Health 411

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THE DA D ILY L COU OUGAR

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HEALTH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

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UH combats gluten intolerance Alternative options become more accessible

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Annual survey reveals student health habits The kryptonite of caeine power

Online Exclusive SGA host first Health and Wellness Week

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HEALTH411 Advertising supplement to The Daily Cougar SECTION EDITOR Ellen Goodacre COPY EDITORS Ahlam Gani, Amanda Hilow, Aryan

UH combats gluten intolerance Alternative options become more accessible

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Annual survey reveals student health habits The kryptonite of caffeine power

Online Exclusive SGA host first Health and Wellness Week

Bakzash, Channler Hill and Samantha Wong CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Hilow, BoJanay Posey, Channler Hill, Christopher Shelton, Demetrious Mahone, and Julie Heffler PHOTOGRAPHERS Bethel Glumac, Esteban Portillo and PRODUCTION Andres Garcia and Farah Hasnie

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Emergencies Preventative General Restorative

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hen thinking of articles to cover for Health 411 this semester, I wanted to be sure students had the information they needed to make informed health decisions and be aware of the issues most pressing to their age group and in our region. And I think we’ve done that. For tips on how to avoid the long-term effects of stress, check out our article by BoJanay Posey. Also take a look at our feature article to learn more Ellen Goodacre about the rise of celiac disease in the U.S. You may also want to know about the rise of syphilis cases our area and what’s causing them. Or maybe you need some helpful tips on what to stock in your fridge or how much caffeine is considered healthy. Also be sure to read our online exclusives about the importance of health insurance and the first annual SGA Health and Wellness Week. No matter what your looking for Health 4-1-1 has the information you’ll need to make healthy decisions this semester.

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University Center Room 279A

Editor’s Note

FOR QUESTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS CALL:

Upcoming UH graduate students can apply for the Second Degree Bachelor of Science Nursing program at UH-Victoria. UH-V has the only nursing program in the UH System. The Second Degree BSN program is a 12-month, intensive, full-time program for individuals holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in other fields who want to become registered nurses. This accelerated program is designed to facilitate a new career or change for mature and experienced students. More than 40 percent of the BSN program is made up of UH

alumni. Nursing clinical experiences are in the Texas Medical Center, Sugar Land, Katy and Greater Houston area. The Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Nursing Simulation Center is state-ofthe-art and students are able to learn from experienced faculty. The next application deadline for the Second Degree BSN program is Oct. 1, 2013 for the Jan. 2014 academic period. Please visit www.uhv.edu/ nursing for more information regarding scholarships and starting a career in nursing after receiving a bachelor’s from UH.

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UH combats gluten intolerance Channler Hill + HEALTH 411 A new study shows almost 2 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, a digestive disorder that inhibits a tolerance for gluten. UH Dining Services has taken steps to ensure the health of students who eat at the University’s various dining facilities. “Our dining halls use a number of different ingredients throughout the service and preparation areas,” said Caroline Sullivan, a registered dietitian for Aramark. “Cougar Woods is a nut allergy safety zone;

however, they do have many gluten-containing ingredients.” “A student may only have to ask when beginning to dine with us, but as they become more comfortable with our menu and layout, they can be confident in finding safe foods on their own,” Sullivan said. “In addition, our team is working on a gluten-free dining program to help cater to the needs of our diners.” For people with celiac disease, gluten generates an immune system response that damages the mucous lining of the small intestine. Gluten is a protein component of wheat, barley, malt and rye

flours. According to a CBSnews. com report, nearly a decade ago, few people in the U.S. seemed to have a problem consuming gluten. But as the numbers of diagnosed celiac cases have increased, the Fresh Food Company and Real Food on Campus offer gluten-free options for each meal of the day. For breakfast, students can enjoy made-to-order omelets with fresh vegetables, sausage or bacon, gluten-free cereal upon request, cottage cheese and milk, among other options. For lunch and dinner, the dining halls offer open salad bars,

steamed and roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, whole cuts of meat like pork loin and chicken breasts, 100 percent beef burger patties, sandwich meats, tuna and ice cream as gluten-free options. Students who enjoy on-campus restaurants can find more glutenfree choices at The Bare Bowls Kitchen food truck, Smoothie King and Tandoori Nite. Einstein Bros Bagels will add gluten-free options in a few weeks when it begins to offer gluten-free bagels. “Any questions regarding ingredients or menu items can be directed to one of our supervisors

or managers in the dining locations. UH Dining Services understands that you may have other dietary needs — medical, religious, etc. — and will try to accommodate those needs to the best of our ability,” Sullivan said. “We try to accommodate each and every student, but it is important that we meet with you personally so that we can determine exactly what your need is, how we can accommodate it and what you can do to help us meet your needs.” GLUTEN CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

History of Celiac Disease 1888 Dr. Samuel Gee established the correlation between celiac and diet.

st

1 Century A.D. Aretaeus, an ancient Greek physician named celiac, “koiliakos.”

1st Century A.D. Around 5,000 BCE Agricultural Revolution — celiac disease is born.

Aretaeus documented “The Coeliac Affection.”

1980’s

1953 Dr. Willem Karel Dicke confirmed wheat protein to be the cause for celiac disease.

Dr. Stefano Guandalini established a single biopsy test for celiac.

1990 19th Century Dr. Mathew Baillie published his observations on celiac.

1920’s Syndey Hass successfully treated celiac patients with “the banana diet.”

1960’s Biopsy established as the most accurate test for celiac.

ESPGHAN or The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, an international scentific society, established new guidelines for celiac biopsy testing.

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Dealing with Depression

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these areas, NEC physicians will provide patients with solid care plans and will take time to answer patient questions. NEC is equipped to handle any adult or pediatric medical situation. Its services include: emergency care for adults and children, trauma and injury care, cardiology, imaging and laboratory services, advanced cardiac and pediatric life support, IV medications and fluids and more. Because injuries and illnesses don’t always happen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., NEC is the neighbor of choice for any emergency medical situation, regardless of the time. Past, current, and prospective patients can visit NEC’s website, www.nec24.com, for a full list of services, locations, directions and current wait times.

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Depression affects more than 19 million American adults each year. Common signs of depression are prolonged feelings of sadness, changes in sleep, feeling worthless or helpless, persistent physical aches or pains, irritability, changes in appetite and suicidal thoughts. Other likely experiences include a decrease in energy, concentration and sexual desire. Although most individuals have experienced at least some of these symptoms, people managing depression experience a multitude of these symptoms consistently for at least two weeks, which interferes with daily functioning. College students are uniquely susceptible to depression, as many of the factors that lead to it can be experienced in college life, which include feeling isolated, living away from home for the first time, conflict in relationships, worries about finances and life transitions. The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment is a nationwide survey of college students at two and four-year

institutions. In 2009, nearly 30 percent of students reported they felt so depressed it was difficult to function. College students struggling with depression may experience difficulty attending classes or meetings, have decreased motivation and concentration and difficulty managing new or challenging tasks such as schoolwork and exams or social interactions. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important that you seek treatment — 80 percent of individuals who are treated report significant improvement in functioning. People managing depression who do not seek treatment may experience further mental distress and even suicide — the second leading cause of death among college students. At UH, treatment is available through Counseling and Psychological Services, which provides consultation, assessment, and if appropriate, treatment to aid in recovery and healing. CAPS can be reached at (713) 743-5454 and is located on the second floor of Student Services Center 1. For more information, please visit www.uh.caps.edu.

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Midterm stress can have long-term effects BoJanay Posey + HEALTH 411 An annual student health behavior survey conducted by the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center shows 85 percent of UH students occasionally experience significant stress. “Consistent (chronic) stress can have a number of negative physiological and psychological effects,” said Associate and Clinical director of UH Counseling and Psychology Services, Christopher Scott, in an email. “Psychologically, chronic stress can impair concentration, memory and even problem-solving.” The danger is that stress can change long-term brain circuitry and health, according to a study by the Society for Neuroscience. Stress takes a toll on people physically, Scott said, affecting the amount or quality of one’s sleep and the body’s ability to resist illness or recover from

injury. “Chronic stress is linked to a number specific health effects including high blood pressure and problems with the digestive system,” Scott said. “It can also lead to negative mood states such as anxiety and sadness. People experiencing chronic stress often exhibit avoidance behaviors and make less-healthy decisions such as eating too much junk food or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.” Scott said students can make changes that will help them cope with stress. “Focus on the basics. Make sure that you are getting enough — but not too much — sleep, eat healthfully, avoid or minimize alcohol use. Engage your social environment; connect with your friends and family members and let them know what is stressing you out,” he said. In addition, CAPS offers ser-

vices, workshops, and resources that focus on helping students manage stress. These services include individual and group counseling, for which students can call to make a free first appointment. One of its workshop series, Free Food for Thought, is offered from noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in Student Service Center 1 in room 210D. While some students use the services offered by CAPS to cope with their stress, accounting sophomore Quo Ma, simply sleeps his stress off. “I was not stressed a lot until I came to UH,” Ma said. “Stress triggers every day, waking up and not knowing how to pay for college the next morning.” Ma transferred to UH from Collin College in Plano. He says it’s hard to avoid but advises his peers to be less stressful. “Think of a happier moment and live everyday like it’s your last,” Ma said.

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When Azim Karedia graduated from C.T. Bauer College of Business in 2009, he wasn’t exactly sure what he might end up doing. What he did know was that he wanted to make a difference. In 2011, Karedia co-founded a Houston-based web startup that gives back to the community. His company was founded on One Pair, One Vision – meaning that for every pair sold, the company will donate a pair of glasses or intraocular lenses (used in cataract surgery) to help restore the vision of someone less fortunate. They work with two organizations: Sightsavers and Operation Eyesight. To help create this new style of company, Karedia contacted one of his longtime friends, Mohsin Momin. They were not only two guys who wore glasses, but also volunteers at regional eye clinics and vision vans. “By working directly with manufacturers and selling directly to the customers, we could create affordable boutique

frames and still be able to help the needy,” Karedia said. In October, Karedia opened up Benji Frank’s cyber doors and began selling sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses for just $100 a pair. In addition to quality components that make the frames, all sunglasses feature premium Carl Zeiss Vision sun lenses and each optical pair is made with polycarbonate lenses that are treated with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coatings. Karedia is confident that customers will love his frames when they see them — his company provides free shipping and returns. In addition to helping customers find the exact frame that fits their face perfectly, Benji Frank also offers the Try 5 program where customers are allowed five days to physically try on five frames at no extra cost. To learn more about Benji Frank eyewear and its One Pair, One Vision mission, visit www. BenjiFrank.com.

6 • Thursday, October 25, 2012

Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays If you’ve heeded the health messages to protect your skin by covering up and using sunblock, you’re taking important steps to playing it safe in the sun. But you’ll come up short if you don’t also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, health experts say. Although there’s considerable public awareness about UV light’s ability to burn and age the skin, awareness of its effect on the eyes has “fallen in the shadows,” says optometry professor Jan Bergmanson of the University of Houston College of Optometry, founding director of the Texas Eye Research and Technology Center. The March report by Prevent Blindness America says the cumulative exposure to UV light over time can contribute to “significant and lasting damage to the eye and vision.”

5 ways to protect your peepers t Buy only sunglasses that clearly state that they block 98 percent to 100 percent

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The danger of losing sleep GWENDOLYN LEE-DUKES | SPONSORED ARTICLE

Many college students do not get enough sleep. But lack of sleep and excessive daytime drowsiness can lead to decreased concentration, accidents, mood disturbances and disruption of the immune system. To address sleep deprivation, one of the first things students can do is keep a sleeping log for two weeks by making a simple chart. It should note what time they go to sleep, whether they wake up during the night, how long it takes them to get back to sleep and what time they wake up in the morning. Reviewing this data with a qualified clinician will provide an accurate

estimate of the amount of sleep students get each night. A clinician would then determine their mental and physical health by reviewing medical and psychological history and daytime activities and functions as needed. They would then suggest the students to work on sleep hygiene, good habits to enhance successful initiation and maintenance of sleep. Sleep problems accompany many disorders like hypothyroidism, peptic ulcer, diabetes, anxiety and depression. There are arrays of behavioral and pharmacological treatments for sleep deprivation.

of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. UÊÊ,iµÕiÃÌÊ«ÀiÃVÀ «Ì ÊiÞi} >ÃÃiÃÊ> `ÊV Ì>VÌÊ i ÃiÃÊÌ >ÌÊ«À Û `iÊ16 and UVB protection and check with your eye care professional to find out if you are getting the highest level of UV protection. UÊÊ ÕÞÊÃÕ } >ÃÃiÃÊÌ >ÌÊÜÀ>«Ê> ÊÌ iÊÜ>ÞÊ>À Õ `ÊÌ iÊÌi « iÃÊÌ ÊÀi`ÕViÊthe sun’s rays from entering from the side. UÊÊ iÌÊV `Ài Ê> `ÊÌii ÃÊÌ Ê > iÊÜi>À }ÊÃÕ } >ÃÃiÃÊ>Ê viÃÌÞ iÊ >L Ì° UÊÊÊ ÌÊ ÕÌ` ÀÊiÝ« ÃÕÀiÊLiÌÜii Ê£äÊ>° °Ê> `Ê{Ê«° °]ÊÜ i ÊÌ iÊÃÕ ½ÃÊ16 light is most intense.

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App provides guide to on-campus eating Julie Heffler + HEALTH 411 Aramark has developed a mobile app that will allow UH students to check menus for Moody Towers Fresh Food Company and Cougar Woods dining hall. Weekly menus are already available online on the CampusDish website, but this app will allow students to have access to not only menu options but also nutritional information, said Amber Arguijo, marketing man-

GLUTEN

FROM PAGE 3

If celiac disease goes undiagnosed, a person could become malnourished by continuing to eat gluten. The symptoms can range from abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and digestive issues. Individuals who experience these symptoms or suffer from type 1 diabetes, premature bone disease and infertility should see their doctor for a blood test. Students suffering from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity should take advantage of the expertise of Campus Recreation and Wellness Center nutritionist Jesika Orellana, who can help students create a diet plan for their needs. “Students are welcome to come in and make an appointment. There are time slots that they can sign up for,” Orellana said. “Some days, I’m here until 7 p.m. I’m here a good nine hours Monday through Friday.”

We misspell on purpose. Just to keep you alert. Your welcome.

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ager for UH Dining Services. “In today’s world, we know that many customers may not be able to plan ahead to see what menu they prefer by using their computers. The app allows you to see your options no matter where you are, without having to get out your laptop and find an Internet connection,” Arguijo said. The app is compatible with all iPhone and Android platforms, Arguijo said. After selecting UH’s dining halls from the app menu, dishes

are separated by stations, and most of them are accompanied with nutritional information. Students can also search to see if meals fitting their dietary needs are being served that week. “If a student is looking for a meal with less than 500 calories or less than 10 grams of fat, he or she can input the information through the app and quickly view which menu items are being served and where they are available on campus,” Arguijo said. Ioannis Pavlidis, a UH com-

puter science professor, is an expert on mobile app technology and says part of the reason behind the new surge in mobile apps is due to ease and portability. “There are some real advantages, because you have something available on the go,” Pavlidis said. “It’s a convenience that did not exist before.” In addition to the advantage of mobility, the all-in-one feature of this technology is also appealing for consumers. “You can do all these things

that before you needed an additional device (to do). This is a huge convenience,” Pavlidis said. “It allows you to do things that make everyday life more practical and convenient in a scale that was unprecedented.” So far, students seem to be pleased with the application, Arguijo said. “The feedback has been widely positive. As with everything, I am sure the app will continue to evolve as more students use it and give us their feedback,” Arguijo said.

8 • Thursday, October 25, 2012

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This is how you fill a mini-fridge Demetrious Mahone + HEALTH 411 Every year, students across the nation buy mini-refrigerators for their residential hall bedrooms. With limited space, students have to carefully decide how and what to fill them with. “You always need water in your room,” said undeclared freshman Kimberly Delatorre. “I also keep some Canada Dry and fresh fruit.” Although parents may imagine their children gorging on junk food in college, several students listed home-cooked leftovers as an essential for their fridge. “I have frozen burritos, and a small pint of ice cream, but every weekend I have to make sure I get leftovers to take back home with me,” said undeclared freshman Itzel Rodriguez. “There’s just something so awesome about having a good

Mini-refrigerators provide a storage place for on-campus students with limited space. | Esteban Portillo/The Daily Cougar

home-cooked meal when you’re feeling homesick.” There are options students should keep in their fridges to make sure they get the nutrition they need, said Jesika Orellana, nutrition intern at the UH Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. “Milk, of course, because most students are under 30 so they’re still building bone mass. Bread is also something that students can keep on top

of their fridge,” Orellana said. “Also, cut up fruits and vegetables. They have a lot of fiber, which helps you feel full longer and cold cut meats to get protein. Those would be the main ones.” Orellana said students can keep things like cheese sticks for a grab-and-go snack, Greek yogurt topped with granola for an easy and filling breakfast and hummus for dipping pretzels and crackers.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, prompting conversations about relationship violence. No one wants to be in an abusive relationship and many students think it could never happen to them. But it can happen regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. Even if you are not involved in a violent relationship it can be helpful to learn some basic dynamics to better support friends that are entangled in abusive ones. Though men are often the perpetrators of domestic violence, women also commit similar acts toward men. It also occurs in same-sex relationships, where the underlying motivation is one partners need for power and control over the other. Abusers use a range of techniques to gain control like isolation, degradation, denying and blaming, coercion, threats and intimidation. There is a recognizable cycle to abusive relationships. Often there is a tension-building phase during which the threat of violence increases. This is followed by outbursts, either physical or verbal, which may last for

minutes, hours or even days. The woman often leaves after this incident. Afterward, there is the honeymoon phase where the abuser courts the victim with flowers and apologies, swearing it will never happen again. The victims, who want the relationship, but not the violence, return at this point and the cycle begins again. Victims of abuse need support and assistance, not judgment. There are resources both on and off campus for someone in an abusive relationship. The Women’s Resource Center offers support and referrals to appropriate agencies, like Counseling and Psychological Services. The UH Department of Public Safety can be called in cases of assault, threats or stalking. In addition, the Houston area Women’s Center provides counseling, support groups, shelter and transitional housing. Individuals in abusive relationships may keep quiet because they feel ashamed. However, it is better to break the silence and receive support. While October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, the violence continues all year.

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Annual survey reveals student health habits Ellen Goodacre + HEALTH 411 Every year since Spring 2006, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center has collected data through a student survey evaluating student health behaviors. “UH Wellness is responsible for putting together the survey but we also talk to the vice president of Student Affairs about it,” said Gaylyn Maurer, psychological counselor of the CRWC’s outreach program. “Frankly, we talked to some faculty this year as well about what they were interested in knowing about students. So, it really is the Division of Student Affairs who puts the survey together, after we go around to all the departments and get their input.” More than 3,000 students completed the survey, which was sent by email and asked questions about a variety of subjects including student involvement, alcohol and drug

consumption, stress, exercise habits and diet. One of the study’s findings was that 85 percent of UH students occasionally experience significant stress, but only 28 percent reported healthy coping most of the time. “This is important because those that do report healthy coping also report a higher GPA,” said Gail Gillan, director of the Wellness Center. “That’s why the programs in Student Affairs are important; many of

them focus on skill building and personal development, aimed towards improving that number (of students who report healthy coping).”

At-risk students Students with a GPA below 2.0 would be identified at risk, Gillan said. The difference is the awareness of their coping skills; at risk students report unhealthy coping. “We want to find out what is happening on campus and

how we can help,” Gillan said. “We have shared some of the specific items with our divisional partners in an effort to help them refine and develop their programming.” The study also found that most students consume foods and vegetables regularly; 60 percent reported putting fruits and vegetables in their diet every day and 28 percent reported an intake of high fat or high calorie foods. Additionally, 26 percent of

students are volunteering more than four hours each week and 28 percent are participating in student organizations for more than four hours.

On the right track “Our students overall, are healthy and making good choices,” Gillian said. “They are engaged and involved and we want to support them in their success. This is the focus not SURVEY CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

Statistics from the Annual Student Health Survey conducted by the UH Wellness Center FAST FOODS

Lonely? Stressed out? Anxious? Relationship concerns? Worried about someone? Looking for support and an objective professional to talk to? Counseling & Psychological Services can help!

TOBACCO 22% of students report eating of fast foods regularly.

EXERCISE Only 6% use tobacco regularly.

Only 17% of students report 30 minutes of intentional exercise every day.

Individual, Couples and Group Therapy Crisis Intervention Services LD/ADHD, Personality and Career Assessments Consultation about individuals of concern Mental Health Workshops Suicide Prevention Training “Let’s Talk”

Visit us at www.uh.edu/caps 226 Student Service Center 1 – Located Next to the Health Center

Call CAPS at 713-743-5454 for more information or to schedule an appointment!

10 • Thursday, October 25, 2012

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Syphilis outbreak hits Houston Christopher Shelton + HEALTH 411 Social media’s prevalence allows for immense amounts of connections that link individuals across the globe. Websites like Facebook and Twitter come with a downside; the anonymity can make harmful decisions as easy as a right click. Houston is facing a syphilis outbreak, according to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services. “In this day and age, you have the Internet where you ba-

sically meet someone online or a former boyfriend or girlfriend,� said Porfirio Villarreal, HDHHS public information officer. “If you want to meet a blonde you can search height and give dimensions.� According to the HDHHS, there was a 97 percent rise in the number of infectious syphilis cases during the first seven months of 2012 compared to the number of cases during the same increment of time in 2011. “There were 318 infectious syphilis cases, known as primary and secondary syphilis, from January through August

of this year,� the HDHHS said in a statement. “The number of cases totaled 264 in 2011.� To help stop the spread of syphilis, HDHHS performs anonymous partner notifications; the HDHHS speaks directly with the person who may have been exposed, either through a phone conversation or home visitations. “When we notice someone has syphilis, we ask them to notify us of their partners,� Villarreal said. “What we do is notify the second person so you understand that you may have syphilis.�

Those who engage in anonymous sex, have multiple sexual partners, test positive for other sexually transmitted infections or take part in same-sex intercourse are at greatest risk to contract syphilis. “Primarily, we’re seeing an increase among men who have sex with men and the primary factor in that risk group is related to the Internet, meeting partners over the Internet and through social networking sites,� said Michael Thomas, adviser for Houston’s Centers for Disease Control, to ABC 13. Syphilis begins with a single

sore appearing at the site where it first entered the body, but multiple sores may occur. The infection usually heals on its own, but the disease remains inside the body. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to other symptoms from rashes to heart or brain damage, according to the CDC. Though there are treatments available, testing is pertinent, said Chief Physician at UH Health Center Mary Rae. “Fortunately, the disease is easily treated in the early stages with penicillin. Alternative antibiotics are available for patients with a penicillin allergy,� Rae said in a press release. “The important message is to be tested early and often if you are at risk.�

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UH Health Center follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control regarding flu vaccination for people older than six months. Although flu seasons vary in the timing of outbreaks and the number of cases, the best way to avoid getting sick is to get a flu shot. Influenza is usually a week long illness severe enough to cause someone to miss school or work. Most healthy individuals recover, but those at risk can develop severe complications or die. Every year, an average of 36,000 people die from influenza in the U.S. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, cancer or diabetes, are at a high risk of fatality. The flu is contagious, even before symptoms occur, with the most common being fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue. The development of symptoms is usually sudden. Flu shots are available at the UH Health Center for $25 and no appointment is required. The student health insurance plan covers flu shots with no out-of-pocket costs or co-pays.

Advertising Supplement

Thursday, October 25, 2012 • 11

The kryptonite of caffeine power Demetrious Mahone + HEALTH 411 With midterms around the corner, many students will be turning to caffeine to get through their late night study sessions. In a study done by the National Coffee Association, about 54 percent of American adults drink coffee daily. “Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant in the world. In moderation, it’s fine,� said Natalie Dryden, primary care physician at the UH Health Center. “The users have an increase in alertness and energy. But sometimes we have students who are heavy users come in with the shakes, insomnia or increased heart rate.�

SURVEY

The side effects of heavy caffeine consumption have been investigated throughout the years, but a consensus has yet been reached. To some, all the evidence they need is right in front of their eyes. “Caffeine is a legally sold drug. It is very addictive — to the point where we have the same customers come back several times a day,� said Tiernan Estridge, a manager for Starbucks. “When you see them in the morning, they’re rude and grumpy; but after they have some coffee, they want to sit with you and hear your life story.� The addictive nature of caffeine has been examined, but Estridge

can see the real-time effects. “You see it all the time — customers will get two shots of espresso in their drinks, then after six months of that, they’re bumping it up to three,� Estridge said. “They need more to get the same effects. A lot of people complain that they get withdrawal headaches if they don’t have any coffee.� Some students admitted into the Health Center suffer from caffeine withdrawals. “Well, as long as the symptoms are not life threatening, very little needs to be done because the half-life of caffeine is only several hours. So basically, if you avoid any further stimulants and hydrate

well, the effects will wear off shortly,� Dryden said. “Withdrawal symptoms are best avoided by consuming caffeine only in moderation, but if

high amounts have been used for any length of time, it is best to gradually decrease consumption over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.�

The Future of

FROM PAGE 9

only of UH Wellness, but of the entire Division of Student Affairs.� After processing the data, the Center held presentations for the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, UH Student Housing & Residential Life, and other departments within the Division of Student Affairs.

UH student stand in line at the Starbucks in the University Center Satellite. | Esteban Portillo/The Daily Cougar

NURSING IS HERE

Coping with stress Maurer says she hopes the results of the survey will influence student health decisions and encourage students to seek whatever help they need. “The majority of students are healthy, it’s good to know that. Sometimes that information helps sway our decisions,� Maurer said. “On the other hand, if a student is struggling and says ‘That’s not me. I’m not doing as well as those students,’ it may prompt that student to reach out and get some help.� The Center hosts a variety of workshops intended to help students deal with these issues. A workshop schedule is on the website, www.uh.edu/wellness. The Center also has a relaxation lab where students can sit for 30 minutes quietly or listen to soothing music. If students are experiencing overwhelming stress they can visit a counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services. “Most of our workshops are aimed at skill development,� Gillan said. “Our hope is always that students will leave the workshop having learned a new skill.�

With your new bachelor’s degree from UH, you can earn a BSN in 12 months from UHV’s* Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Get a quality education in Sugar Land from excellent faculty at a great value. Program tuition and fees are only $14,897. Application deadline is Oct.1, 2013, for January 2014 admission. Enrollment is competitive and limited! Call the School of Nursing advisor toll free at (877) 970-4848, ext. 4370 for more information. The UHV School of Nursing has full approval from the Texas Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.

Ask about our scholarships!

@

Kristy Nelson, RN, BSN UHV Class of 2012

14000 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX

www.uhv.edu/nursing

* The University of Houston-Victoria is a member of the UH System.

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12 • Thursday, October 25, 2012

THE DAILY COUGAR

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER Welcomes All Students

Health Center will be offering Free Diabetes Screenings

Walk-in Clinic: Visits for general medical concerns, lab work, and specialist referral. 713-743-5151

FREE CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMOUS HIV TESTING

Nursing Care: Immunizations and blood pressure monitoring. Contact the nurse’s station at 713-743-5156

November 9, 2012 March 22, 2013 November 8, 2013

World AIDs Day - November 30, 2012 National HIV Testing Day - June 27, 2013

Free Cholesterol Screening February 15, 2013

Free Breast Exams

October 9 and October 17, 2013

Fall and Spring Hours M, T, Th, F 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Hours are Subject to Change For After Hours Emergency, Call

UH Police - 713/743-3333 Web Address:

www.uh.edu/admin/hc The University of Houston Health Center is a comprehensive health care facility available to all currently enrolled students. Faculty and staff are eligible for walk in clinic.

“All visits and inquiries are confidential� 24- Hour Student Emergency Care Hot line

1-866-315-8756

Women’s Clinic: Well woman exams, evaluation for gynecological complaints, contraception, STD’s and treatment. By appointment only. Contact 713-743-5156 Men’s Clinic: Service to diagnose, treat, counsel on issues affecting men’s health. By appointment only. Contact 713-743-5156 Attendant Care Services: Care and lifestyle assistance program for needs of physically challenged students living on campus. For more information, contact 713-748-8603 Orthopedic Clinic: Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions including sports injuries and disease of the bone and muscle. By appointment only. Contact 713-743-5156

Psychiatric Clinic: Board certified psychiatrists to provide evaluations, treatment plans and ongoing medication management. By appointment only. Contact 713-743-5149 Pharmacy: Provides prescription and over the counter items at very low cost. For more information contact 713-743-5125 UH Student Health Insurance: Information, online waiver criteria and rates can be found at http:// uh.edu/admin/hc/insurance/ insurance.htm Contact 713-743-5139 The Dermatology Clinic is staffed by a board certified dermatologist available to diagnose and treat disorders of the skin, hair and nails. By appointment only. 713-743-5156 Dental Clinic Preventive dentistry, restorative, limited major dental procedures. By appointment only. 713-22-SMILE. (713-227-6453)

(Services provided through American Health and Holding, INC. which is not affiliated with the University of Houston Health Center)

Entrance # 6, off Wheeler, Bldg # 525 on Campus Map

r www.uh.edu/admin/hc

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