 Your Health 
A column by Nurse Kim Kerrigan
Director, LPC Student Health Center
Questions for Nurse Kerrigan may be dropped
off at the Student Health Center or e-mailed to: kkerrigan@valleycare.com
Dear Nurse Kerrigan
What is the waiting period after you have a tattoo before you
can donate blood?
A: The waiting period is one year. The annual campus Blood
Drive is scheduled for Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You
can sign up online at www.BeADonor. (company code LPC.) or call
the Student Health Center at 371-3830.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan
How is the HIV testing done without blood or needles?
A: The OraSure method checks for HIV antibodies, like a blood
test but without needles. It is completely painless. A special
pad with a handle similar to a toothbrush is placed between the
cheek and gum. It is left in place for two minutes. Then the
pad is sent to a medical lab for testing. It has been found to
be 99% accurate. Free, anonymous testing is available on campus
using this method.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
I have asthma and was wondering what to do if I have an asthma
attack. Sometimes I forget carry my inhaler.
Thanks S
Dear S,
12-15 million Americans have asthma and there has been a 46%
increase since 1983. Attacks can range from mild to severe. Severe
attacks can be life threatening and require emergency medical
treatment. For a mild attack using your bronchodilator inhaler
is the best thing to do. It would be a good idea to have a few
in different locations, for example in your car, at work, at
home and in your backpack. Watch the expiration dates since you
may not use them for awhile. At the Student Health Center there
is a Pulmo-aid nebulizer that is used if necessary.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
Does putting chocolate in milk affect the absorption of calcium?
Thanks,
A student
Dear Student,
"Very little if at all" according to registered dieticians
Clay and Maier. Dairy products have the highest calcium concentration
of all foods. They contain lactose and Vitamin D which enhances
calcium absorption. Calcium is necessary for bone structure and
strength, nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
A long-standing calcium deficiency may osteoporosis.
The Student Health Center has a handout on other calcium containing
foods.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
I heard you are giving free flu shots, is that true?
J
Dear J,
Yes, the Student Health Center has free flu shots for students.
There is a five dollar charge for Las Positas College faculty
and staff. Call 371-3830 or stop by for an appointment or to
discuss if the shot is right for you. You should not have the
vaccine if you are allergic to eggs.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
I missed two days of my birth control pills. What should I do?
Name withheld
Dear Student,
If you miss two pills in a row, then take two tablets as soon
as you remember and take two tablets the next day. Then return
to your regular schedule but use a back-up method of birth control
for 7 days. If the only pills you missed were in the fourth week
of a 28 day pack these pills contain no hormones and missing
them will not increase your risk of pregnancy. Simply throw away
the missed pills and continue on schedule. Remember that birth
control pills provide no protection against STD's including HIV
and hepatitis.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
I heard of Shigella outbreak. Can you explain what that is?
E
Dear E,
There was recently an outbreak of Shigella in our county. Shigella
is a bacterial gastrointestinal infection. Symptoms include fever,
diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Occasionally outbreaks
can be caused by contamination of food. This outbreak is related
to 1) Senor Felix brand: 5-layer Party Dip distributed at
natural food stores and Costco. 2) Trader Joe's 5 Layer Fiesta
Dip and Delicioso brand 5-Layer Dip distributed at Sam's
Club The disease is usually self-limiting but sometimes an
antibiotic is needed. It is a communicable disease that must
be reported to the county. There has been a consumer hotline
set-up to answer questions related to this outbreak and the involved
products: 800-807-7335. If you are experiencing symptoms
please call your health care provider or the student health center.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan
I heard that tanning booths are a safe way to tan. Is that true?
Thanks,
C
Dear C,
No, according to the American Academy of Dermatology there is
no safe way to tan. In spite of claims that tanning booths offer
"safe" tanning, exposure in these booths can cause
cataracts (eye damage), sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging
of the skin.
I know the Student Health Center
is giving free TB tests to students but I thought TB was no longer
a problem in the US. How many cases of active TB are there in
the Tri-Valley?
According to the Alameda County TB control program there were
nine reported cases for active TB in the Tri-Valley last year.
There was one case in Livermore, three in Pleasanton and five
in Dublin. The statistics for 1999 are not available yet. Although
relatively rare in our community, tuberculosis continues to be
a major health problem worldwide being the most common infectious
cause of death.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,I want
the meningitis vaccine. How much does it cost?
Dear Student,The polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine is expensive
but if you are at risk it is money well spent. The cost at the
Student Health Center is $65. This vaccine is currently recommended
for undergraduate students who live in or plan to live in college
residence halls where studies have shown an increased risk for
this potentially fatal disease.
How can I avoid tendonitis
from working at my computer?
First make sure you are squared up to your computer monitor
and keyboard with your feet fully supported on the floor. Your
work surface should be at elbow level. Shoulders should be relaxed
and not elevated. Elbows should be at a 90-degree angle and close
to your body. Your wrist should be in line with your forearms.
Press the keys lightly. Keep your upper body relaxed. Take short
breaks every 30 minuets. Some people find a padded wrist rest
helpful. To prevent eyestrain, position your monitor so it's
about an arms-length away and at eye-level.
What is HPV?
Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is the name of a group of viruses
that includes more than 80 different strains or types. Over 30
of these are sexually transmitted and can infect the genital
area. Some types are risk factors for cancer, and others can
cause relatively harmless genital warts. Cancer-causing types
are typically invisible. At least 50 percent of sexually active
men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point.. Pap
smears are the primary screening tool for cervical cancer or
pre-cancerous conditions.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
I want the meningitis vaccine. How much does it cost?
Dear Student,
The polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine is expensive but if
you are at risk it is money well spent. The cost at the Student
Health Center is $65. This vaccine is currently recommended for
undergraduate students who live in or plan to live in college
residence halls where studies have shown an increased risk for
this potentially fatal disease.
Dear Nurse Kerrigan,
My friend smokes Bidi cigarettes. She said they are healthier
and more natural than traditional cigarettes? Have you heard
of these?
Thanks, C.
Dear C,
Bidis or Beedies are thin, unfiltered cigarettes imported from
India. They come in flavors such as strawberry and chocolate.
Federal health officials say bidis are more harmful than cigarettes.
According to the CDC they produce more than three times the amount
of carbon monoxide and nicotine and about five times the amount
of tar as cigarettes. The Federal Trade Commission is investigating
them because there are no warning labels. Many health care professionals,
including myself are concerned that children will begin smoking
these because the flavors hide the harsh taste of the tobacco
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