Health Education


Health Records and Fall Registration

Don't forget to turn them into UHS!

Please remember that if you have not turned in your immunization records to University Health Services, you could be blocked from fall registration. Contact UHS at 410-455-2542 or uhs@umbc.edu if you have questions or concerns.


Sexual Assault Awareness Month List of Events

April 2013

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. University Health Services and The Women's Center have teamed up to put together a list of events for the month. Please refer to the attached flyer and make note of some events you would be interested in attending. We appreciate your support! 

#UMBCaware

Flyer


Quitting Smoking: Resources and Assistance

You're not alone, help is available.

Quitting smoking is no easy task, so it's important to be aware of all the resources and assistance available to you on campus.  All of these resources are free to students, faculty, and staff:

Preparing to Quit This is a 1-hour, one session, program for those that are unsure if they are ready to quit smoking.  During this session, participants will weigh the pros and cons of quitting, identify what resources are available to them, and learn about the benefits that come with quitting.  There is no commitment to quit required for those that attend and this program is also open to the public. Freedom From Smoking This is a seven week program designed to help people quit smoking through positive behavior change and helping participants develop their own plan on how to quit.  In eight 1-hour sessions, you'll learn about reducing stress, cravings and withdrawal symptoms, how to control your weight while resisting the urge to smoke, and more.  Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Chantix (with prescription) are available for eligible cessation class participants.  This program is also open to the public.

1-1 Counseling Nurse Practitioners and Physicians at University Health Services are available to meet with individuals to discuss quitting.  You can have a private conversation about how quitting will affect your health.  If you are eligible for Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Chantix, these options are available.  These visits arefree and can be made by appointment by calling 410-455-2542.

Quit Smoking Medications There are many quit smoking medications available to the public.  It is up to you and your physician to decide which may be best for you.  University Health Services offers the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenge, and the prescription Chantix.  Each medication has its pros and cons and not everyone will experience the same results.  If you are interested in trying a quit smoking medication to help you quit, you can make an appointment at University Health Services or attend a Freedom From Smoking class.

For more information on any of the above topics, please call 410-455-1558, email mdark1@umbc.edu, or visit www.umbc.edu/uhs.


Cold & Flu Season 101

Prevention Tips, Signs & Symptoms and Treatment Options

It's that time of year again... cold and flu season... when it feels as if everyone in your class or your office is sick, and you fear you could be next. Below you will find many tips on how to prevent getting sick, signs and symptoms to recognize if you have become sick so that you can get the care you need, and how to treat the cold/flu so that you can get better and back on your feet as soon as you can.

Prevention:
- Get your flu shot! Flu shots are still available at UHS. Call to make an appointment today. 
- Meditate and exercise to decrease stress and boost immunity.
- Eat healthy. 
- Wash and dry you hands (often!). 
- Get enough sleep to keep you immune system functioning optimally. 
- Drink enough water.
- Take vitamins.
Cold/Flu Symptoms:
- 100°F higher fever or feeling feverish
- A cough and/or sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Although the cold and flu have very similar symptoms and can be hard to tell apart, in general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness and cough are more intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have runny or stuffy noses. 
Treatment Options:
- Stay home to avoid spreading illness to others
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks or electrolyte beverages to avoid dehydration
- Place a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever
- Place a humidifier in your room/sleeping space to make breathing easier
- Gargle salt water to soothe sore throats
- Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills
- Take over the counter medications to relieve symptoms, such as a decongestant, cough suppressant, and pain medication/fever reducer. Remember that these medications do not make you less contagious - they simply will temporarily relieve symptoms. 
- Meet with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or don't get better after 3-4 days. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to make your illness milder and prevent serious complications, or antibiotics may be prescribed if the flu has progressed into a bacterial infection. 
For more information, visit the website www.flu.gov. To make an appointment at University Health Services, call our front desk at 410-455-2542 or stop in anytime Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm. 
Follow the CDC Flu Activity & Surveillance here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm

Flyer