Don't Bet on It

By: Natalie Mullet, Deputy Director - Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

March is a big month in the gaming industry. More money is legally bet on March Madness than any other sporting event in the United States. It is also the month that houses Problem Gambling Awareness Week.

Are you gambling on poker, Internet games, slot machines, sports…or do you skip it all together? Gambling often starts out as fun – a bet among friends. But, some people find it hard to stop gambling even when the fun is over. A recent university study showed that 1 in 4 college student gamblers is at risk for developing a gambling problem.

Gambling is everywhere. A person gambles anytime they risk something of value on an uncertain outcome. Most people can gamble with no problem, but others have serious financial, emotion, physical and sometimes criminal consequences.

There are signs that indicate when your gambling is more than a game.

Social gamblers bet only what they can afford to lose. They set a time limit and financial limit and stick to it. They never borrow money from friends or use credit cards to gamble. Social gamblers have other activities that they participate in and have other hobbies that do not involve a bet. Relationships, family and friends come before gambling.

Problem gamblers often lose money that they don’t have. They will borrow money from friends or max out their credit cards, to bet or pay off losses. A problem gambler will often lose track of time once they begin gambling, and may spend most of their time gambling, thinking about gambling, or talking about it. They often develop problems with school, work, family and friends because of gambling.

People with a problem will often develop significant financial problems, may lie or become defensive when questioned about their gambling. They may start to chase loses in an effort to win back money already lost. This may lead to ‘borrowing’ – stealing money from others, using their student loans or spending money they just don’t have.

Know how to make a choice that won’t jeopardize your future. The truth is that gambling can cause the same problems alcohol or drug abuse can.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, there is someone you can talk to anytime. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling operates a 24 hour a day, toll-free and anonymous helpline that can help you or your friends or family member with their gambling problem.

Call: 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), because the first step to getting help for a gambling problem is admitting there is one. We’re here to help and we don’t play games.

On campus UCF, you can talk with any of your UCF Health Care providers, members of the Wellness program, the REAL Project staff and members of the Counseling Service for help and referral.

The UCF Health Center Women's Clinic

By: Karen Yerkes, ARNP - UCF Health Center

For a healthy you, be physically active each day, eat colorful meals, have regular preventive screenings at the clinic and avoid risky behaviors. All new patients at the UCF Health Center's Women’s Clinic receive educational packets on physical fitness, healthy diets, daily calcium, health screenings, preventive measures like self breast exam and HPV vaccines.

Physical exercise has terrific benefits for a healthy woman. These health benefits include relaxation, stress management, weight management and energy gains. Active women feel healthier and tend to outlive inactive women. Walking can improve your life by adding energy. Yoga focuses on breathing and meditation; working in unison to provide a clearer mind.

Eat more nutritional meals with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Low fat dairy products like skim or 1% milk, yogurts and cheeses help to keep your bones strong. Folic acid in fortified breads and cereals, green leafy vegetables and folic acid supplements or women’s daily vitamins will boost your immune system and prevent serious birth defects. All women of child-bearing age will benefit from folic acid supplements.

Preventive screenings like clinical breast exams, SBE, cervical cancer screenings and the Gardasil vaccine are available at the UCF Health Center Women’s Clinic. We provide comprehensive women’s health services such as: contraceptive prescribing and counseling, routine PAP screening, colposcopy referrals and exams, HPV vaccinations, STI testing and counseling, and pregnancy testing and counseling.

We are located in the Purple Pod on second floor of the UCF Health Center.

A great reference for healthy women is: 4collegewomen.org

How to Treat the Symptoms of Colds and Flu

By: Jason Perry, UF PharmD student - UCF Pharmacy Intern

Cold and flu symptoms make you feel miserable. There are, however, options available without a prescription to treat some of the most bothersome symptoms. Please seek medical attention if you have a fever over 102°F, have colored phlegm with fever and chills, or your symptoms do not improve.

Fever

Fevers are a natural defense against infection. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are available over-the-counter to reduce fevers. NSAIDS include ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen.

Tiredness

Rest! You may feel tired for a number of reasons. Loss of sleep due to illness, lack of nutrients from vomiting or not eating, infection, and dehydration are some potential causes. Resting is one way to help your body heal. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

Coughing

Coughing is a natural defense against lung infection. There is only one ingredient available over-the-counter that will treat a cough, it is dextromethorphan. If your cough is productive (you can break up mucus) then you should avoid suppressing your cough.

Sneezing

Sneezing can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. There are several to choose from. Antihistamines are available as drowsy or non-drowsy formulations. Keep in mind, these products may cause dry mouth so drink plenty of fluids.

Sore Throat

If your sore throat is due to a simple cold you should increase your fluid intake, gargle with warm salt water, use lozenges, take an over the counter pain reliever (Tylenol or Advil) and rest your voice. To create salt water solution use ¼ teaspoon of salt in half a glass of warm water. Please seek medical attention if you’ve had a sore throat for several days and it is accompanied by a fever.

Congestion

Sinus pressure and congestion can cause significant discomfort. There are two products available without a prescription that can be taken by mouth; they are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Pseudoephedrine is more effective and is kept behind the pharmacy counter. Decongestant nasal sprays are also available and should not be used for more than two days.
Further reading and additional information can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/.

Cold and Flu Care Kits are available at YOUR UCF Pharmacy and Knight Aide for ONLY $5.00!