Student Health Insurance Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 1

• Don’t Stress Out: Strategies for Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder in College
• Even College Students Aren’t Built for Heavy Backpacks
• A Guide to Awareness And Prevention of Cervical Cancer
• Social Smoking:  Kick This Habit in the Butt
• Caffeine: The Campus Drug

“One of the biggest challenges students with ADD face is recognizing their own limits and learning when to ask for help.”

College is a challenging time for all students, but for students living with Attention Deficit Disorder, the college years can be nerve-racking. Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is a developmental disorder characterized by degrees of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect a person’s academic and social success if not addressed.

ADD is a very common disorder. According to the Virginia Tech Counseling Center, 3 to 5 percent of the general population has ADD, indicating that 1 to 3 percent of college students are affected.  There is no cure for ADD, but it is manageable through a combination of counseling, behavioral modification techniques, and medication.

The Virginia Tech Counseling Center offers these key strategies to help all students, not just those with ADD, manage stress.

Knowing its effects - illness, susceptibility to infection, increased ADD symptoms

Identifying its causes - such as over committing or not getting enough sleep on a regular basis

Stay Focused – come up with a plan of action. Seek help from a counselor to help identify specific goals, discuss obstacles, and to provide encouragement.

One of the biggest challenges students with ADD face is recognizing their own limits and learning when to ask for help. If a student is struggling in class, he or she should seek help immediately. Many universities provide students with academic support services specifically geared to help them get back on track. Resources like writing and tutoring centers, note- takers, and extended periods for tests are available to help all students achieve their academic goals. By addressing the characteristics of ADD and coming up with a plan of action, students are better able to deal with the pressures of college and enjoy this unique time in their lives.

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Even College Students Aren’t Built for Heavy Backpacks

Statistics for backpack injuries of college-aged students are as alarming as any other. A 2007 Indiana University survey shows that more than 55 percent of college-aged respondents reported pain resulting from carrying their bags. Despite this, it seems as if the vast majority of backpack safety programs, articles, and press releases address the K-12 demographic. Although it is true that younger students (whose spines are still developing) are more likely to suffer a permanent injury, the dangers of overloaded bags are still very real to those in higher education.

The study showed that the average male student’s backpack weighs 11 pounds while a females’ is approximately 10 pounds. Typically, a bag is considered heavy when it weighs more than 10-15% of the carrier’s bodyweight1. When someone exceeds this, or uses a heavy bag incorrectly, they risk damaging their posture to compensate for the load. In addition, muscles and soft tissues can be strained, increasing the likelihood of damage to the back, shoulders, or neck. With the increased weight also comes the probability of secondary injuries related to backpacks. These include rolled/sprained ankles as well as falling over or being hit with bags. Secondary injuries were responsible for thousands of emergency room visits in 2005.

Observable symptoms of a student at risk include posture change while wearing a bag, struggling to lift it, and red marks or scratches on the shoulders. Students may report tingling or numbness in the arms and legs as well.

The key to keeping these injuries from happening is for healthcare officials to be able to educate students on proper backpack purchasing, loading, and carrying techniques. First and foremost, buying the correct bag can save a lot of future pain and suffering. Backpacks with multiple compartments allow for the weight of supplies to be distributed evenly throughout. Thick padded shoulder straps increase carrying comfort and decrease occurrences of blood flow restriction and pinched nerves. Some packs feature waist straps, which provide a third point of support for the weight. Rolling bags can be used as an alternative to eliminate back strain entirely but some students consider them inconvenient because they are difficult to maneuver up stairs or through snow.

When packing a backpack, it should only contain necessary items in order to decrease the overall weight. Larger items should be placed closer to the back; placing the heavy ones further out increases the tendency to compensate by leaning forward. Any sharp items such as scissors and compasses need to be put near the outside to reduce the likelihood of stabbing injuries. Alternately, purchase a pack with a padded back, as it will increase comfort in addition to protecting from sharp objects. When lifting their backpacks, students are advised to approach it as when lifting any heavy object: by using their legs. Bags should be worn over both shoulders to distribute the weight evenly amongst the strongest muscles of the back. Hanging the backpack close to shoulder level is generally considered the best method.

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A Guide to Awareness And Prevention of Cervical Cancer

For many female college students, the last thing on their minds is getting cervical cancer.  After all, a sexually transmitted disease causes cervical cancer so only promiscuous women are diagnosed, right? Wrong.  The facts can be misleading.  This is why it’s so important to educate women on college campuses about the risks and preventative measures of cervical cancer before it’s too late. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. There are over 100 different types of HPV, the majority of which are considered Low Risk and do not cause cervical cancer. While millions of young women believe they are not at risk for contracting HPV, they are unknowingly putting themselves at risk for developing the virus.  Because HPV can stay dormant for months or even years before it becomes detectable, sexual partners should  be monitored for HPV even when they have maintained a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship.  

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

•  Multiple sexual partners
•  Multiple full-term pregnancies
•  Sexual intercourse at an early age
•  Chlamydia infection
•  Cigarette smoking
•  Use of oral contraceptives
•  Weakened immune system or HIV infection

Dr. Anna Giuliano, professor and program leader of the Risk Assessment, Detection, and Intervention Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, FL says, “HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, and is most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s.” HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix, and can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. Both men and women can get HPV and pass it on to their sex partners without even realizing it. HPV infections are so common that every year in the United States, about 6.2 million people contract the virus.  According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, approximately 80 percent of all women will get HPV at some point by the age of 50, making it the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

So what exactly is cervical cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer begins in the lining of the cervix where normal cervical cells gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. Cervical cancers do not form suddenly. This process usually takes several years but sometimes can happen in less than a year.

The good news is cervical cancer is almost 100 percent curable when it is diagnosed in its early stages and treated promptly.  Most cases of cervical cancers can be prevented, since they start with easily detectable pre-cancerous changes. By learning how to prevent HPV, young adults can take responsibility for their health and drastically decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Dr. Giuliano says, “One of the best ways  to prevent cervical cancers is by having regular Pap tests. This is the single most effective method used to identify irregularities in cervical cells that could develop into cancer. If pre-cancerous changes are detected, appropriate treatment can prevent them from developing into invasive cancers.” Since the 1940s, when the Pap test was first introduced, the death rate for cervical cancer has declined by nearly 75 percent!

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisil®, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases caused by HPV. The vaccine has been approved for young women ages 9-26, and is administered through a series of three shots over a six-month period.  This vaccine protects against four types of HPV, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Studies have found the vaccine to be almost 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by these four HPV types, including pre-cancers of the cervix and genital warts. Dr. Giuliano believes that young women are lucky to have access to the vaccine, and should take advantage of this medical breakthrough.

The thought of any type of cancer is frightening, and students don’t need any additional stress in their already hectic lives. However, when they are aware of the causes, risks, and ways to prevent cervical cancer, they can take charge of their own health and feel good about the choices they are making.

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Social Smoking:  Kick This Habit in the Butt

It’s common knowledge that smoking is an extremely harmful and addictive habit. Leukemia, cataracts and pneumonia as well as cancers of the pancreas, cervix and kidneys are just a few of the unpleasant side effects of inhaling toxic carcinogens and poisonous chemicals. So just how often do people have to light up to put themselves at risk for the array of health problems we’ve all been warned about? The answer is not as often as tobacco companies would like to us to believe.

According to The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Social smoking is a term commonly used by young smokers to define their behavior. A qualitative study found that many college students describe themselves as ‘social smokers,’ by which they mean that their tobacco use is more like a social activity or a component of their social activities rather than a regular behavior characterized by nicotine dependence.” These smokers generally light up at bars and parties, but believe that they will not continue to smoke after leaving the college environment.

“Social smoking is absolutely not a good thing to try,” says Elizabeth E. Lloyd-Richardson, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and health behavior at Brown University. “We certainly know the health risks associated with smoking. At this point we have not determined a safe amount of smoking.” Research also suggests that particularly with adolescents, they are often led to believe that they can smoke in social situations and can quit whenever they want to. Lloyd-Richardson says that researchers don’t actually see this happening very often, and instead, these smokers end up smoking for many, many more years than they intended to.”

Experts are concerned that the growing trend of social smoking will have a serious impact on health. Here are some of the risks that studies have linked to casual smoking:

Social smoking may be a concept relatively new to public health, but the tobacco industry has long recognized the role of social influence and promoted smoking through marketing ploys that focus on young adult social activities and attempt to make tobacco use an integral part of the young adult social scene. In order to avoid an easily acquired nicotine addiction, college students and young adults need to be aware of the lifelong consequences of social smoking before they have a chance to start.

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Caffeine: The Campus Drug

When preparing for an exam or attempting to recover from an all-nighter, students tend to reach for a large cup of coffee or a can of their favorite energy drink. Almost ritualistic, the ingestion of large amounts of caffeine has been part of the campus culture for as long as anyone can remember. Unfortunately, for every latte, can of soda, and energy drink that is made available to our nation’s students, there is a severe lack of education about the dangers of caffeine and the resulting addiction.
           
As strange as it may seem, caffeine is a drug eerily comparable to cocaine. Although dissimilar at the molecular level, both substances are stimulants, are recognized as addictive, produce unpleasant withdrawal systems, and pose serious side effects with excessive dosages. In both cases, only a small quantity (100 mg) of either is sufficient to create a feeling of euphoria and mental alertness. Further amounts (upwards of 1,500 mg) can enhance these effects but also cause paranoia, tremors, muscle twitches, and cardiac issues such as irregular heartbeat. However, caffeine is significantly easier to obtain. A 16 oz Rockstar energy drink contains about 150 mg and retails for two to three dollars in the local store.
           
It is generally agreed that the recommended daily consumption of caffeine should be less than 300mg. Any more than this could cause adverse reactions. The American College of Emergency Physicians has concluded that the average age of caffeine abusers is 2. This puts college students amongst the highest risk for unsafe practices. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to make campus health officials well aware of the practices, symptoms, dangers, and addictive properties involved.

Aggressive marketing campaigns make caffeinated beverages seem glamorous to college students. While coffee was once simply “the best part of waking up,” Starbucks has positioned itself as the relaxed purveyor of a beverage that is chic (while averaging 200 mg of the good stuff). Red Bull’s can alleges that it will “Improve performance, especially during times of increased stress or strain,” all while increasing concentration, endurance, reaction speed, and metabolism. Soft drink manufacturers are also guilty of producing beverages specifically for high caffeine content: Mountain Dew MDX, Diet Pepsi Max, and Coca-Cola Blak all have at least two-and-a-half times more caffeine than standard cola.
           
In small amounts, caffeine may not produce any adverse side effects, but when hundreds or thousands of milligrams are consumed, the story changes. Symptoms of excess caffeine consumption include tremors, sweating, nausea, and irritability. Severe cases result in heart palpitations, hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. Caffeine overdose can cause symptoms similar to a heart attack, leading many students to the ER believing themselves to be suffering from one. For this reason, it has become common practice for physicians to inquire about the caffeine intake of their younger patients.
           
When used merely as an energy supplement, caffeine can create a vicious cycle of dependence because of disrupted sleep patterns. Late night drinks or caffeine pills may boost energy, but they also make it harder to fall asleep or cause a student to feel restless or toss in bed. This results in an enhanced feeling of drowsiness the next day, which is usually remedied by another caffeinated beverage. A study at the University of Bristol shows that a cup of coffee in the morning does nothing to make people feel more alert. Rather, the sluggish morning feeling comes from the overnight elimination of caffeine in one’s body. Ingesting coffee or energy drinks after waking up does nothing other than replenish what was purged. This dependency may make it difficult for caffeinated drinks to be reduced causing consumption to continue every morning throughout adulthood.

Because of its addictive properties, it may be difficult for students to reduce or cut out their intake. Good advice is to suggest slowly consuming less each day. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help flush excess caffeine from the body, and getting more sleep can compensate for the perceived energy loss. Keeping a supply of aspirin on hand is also advisable due to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and irritability. Ultimately, the best practice is raising awareness about the responsible use of what has become ‘the campus drug.’

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