Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Sea Lice-stay protected at the beach!

Itchy Scratchy

Have you ever broke out in hives after returning from a day at the beach? Have you ever felt an itching, burning, and stinging sensation that just will not go away after you have been in the ocean?

It could possibly be...Sea Lice!

What is sea lice?
-Well, sea lice is actually a marine parasite that affects fish and has nothing to do with producing a rash on humans.
-The "sea lice" that is harmful to humans is actually the larvae of jellyfish.
-Larvae is visible to the naked eye, but nearly invisible
in saltwater.
-Higher concentrations occur in the summer months.

Symptoms:
-usually does not arise until 6 hours-2 days after exposure
-Very itchy, stinging feeling
-Rashes and blisters
-Can be uncomfortable and painful
-Mostly occur in regions where a bathing suit or other clothing was worn in the water, because the larvae gets trapped in those areas
-A severe reaction may include fever, chills, headaches, nausea, or vomiting

Where?
-Occurs in saltwater of coastal regions
-Prevalent in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, South America, eastern and western coasts of the United States

When?
-Usually in the summer months, between April and August (however, may occur anytime throughout the year)

What to do!
-First, immediately exit the water if you feel an immediate response
-Remove the bathing suit, then rinse off thoroughly (do not shower with the bathing suit on, this will only cause the remaining larvae to sting even more)
(Do not wear the same swim suit until it has been machine washed at least once)

Treatment:
-If you suspect sea lice, hydrogen peroxide, soap, and water scrub on the infected area will cause some relief. You must carefully watch the area for further secondary skin infections.
-Without treatment, the rash will usually disappear in 1-2 weeks. However, many people find this very uncomfortable.
-Topical corticosteroid ointment can provide relief and topical antibiotic ointment may help to prevent a secondary infection.
-Try taking oral Benadryl to help with the itching.

Home Remedy:
-To relieve itching and burning, try vinegar and meat tenderizer

Prevention:
-If you are on vacation, some beaches will have sea lice warnings posted somewhere, whether on the beach or the in the paper, if there has been excessive exposure
-Be mindful of the time of the year
-Try wearing Sea Safe lotion. This lotion will help prevent unwanted exposure from jellyfish, sea lice, and other creatures-even has sunscreen.

Remember! If any other critters or bugs traveled back with you after Spring Break, Student Health Services does offer free and confidential STI testing and treatment.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Red, White & You

Donate Blood.
Tuesday, March 29th
  • 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives
  • Every 2 seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion
  • 5 million people in the U.S. alone need blood every year
  • Less than 38% of the population is eligible to donate
  • Only 7% of people in the U.S. have the universal donor type O-
M.O.V.E. is making it easy for you! There will be a blood drive held on campus.

When?
Tuesday, March 29th
12-5:30

Where?
Ross Sports Center

How?
Make an appointment by signing up on the MOVE Board or Table in Alliot
OR by calling MOVE at 802-654-2674

In Honor of the Devlin Family

How to Prepare:

-Drink plenty of fluids! Hydrate.
-Wear a shirt that can easily be rolled up above the elbow
-Eat foods rich in iron such as red meat, egg yolks, dark leafy greens, cereals, chick peas
-Bring a list of medications you are taking, both prescription and over the counter
-Don't forget your I.D. (this is the step I ALWAYS forget) Bring 2 forms of identification

Blood Donors Requirements:

-Must be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent
-Be healthy: must feel well before and at the time of donation (also, if you have a chronic condition it must be treated and under control, i.e. Diabetes)
-Must be at least 110 pounds

Double Red Cell Donors Requirements:

Females:
-Be Healthy
-Must be at least 17 years old
-Must be at least 5'5''
-Must weigh at least 150 pounds

Males:
-Be Healthy
-Must be at least 17 years old
-Must be at least 5'1''
-Must weigh at least 130 pounds

Blood donations are in really high demand right now, and the supply is really low!
Stop by the Ross Sports Center on March 29th.

It'll be your good deed for the week! :)

(After you donate, continue to drink plenty of fluids and avoid any heavy lifting and exercise for the rest of the day)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

Sunscreen, Spring Break, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
Not sure if you saw the Health Services table in Alliot on Tuesday during lunch, but I was handing out FREE SUNSCREEN! Why? Well, who doesn't love something free! Especially something free that could potentially save your life, or at least help you prevent major wrinkles when we get older.

Important to Note: you DO NOT need to be in Florida to protect your skin. Skiers? Just think of how much closer you are to the sun as you reach the summit. It is the same sun, all four seasons.
So for those of you who are not going somewhere warm, or skiing, or never plan on leaving the indoors-keep this in mind for summer! If it ever comes :(

  • -Use sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15, UVA and UVB protection too is idea
  • -Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure
  • -Wear a hat and when possible a long sleeve shirt and pants to protect your skin
  • -Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming and sweating
  • -Don't forget about your ears, nose, throat, lips, back of hands, and top of feet! ouch
  • -Be careful between 10am-4pm, sun is by far the strongest between those hours
  • -Don't tan, Just don't...
  • -Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection

Looking for something easy?

Buy a daily moisturizer that already has SPF in it.. that way you don't even realize you are putting it on and that tends to be a lot lighter than many sunblocks.

So basically... wear your sunscreen.

Check out this old school song if you want-very relaxing, chill form of meditation.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQlJ3vOp6nI&feature=related


Check back soon for more skin protection/skin cancer info!