Health Iowa Q&A

So, I might be pregnant. And I have very little money for school. Does the university offer some kind of support for pregnant students? What can I do to begin managing this? Should I talk to my advisor, or financial aid, or my doctor, or all and more? I’d feel better (and more able to face my parents) if I had some sort of contingency plan.

It sounds like you’re on the right track of putting together a plan for this pregnancy! There are many programs in the Iowa City area that can assist pregnant women. Agencies like Concern for Women, WIC, The Nest, and Birthright are a few places women can go to receive medical care, counseling, nutrition consultations, food vouchers, baby clothing and supplies.

You should talk to your advisor and financial aid office as they would have more information on the options for financial aid. Also, it would be important to let your professors know so that you can make arrangements around the time the baby is born.

It is very important that you consult your doctor about how to take care of yourself to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. If you are unable to contact your doctor, you may make a visit to the Student Health Service free of charge. Just because this was not planned doesn’t mean you can’t finish school and have a healthy baby.

For a listing of helpful agencies in the area, you can go here (check on page 4 and 5): http://international.uiowa.edu/oiss/documents/Need-Help.pdf

Childcare Openings can be found here: http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/famserv/childcare/uipartners.html

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

Related Web Questions:
School and Pregnancy

Written 1/22/10
 

For the past few months I have been experiencing painful intestinal gas and flatulence. I have been trying to eliminate certain foods from my diet with little success. I was wondering 1) What is the best method of finding and eliminating aggravating foods and 2) Can alcohol or tobacco cause these symptoms?

Gas: we have all had it. Did you know that on average we pass gas 10 to 15 times a day and we pass about one to three pints a day? But for some people, gas can be painful and uncomfortable.

There are a few explanations as to why gas is created. The first being the type of foods we ingest. Keep in mind that everyone is affected differently by different types of foods. According to mayoclinic.com, these are typical gas causing foods:

-Cabbage
-Asparagus
-Broccoli
-Corn
-Potatoes

Unfortunately, healthier foods are known to cause gas because of the high amount of fiber found in the foods. Also, foods that contain lactose (sugars in dairy products) are also known to cause gas. A good tip to find out which foods affect you the most is to keep a food diary. Simply write down what you ate and how those foods affected you. This may help to isolate a certain type of gas causing food.

Another way gas can be caused is by swallowing air. When we eat, we naturally take in air. So to prevent large amounts of air from entering your digestive track try these tips:

-Eat your food slowly
-Do not drink through a straw
-Do not talk while eating
-Eat smaller meals more frequently
-Do no slurp
-Do not chew gum

To answer your question pertaining to alcohol and smoking, they too can be another culprit of gas. When smoking, you naturally take in air which can cause gas. There really is no way to prevent taking in air when smoking. My best suggestion is to quit. Just another reason to give up smoking! On a side note: if you are looking to quit, Health Iowa offers free tobacco cessation consultations. Just call 335-8394 to schedule an appointment!

As far as alcohol, most people experience gas during a hangover. During a hangover, the small and large intestine do not absorb the salt and water as it normally does. As a result, diarrhea and gas can occur. A helpful suggestion: drink in moderation and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

There are a few other ways you can combat gas. First is to exercise. Exercise can help move gas and give relief. Another method is to apply heat to your stomach area; a heating pad is perfect for this. Finally, try an antacid. Antacids often contain ingredients that provide gas relief.

If you are still not having relief it is a good idea to consult your doctor. Occasionally bloating can be a sign of food allergies or intolerances, so be sure to let your doctor know about your gas and bloating.

Related web questions:
Help!! I’m bloated and full of gas!

Stephanie Beecher, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Services

Written 01/22/10
 

I’ve seen a lot in the news and in ads lately about reducing ‘unintended pregnancies’. Does this mean pregnancies in teens are more common now than other years?

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that teen pregnancies are on the rise. In 2006, 26 states reported a rise in teen pregnancies (including those that were terminated due to abortions) which is noteworthy because, only one state showed a significant increase in 2004 and 2005. The recent rise is the highest since 1971, rising 5% from 2005 to 2007. The new trend is also significant because pregnancies were thought to be on the downturn as they decreased 34% from 1991-2005 among 15-19 year olds.

That was a lot of statistics, but basically, yes, teen pregnancies are more common now than before. Many have speculated the reasons why: over-sexed culture, greater acceptance of unmarried mothers in Hollywood, and abstinence-only education, to name a few. The ads you are seeing target the issue of ‘unintended pregnancies’ which may or may not happen with teen pregnancies. Even among married couples, pregnancies can be unplanned. Generally speaking, about half of all pregnancies are unintended.

What can you do about it? You can either abstain until you are able to handle a pregnancy, or you can practice safe sex and use a reliable form of birth control. The Student Health Service has free condoms available and you can schedule a visit with a doctor or gynecologist to discuss birth control options. You can also check out AvoidtheStork.com for more information.

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

Source: USA Today
CDC

Written 1/25/10
 

Can I use Student Health Service after graduation?

Students can come to Student Health Service for the session following their graduation with the payment of an office visit fee. For example, if a student graduates in December, they can come to SHS until the spring semester starts and have access to most services if they pay the office visit fee. After the session-after-graduation, students unfortunately have to find another provider since SHS is focused on care for enrolled UI students.

Students will have the option to continue health insurance coverage for up to 12 months after leaving The University of Iowa. Short-term health and dental insurance are available for those who are UI students, immediately after they graduate or leave school. If you wish to utilize this option, you must complete the application within 45 days of graduation of leaving the university.

You may seek care from any provider you choose. However, if you use an Iowa “Alliance Select Provider” or Delta Dental provider, your costs will generally be much lower. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), Mercy Hospital, and Family Practice Clinics are Alliance Select Providers in Iowa City. The College of Dentistry is a Delta Dental provider in Iowa City.

For more information, please visit the University Benefits website at: http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/benefits/index.html

For more information about short term insurance, here is the direct link: http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/benefits/health/student/index_aftergrad.html

Amanda Truppe, B.S.
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Lisa James, RN MSN
Interim Administrative Director
Student Health Service

2/1/2010
 

Should I see a doctor for infected belly button piercing?

Piercings, especially belly button piercings, always run the risk of infection. It is important to know that if your infection does not clear up within 1-2 days, you should consult your doctor immediately.

With this said, here is some information that may help you and your sore belly button. A few days after a piercing, you may notice the area red, swollen, and some slight bleeding. The piercing sight will drain white fluid. If it is draining yellow fluid, it is a sign of an infection. Also, if there is excessive redness or feels warm to the touch this may also be a sign of an infection.

One way to drain an infection is to make a warm compress. Simply wet a clean towel, microwave it for about 25 seconds until it is hot, and then put it over the infection sight. This method should draw out the infection.

Another way to clear up an infection is to soak cotton balls in a salt/water mixture and then apply to the infected area. Use a teaspoon of sea salt with a cup of water for your mixture.

As I mentioned before, if you suspect an infection it is best to consult your healthcare professional immediately. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious problems, such as the infection entering your bloodstream or the formation of an abscess.

Resources:
Mayoclinic.com

Stephanie Beecher, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 1/28/10