Health Iowa Q&A

Where can I get refills on my medication?

The Westlawn Pharmacy is located in the clinic at Student Health Service (SHS), so it is very convenient to get a prescription filled right after you’ve seen one of our physicians. This new pharmacy offers prescription refill services and transfer prescription services on-line as well as many over-the-counter products. Learn more about the Westlawn Pharmacy by clicking here: http://pharmacy.uihc.uiowa.edu/westlawn/ (Westlawn Pharmacy).

Other options available on-campus include the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (319-384-6800) and Osco Drug (319-358-6462).

Katie Hill
Practicum Student
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Tanya Villhauer, MA
Health Educator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 9/9/2005
 

I have been on the pill for over six months now, and I almost always get my period a whole week early. It is somewhat light during that week when I am still taking the active pills, and it continues and gets heavier during the week that I am actually supposed to get my period. Is it normal for a period to last almost two weeks?

It is pretty common to have irregular periods when you first start taking birth control pills. For most women, though, it usually takes three months or less for their bodies to fully adjust to the pill. Because this has been going on for six months, it would be a good idea to see your health care provider. There are many different types of oral contraceptives that vary in the specific hormones that they include and their doses. The type that you are on simply might not be the best birth control pill for you. A physician or gynecologist should be able to help you find one that does not come along with periods that last two weeks.

Students at the University of Iowa can call 335-8394 to make an appointment with our gynecologist or a physician. If you would like to speak with a pharmacist about birth control pills, you can contact Westlawn Pharmacy at 335-9200.

Trisha Schiltz, BA, CHES
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 4/29/08

What is the possibility that I could have carpal tunnel syndrome at the age of 22? I use my computer almost constantly.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur at any age. The fact that you use your computer all the time puts you at a greater risk for developing carpal tunnel because using a computer requires lots of repetitive wrist movements. Here’s a little info about carpal tunnel:

Symptoms:

• Aches in your wrists
• Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand
• Pain extending from your wrist up to your arm or shoulder, or down into your palm or fingers
• A feeling of weakness in your hands
• A constant loss of feeling in some fingers (only in advanced cases)
• Causes:
• Repetitive use of computers, manual tools, and other objects
• Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or hormonal disorders
• Hereditary causes such as having small carpal tunnels
• Treatment:
• Therapy such as medications and wrist splinting
• Surgery (only in severe cases)
• Prevention:
• Take breaks from typing or other activities every 15-20 minutes. Stretch and bend your wrists to help them relax
• Relax your grip when performing tasks with your wrists
• Keep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower
• Improve your posture by sitting up straight
• Keep your hands warm. This will help prevent you from having pain and stiffness in your wrists

You should see a doctor if you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome and it’s interfering with everyday activities, including sleep. Check out the Mayo Clinic for more info. If you are a University of Iowa student, you can make an appointment at Student Health Service by calling 335-8394.

Katie Wilson, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 4/14/08
 

I think I have a bladder infection. Is there anything I can get at CVS with out seeing a physician first?

Bladder infections, which are quite common in women, are known as cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. Bladder infections, although common in women, are rarely seen in men. Around 20% of women can expect to have at least one bladder infection in their life. It is thought that women get bladder infections more frequently because their vagina and anus are very close together allowing for bacteria to potentially enter the urinary tract. If you have a bladder infection it is important to treat it as soon as possible in order to prevent further infection in the kidneys.

There are some home remedies to treat a bladder infection. One way is to make sure you consume a lot of fluids. Drinking water is preferred over drinking cranberry juice due to the high caloric value of the juice. Taking cranberry tablets (Uristat) can also be used. Uristat does not treat a bladder infection, it only numbs the bladder and urethra, masking symptoms. Using Uristat makes you feel more comfortable, while the bacteria continue to grow. This is okay to use for a few days until you can see a provider, but should never be used as or assumed to be treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to rid your body of the infection, but if you have no relief within 24 hours you should consult a physician. The longer you wait the more time the infection has to remain in your body and potentially cause other problems. In most cases a physician can prescribe an antibiotic and the infection should clear up in about 3 days, but it could take up to a week. Unless you are able to get rid of the bladder infection with drinking plenty of fluids it is recommended that you make an appointment with a physician. You can schedule an appointment with a Student Health Service physician by calling 335-8394.

For more information on this topic, check out this web question:
Bladder Infection
 

Ashley Musselman
Health Iowa Intern
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 3/06/08

Source: WebMD