What Do I Need To Know About My Medications?

By: Ted Luna, PharmD - UCF Pharmacist

The National Council on Patient Information & Education (NCPIE) reports that up to 50% of all prescriptions fail to work because they are used improperly by patients. As a result, preventable medicine-related illnesses annually account for over $75 billion in doctor’s visits, unnecessary new prescriptions, increased emergency room visits and absences or loss of productivity at work.

When you receive a new prescription, the pharmacist is required by law to verbally counsel you about your prescription and also provide you with written information about the medication.

The pharmacist may provide you with information such as:

· The name and description of the drug
· Directions for taking your medications
· Duration of therapy
· Common adverse effect and drug interactions
· Proper storage of your medicine
· Action to take in case of a missed dose
· Any other special precautions/directions as deemed necessary in the pharmacist judgment.


Here at the Health Services Pharmacy, and at our new location Knight Aide Pharmacy (next to the UCF Arena), our pharmacists are committed to providing you the best customer service. We enjoy educating our patients about their prescriptions and we encourage their questions and comments. Whether it’s about prescription medications, over-the-counter products, dietary supplements or any other health care products, our pharmacists stand ready to assist you with product selection and to answer all of your questions.

Please come by one of our pharmacies and experience the Health Services Pharmacy & Knight Aide Pharmacy difference.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By: Charlotte Hewkin - UCF Victim Advocate

UCF Victim Services will host a movie night with a discussion panel at the Tower 1 building on April 15th, 2008, from 6 to 9 PM. The movie, “Raw Deal: A Question of Consent,” has received several awards, including an award from the Sundance Film Festival. If you ever had any doubts about consent, this is the movie to see.

UCF Victim Services Mission Statement:
To provide free confidential options, advocacy and education to all members of the UCF community who may be victims or survivors of crime, violence or abuse, on or off the UCF Campus.

Advocates are available 24/7 by calling 407.823.5555. Ask for an advocate and give only a first name and a safe contact number. You will be called back within a few minutes.

Our office is located in the University Tower Building, 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 450, Orlando, 32826. Website: www.victimservices.ucf.edu

Getting help after a Sexual Assault:
Talk to someone -a family member, friend, advocate, counselor. Advocates may be contacted immediately after an assault.

Reporting to Law Enforcement: If the person decides to report, the following is a list of suggestions that may help the investigation:

• Do not attempt to shower, bathe, douche, or clean the affected area(s) where the rape occurred, this will destroy valuable evidence.
• Seek medical attention. This includes a rape examination (Rape Kit).
• Regardless if the person changes their decision to prosecute, medical attention is still necessary.
• A free rape exam is available to all victims of sexual assault even if you don't want to report to the police.
• Remember, an Advocate is available to provide you with support and options 24/7.

Reducing the Risk for Rape:

• Know your sexual limits and communicate them firmly and directly. If you say NO, say it like you mean it. Don’t give mixed messages. Back up your words with a firm tone of voice and clear body language. Passive body language CAN be misinterpreted. Don’t assume your partner will automatically know how you feel.
• Don’t assume that a person wants to have sex just because they drink heavily, dress provocatively, show interest in dating you, or agree to go to your room.
• Don’t assume that just because a person consents to kissing or other sexual contact they are willing to have sexual intercourse.
• Don’t assume that just because someone has had sex with you in the past, they are willing to have sex again.
• If you are raped, it is not your fault. The rapist is entirely and solely to blame. Remember that acquaintance rape is a crime. It is never acceptable to use coercion, threats, or force in sexual situations, no matter what the circumstances.
  
  
  

Anxiety & Panic Disorder

By: James Schaus, MD - UCF Health Center Doctor

Severe anxiety sometimes manifests as physical symptoms. These very real and frightening symptoms are known as “panic attacks,” and the syndrome, “panic disorder.”

Panic disorder is a common condition, affecting approximately three out of every one 100 people. These episodes of intense fear or anxiety often occur suddenly without warning or provocation and the cause or trigger of these attacks may not be obvious. These attacks can last from minutes to hours, and can occur only once in a while or they may occur quite frequently. People have a built-in “alarm system” that goes off when they feel threatened. This alarm starts physical and emotional changes that prepare us to flee or fight the danger that triggered the alarm. In some people this alarm may go off unexpectedly, creating a very strong sense of threat when no danger is present. It is often a terrifying experience associated with several physical signs including:

• Shaking or tremors


• Heart pounding or racing


• Sweating


• Chest pain


• Shortness of breath


• Tight throat or choking sensation


• Nausea


• Cramping


• Dizziness


• Out of body feeling


• Tingling or numb feelings in the hands


• Chills or hot flashes

A person may also have an extreme fear of losing control, going crazy or dying during a panic attack. Many of the symptoms are the same as the symptoms of diseases of the heart, lung, intestines, or nervous system. Just a fear of having a panic attack is often enough to trigger the symptoms. This is the basis for a condition called Agoraphobia. About two thirds of those who have panic attacks have some degree of Agoraphobia. A person who has Agoraphobia finds it difficult to leave home, because he or she is afraid of having a panic attack in public or not having an easy way to escape.

If you think you might have panic attacks, it is very important to see a provider at the UCF Health Center. Several medications can make panic attacks less severe or prevent them altogether. SSRI antidepressant medications such as Paxil and Zoloft are FDA approved to treat panic attacks, and can be used for as long as necessary, sometimes for years. Short-term use of tranquilizers such a Xanax and Klonopin are also FDA approved to treat panic attacks, but they should be used only for short periods of time unless you absolutely cannot function without them. Several kinds of stress reduction counseling are available at the UCF Counseling Center, and are very effective for treating panic attacks. The combination of both counseling and medication is most effective. About 90% of people who receive a form of counseling known as cognitive behavioral therapy experience at least some relief of their panic symptoms. Biofeedback is also effective at preventing and treating panic disorder. There is no need for a person to continue to suffer these terrifying symptoms and we can help you live a more stress-free and secure life.