry enough small change (local currency) to use in a public phone if needed, or public transport. Many buses will only accept the correct fare, and will not give change.

10. Check that any medication you need to take regularly is available. If you have to travel with your medication, keep it in the original prescription bottle.

Finally, be aware of your surroundings, and use your common sense. Do not act in ways that you would not act when at home.  Enjoy your trip!

Dont’ forget to get your flu shot.  They are available at the Health Center for $20.  The CDC recommends that anyone with a medical condition, and thier roomates, partners, etc., get an annual flu vaccine.

Now is the time to make a plan to quit smoking.  Help is available at the Health Center – a partnership has been shown to increase success.  Come to Walk-in clinic on Monday mornings or call for Same Day Appointment on Tuesdays to talk to a Nurse Practitioner about ways to be a successful quitter!

Flu shots will be available for students at the Health Center starting Monday, 10/27/08.  Cost: $20.  No appointment needed.  (Tip: avoid clinic and appointment hours to decrease waiting time)

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