UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre

Are you ready for your flu shot?

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:30:41 +0000

Every fall, Canadians are confronted with two dilemmas – what to do with all the falling leaves and whether or not they should get the seasonal flu shot.

With the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 still fresh in our minds and the sound of coughing already echoing in U of L hallways, influenza vaccine will again be made available on campus for interested students, staff and faculty.

Unlike previous years, the Alberta government has provincially funded all vaccine this year, so there is no cost to anyone interested in getting the vaccine.

Flu clinics will start around campus after the Thanksgiving weekend. We are currently waiting for the vaccine to become available and will announce the first on-campus vaccine clinics through the Notice Board, U-Weekly, UNews and campus digital signage.

The on-campus clinics will be held for those aged 17 to 70, except for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who must go to the public health unit for their vaccine.

This particular vaccine protects against three strains of flu virus including an H1N1-like flu strain. More information on the vaccines will be forthcoming.

It may be the right time to begin the discussion with your family about the need for a flu shot.

Lori Weber is a registered nurse and manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mobilizes to inform campus community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:27:55 +0000

Be FLUless Not Clueless! Influenza A H1N1 is no joke!

This is the launch of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's awareness and preparedness plan to students and staff. Various departments across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ have been working diligently, collaboratively and collectively over the last few months in response to the potential spread of H1N1. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's position is that it is better to be proactive than to wait for something to happen and subsequently be reactive.

Senior administration is in full support of the H1N1 plan and has invested in the acquisition of hand sanitizer units that are presently being installed in many of the common areas across campus. The health and well-being of students and staff is of paramount importance and hopefully with the provision of hand sanitizing stations, education and continual communication, this will assist in minimizing the impact of H1N1 should it resurface as anticipated during the fall and winter months.

You have probably noted some hand sanitizers on stands that have sprung up over campus recently. In addition to this, there are approximately 300 wall mount units that the Facilities department is working hard to install.

The Health Centre, Internal Audit, Wellness and Risk and Safety Services have jointly promoted the placement of desktop hand sanitizer pumps at many of the reception desks across campus. Students in residence and the resident assistants are receiving a complimentary hand pocket sanitizer to promote the message that "healthy hands" is one way to prevent the spread of infection. There will also be complimentary pocket size bottles available at new student orientation.

Education and awareness is hugely important in the H1N1 preparedness plan and Lori Weber, manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre, and Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator of Wellness, are busy with students and staff conducting H1N1 awareness and preparedness sessions. Risk and Safety Services is also assisting in this initiative in the student internship and practicum orientations. We are working as a team and getting the word out to all, including the deans, faculty, students and staff.

The H1N1 Communication plan will incorporate messaging through all available communication mediums such as UNews, the U of L home page, posters and pamphlets, digital signage, Notice Board announcements, Twitter and e-mail. Both Information Technology and Communications have been instrumental in the implementation of this plan and a dedicated website has been launched which can be viewed at the following link: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/h1n1/. This site will be updated regularly.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's medical crisis committee will be meeting regularly to address our response to H1N1 to ensure continuity and consistency in our proactive approach to this pandemic situation that has the potential to adversely affect our community.

In addition to this, Anne Baxter of Risk and Safety Services is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's representative for the post-secondary pandemic liaison group that Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Health and Wellness and Advanced Education and Technology (co-chair) have established.

This committee's purpose is to assist institutions with pandemic planning and ensure that consistent communication, policies and procedures are developed across the publicly funded post-secondary system.

Be Fluless, Not Clueless

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:53:29 +0000

As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community, the U of L's Medical Crisis Team has developed a self-reporting tool (H1N1 Influenza Illness Registry) for students and employees who are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This is another initiative to assist in minimizing the impact of H1N1 on the U of L campus.

The information gathered by the H1N1 Influenza Illness Registry will be utilized to assist the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in implementing the necessary actions regarding H1N1on campus and to ensure that pro-active measures are in place to minimize the impact on ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ operations.

The Registry does not replace the terms and conditions of the Faculty Handbook, the APO Manual, the Exempt Support Staff Manual or the AUPE Collective Agreement. Employees will still be required to notify their immediate supervisors that they are ill with flu-like symptoms. The registry is a voluntary tool that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is asking employees to utilize.

As the medical system will be under heavy usage in this situation, the application of doctor's notes for personal illness and for illness within immediate families for flu-like symptoms, as outlined on the H1N1 website, will not be required. Any questions that people may have regarding the reporting of their personal circumstances can be addressed through their supervisor and Human Resources.

For further updates, continue to monitor the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's H1N1 Influenza website at: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/h1n1

Take these Everyday Steps to Protect Your Health

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, try to sneeze into clothing or the crook of your elbow.

2) Throw tissues carefully in the trash. Avoid public spitting of mucous and respiratory secretions.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are not obviously soiled, hand sanitizer is a good second choice to clean hands.

4) Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Your hands may have touched something recently and germs spread quickly in the moist tissues of the face.

5) Perform extra cleaning of common surfaces at home or at school. Having cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a good idea.

6) Prepare to stay home for a week or so should you become ill.

7) If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your fever has subsided (except if you are in need of medical care). Try to protect the people you live with by staying separate from them, wearing a mask or extra cleaning.

8) For more information, see the following websites: www.albertahealthservices.ca; www.cdc.gov; www.fightflu.ca; www.publichealth.gc.ca

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ urges 'Be Fluless, Not Clueless'

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:03:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is urging students, staff and faculty to 'Be Fluless, Not Clueless' this fall as it deals with the spectre of Influenza A H1N1.

The campaign is designed to inform members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community on how to first avoid getting the flu and then, should they become ill, what to do and where to go to seek treatment. The Influenza A H1N1 concern is real and the U of L is taking the situation very seriously as it looks to head off the virus. The latest information and advice, compiled in consultation with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre and Alberta Health Services, offers the best protection.

Sept. 2, 2009 UPDATE

Classes and activities at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are operating as normal. We continue to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation and the directives set forth by Alberta Health Services. As this is a potentially serious situation and we value highly the health of our students, staff and faculty, representatives from throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community will continue to meet regularly to assess any ongoing developments. Associate Vice-President (Human Resources and Administration) Don MacDonald leads our campus team and can be contacted by calling 403-329-2276 or through e-mail at don.macdonald2@uleth.ca.

Take these Everyday Steps to Protect Your Health

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, try to sneeze into clothing or the crook of your elbow.

2) Throw tissues carefully in the trash. Avoid public spitting of mucous and respiratory secretions.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are not obviously soiled, hand sanitizer is a good second choice to clean hands.

4) Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Your hands may have touched something recently and germs spread quickly in the moist tissues of the face.

5) Perform extra cleaning of common surfaces at home or at school. Having cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a good idea.

6) Prepare to stay home for a week or so should you become ill.

7) If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your fever has subsided (except if you are in need of medical care). Try to protect the people you live with by staying separate from them, wearing a mask or extra cleaning.

8) For more information, see the following websites: www.albertahealthservices.ca; www.cdc.gov; www.fightflu.ca; www.publichealth.gc.ca

Seeking Medical Care - What should I do if I get sick?

Call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484 BEFORE coming in with influenza symptoms.

Centre for Disease Control recommends:

If you become ill with influenza-type symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting, you should stay home (except to seek medical care) and avoid contact with other people.
CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided - typically this is 6 to 7 days after your initial symptoms. If you have taken an over-the counter medication to reduce your fever, you should wait 24 to 48 hours AFTER your fever is naturally gone with OTC meds.

If you have mild influenza-type symptoms, the typical course of the illness is 3 days of aches and pains, leading up to sore throat, cough and fever. On approximately the 4th day, the immune system begins to recognize the virus and begins the process of eliminating it. At this point, you should start feeling a little better. For mild cases, you would report your illness to your supervisor/professor/school and then return 24 to 48 hours after your fever has subsided. If you need to see a doctor, call the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre at 403-329-2484 to discuss your situation. Health Centre staff will ask you to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask before entering the Health Centre.

SEVERE SYMPTOMS

If you become ill and experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
These symptoms include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worsening cough (worsening of symptoms).

For a look at a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the FAQ section of the Alberta Health Services website.

Learning to snack the right way

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:27:46 +0000

Canadians eat 60 per cent of their daily calories from snacks. If you choose wisely, healthy snacks help control appetite, cravings and give you an energy boost. Be aware of portion size no matter what snack you choose.

Little changes make a big difference

• Pretzels (30 ml/100 calories) instead of corn chips (30 ml / 150 calories) saves 50 calories

• Low fat microwave popcorn (250 ml/70 calories) instead of buttered (250 ml/140 calories) saves 70 calories

• Frozen yogurt (125 ml/115 calories) instead of ice cream (125 ml/349 calories) saves 234 calories

Plan for success

• Buy healthy snacks when grocery shopping. It's easy to stay on track if you have them available.

• People are less likely to pack healthy foods in the morning rush, so plan and pack snacks each night for the next day. Packing healthy snacks with you helps avoid impulse decisions to purchase low nutrient/high calorie snacks. It's also less expensive.

• Eat no more than 40g of sugar a day (not including natural sugar (fructose) found in whole fruit) – read labels to see where sugar is hidden in foods.

• Compare nutrition information labels to choose the best snacks for you. Look for brands lower in fat and salt, and higher in fibre.

• Portion snacks out before you start eating. It's harder to keep track of how much you've eaten and easier to overeat when you eat right from the bag or box.

• Vegetables and fruits have no labels and always make a great snack! Each day, at least one of your snacks should include vegetables and fruit.

Diane Britton is available for individual nutrition consultations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre (403-329-2484)

Don't let fast food slow you down

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:23:33 +0000

MONTHLY FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG

When eating out a few small changes can make a big difference around your waist.

• Order sauces or dressings on the side and use sparingly
• Switch from iced tea and pop to milk or water
• Be menu lingo savvy; order grilled, broiled, baked or steamed items
• Order small or kids sized items
• Share high calorie foods with a friend or take half home for another day
• Ask the restaurant for their nutrition information. This is often posted on their web site and you can plan ahead what you are going to order to ensure you make a smart choice.

But do these changes really make a difference? Let's compare.

Choose:

• Small fries (210 calories) instead of a large fries (610 calories) and save 400 calories!

• A small hamburger (280 calories) instead of a large hamburger (590 calories) and save 310 calories!

• A non-fat latte and hold the whip cream (500 ml/160 calories) instead of a full fat latte with whipping cream (500 ml /400 calories) and save 240 calories!

• 1% chocolate milk (250 ml /158 calories) instead of a bottle of pop (591 ml /260 calories) and save 102 calories!

• A baked potato with low fat sour cream (187 calories) instead of fries (450 calories) and save 263 calories!

• Skip the special sauce, mayonnaise or bacon and save 20-180 calories!

DID YOU KNOW

By eating 100-300 calories less per day you could lose 10 to 30 pounds in a year? It all comes down to smart choices and small changes.

Diane Britton is available for individual nutrition consultations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre (403-329-2484).

The health 'perks' of coffee

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:48:54 +0000

Moderate coffee drinkers (2-3 cups/day) live longer

According to recent research, coffee drinkers have lower rates in all causes of death. Research also shows that coffee drinkers have lower risk of developing diabetes, Parkinson's disease and colon cancer, and that coffee may have a protective effect on the liver. In fact, research supports that there are more health benefits to drinking coffee than avoiding it.

But do all cups of java have the same protective benefits?

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have similar levels of antioxidants. Roasting the coffee bean affects the antioxidant content; medium roast coffee has more antioxidants than dark roast or light roast. Robusta green coffee beans (used in blends with Arabica coffees and to make instant coffee) have twice the active antioxidants than Arabica beans, although this decreases with roasting.

If a little bit is good, is a lot better?

Yes and no. Some research indicates that the health benefits increase with the amount of coffee consumed. However, even though the antioxidants in coffee have health benefits, too much caffeine can cause irritability, mood changes, nausea, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and muscle tremors (shakes).

The amount of caffeine tolerated varies between individuals

For the healthy adult, Health Canada recommends limiting caffeine to 400mg/day – about the equivalent of three 8oz (237ml) cups of brewed coffee. For women of childbearing age it is recommended to consume no more than 300mg of caffeine or just over two 8oz cups of brewed coffee daily.

Hold the press

The French press that is. Unfiltered coffee may raise blood fat so filtered coffee is a better choice.

Diane Britton is available for individual nutrition consultations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre (403-329-2484).

Counselling Services offers safe haven

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:37:33 +0000

When it comes to maintaining their physical health, people know where to turn. However, maintaining one's mental health may present unique challenges and it is important to know what resources are available to students on campus.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, through collaboration of the Counselling Services office and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre, has created a safe environment through which students can get the assistance they need.

"This is a trusting and nurturing place where you can refocus and get some balance to your life," Counselling Services Coordinator Barbara Williams says.

"If we can reach out to folks and make them realize that everyone, at some point in their lives, hits some kind of a bump. If you are unable, for whatever reason, to find your own way around it, then this is a safe and reasonable place for them to come for some help."

The Counselling Services office is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Turcotte Hall (TH218) and Williams and her staff could not be happier with the change in location. Previously located in the Registrar's Office, that site did not provide the privacy they so desperately need to help students feel comfortable when they are seeking assistance.

Williams describes the new office as a one-flow environment where students can come in, be discreetly directed to a counsellor and then leave through a separate entrance — all designed to build trust and honour privacy.

The months of January and February are typically difficult times for many students, Williams explains. For new students, the reality of their first post-secondary term has hit with the first set of grades. Some have found it difficult to adjust to the university lifestyle as the newness of the experience wears off. Combine that with the cold, dark days of winter and the post-Christmas lull and it can be a tough time.

"This is the point where they are really changing a lot about themselves and their environment," she says.

"They've been out there trying to implement some of the strategies that worked for them in high school and discovered they may not work for them anymore."

It is important students recognize when they need help — and that's before they hit a crisis point.

"You don't have to be in crisis to come here, in fact it's so much better if we can have students come to us when they are feeling a little stressed or that there is something that's not balanced in their life," says Williams. "It's much better if we can get them at that point because the strategies that we can help them incorporate into their lives will be much more preventative."

It is a team approach they use, one that reaches beyond the counselling office to the Health Centre where psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Edwards can also be utilized. Williams' team is well rounded and can deal with any issues that walk through the door.

"We are all mental health professionals but various members of our team come with different educational backgrounds and different clinical backgrounds so they are able to bring those strengths into our unit," she says. "That allows us to funnel our students to the counsellor who gives them the strongest support."

Allison Roest is one of those counsellors. She's quick to add that they do not do all the work, getting through a problem is a shared responsibility with the student.

"It's a collaborative process, it's not something we're going to do to them, we're going to work together with the student in order to find solutions to whatever is happening," Roest says.

What is important to remember, adds fellow counsellor Mark Slomp, is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, rather it's just the opposite.

"We really see counselling as an empowering experience," he says.

GET THE FACTS

• The Counselling Services office sees more than 70 students per week, on average

• Counselling Services offers a variety of outreach programs and workshops, headed by Heather Rowland. The workshops are psychoeducational and Rowland says it can be a non-threatening way for students to engage in counselling services

• Counsellors Allison Roest and Mark Slomp teach a full-credit course in career development, available to all students through the Faculty of Education

• To make an appointment with a counsellor, contact the Counselling Services office at 403-317-2845

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