Health Iowa Q&A

I really want to have nice teeth. How do I know that whitening treatments are hurting my teeth? Are they safe?

The popular over-the-counter whiteners that come in strips do not damage teeth or gums, according to WebMD. Also, whitening toothpastes are generally safe and can remove surface stains. Just make sure they have approval from the ADA (American Dental Association). Other whiteners, like pastes and trays, may contain an acidic solution, which could damage your enamel or gums if used often or for long periods. The best bet is to check with your dentist on what he/she recommends when it comes to more abrasive choices.

For general oral health, keep these 10 tips in mind.

1. Change your toothbrush every 3 months. This helps avoid bacteria growth on the tooth brush. Also, remember to change after you’ve been sick.
2. Choose soft bristles on your brush. Hard bristles can hurt your gums.
3. Use a circular motion instead of side to side.
4. Floss, daily.
5. Drink fluoridated water (tap water).
6. Avoid using your teeth as pliers, bag openers, ice crushers – treat them kindly!
7. To keep them white, avoid foods that stain them, like coffee. Keep in mind that anything that could stain a white t-shirt can stain your teeth.
8. With sugar, it’s not exactly how much (although too much isn’t good) but how long it stays on your tooth. Brush after you eat sweets to prevent decay.
9. Avoid smoking. It can easily yellow teeth.
10. See your dentist on a regular basis. This usually means yearly.

Hopefully these tips are helpful to having and maintaining healthy teeth.

Renae Knox, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Source: WebMD

Written 2/24/09

 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1069

What is a student supposed to do when they need urgent care on the weekends when the clinic is closed?

First step, don’t worry. Depending on your situation, you have several options.

UI QuickCare can treat a number of common ailments when Student Health Service is closed, and your situation isn’t serious enough for the emergency room. Their services include treatment for respiratory illnesses, minor injuries, skin conditions, stomach and urinary conditions, and head, ear and eye conditions. UIQuickCare is located in the Old Capitol Town Center, Suite 195, and is open 8am-5pm on the weekends.

Check out their website for more information:
Quick Care

Nurseline is a great resource if you aren’t sure what to do, or if Student Health Service isn’t open. During regular clinic hours give Nurseline a call at 319-335-9704. You will have an opportunity to talk with a nurse or they will call you back with an answer to your question. After hours call 319-384-8442 for the UIHC Integrated Call Center (ICC), a 24/7 Nurseline. A RN will be able to asses the situation and either recommend the appropriate care, or if necessary direct you to the Emergency Room. SHS receives documentation of all student calls to the ICC, so they will be able to follow up with students during working hours.

For more information on Nurseline, visit:
Nurseline

If your condition is serious and needs immediate attention, head straight to the UIHC Emergency Treatment Center. This may include loss of consciousness, severe shortness of breath, allergic reactions, bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes, head trauma, seizures, coughing or vomiting blood, persistent vomiting, severe reaction to insect bites, major injury, broken bones, or poisoning (Hotline 800-222-1222). The UIHC Emergency Treatment Center is able to provide immediate 24 hour care.

For more information, visit:
UIHC Emergency Treatment Center

Becca Don, BA
Practicum Student
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written: 4/4/09
 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1068

I have recently had some sort of respiratory infection that has resulted in about a month long cough/tightness/wheezing in my chest. I've been treated at Student Health. Prednisone helped a little, but now that I'm off it I still have some symptoms. My doctor mentioned the possibility of asthma. I've always had difficulty breathing when running (esp. outside) and with colder air. I don't have health insurance. What costs would be involved with getting tested for asthma and the medications to treat it?

Asthma is a common condition affecting millions of Americans. It’s important to get it under control so you can live your life without the fear of not being able to breathe. There are some common asthma tests your doctor could use for diagnosing asthma. Pulmonary function tests measure lung function by having you breathe into a tube that measures how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. Some asthma tests determine if you are allergic to specific foods, pollen, or other particles. Blood tests give a picture of your overall health; specific tests also measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key antibody that’s released during an allergic reaction.

Often, a diagnosis can be made just by history and discussion of symptoms and when they occur. It would be hard to estimate costs, but let your provider know your situation and this will be taken into account when any decisions are made about testing and treatment. You should schedule a 30 minute appointment with a provider at Student Health- they’re free for students taking 5 or more credit hours.

In preparing for the appointment, it would be a good idea to write down when asthma symptoms have occurred in the past and what could be potential triggers. This will aid in the diagnosis. For more in-depth information about asthma and self-care strategies, check out WebMD.

Lisa James, RN MSN
Associate Director
Student Health Service

Renae Knox, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Source: WebMD

Written 2/09/09
 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1067