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Students, Here is a thought: Reasons why YOU should get the flu shot…

There are many excuses one can think of to avoid getting vacinated from the flu such as, “I hate shots,” “I got the flu vaccine last year… I don’t need another one,” or “I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu vaccine.” But the truth of the matter is that it is no fun being sick on campus without mom or dad to help take care of you. Missing classes, missing work, and missing out on fun social events or club meetings are just among the many negative effects the flu can have on a student who is sick.

Being sick with the flu is bad enough, but did you know that Influenza can lead to serious illness and even death? Influenza caninfluenza cause deaths, even in healthy young people. ND flu activity to date is 95 hospitalized, 6 deaths, and 2491 diagnosed cases. Minnesota stats are 2128 hospitalizations and 75 deaths.

According to News 5, a 22-year-old Wright State University student died from flu complications just recently after being hospitalized for four days.  Anyone can become sick with the flu and experience serious complications no matter how “healthy” they are. The flu virus is unpredicatable, but the good news is that it is preventable. Getting the flu vaccine is the number one way to protect yourself, friends, and others at the University.

Fast Facts about the flu shot:

  • Flu  shots have been given for over 50 years and have a high safety ratings (monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug administration).
  • It is important to get vaccinated every year because the body’s level of immunity from last year’s shot, is expected to decline over the past year.
  • Most people say that the minor pain of a flu shot is nothing in comparison to suffering from the flu.
  • It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide full protection, so the  sooner the better! The flu season reaches it’s peak towards the end of January and the beginning of February, so it is never “too late” to get vaccinated because it will offer you protection all year long!
  • The flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that current research indicates will be the most common during this season.
  • You can get vaccinated for the flu right on campus, the UND Student Health Services offers flu shot service and itis relatively quick and super affordable!

Along with getting the flu shot as the number one way to avoid getting the flu, check out these other awesome prevention tips to stay healthy during flu season:

  • Cover your cough
  • Clean your hands frequently
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Keep your distance (6ft+) when possible
  • Stay home when you are sick to get well faster!

Resources:

Dinner for Two

Looking for something fun and tasteful to do in the evenings? Bring a friend or a significant other to create a gourmet style meal at the Culinary Corner! This week on January 19th at 5 pm we will be making Chili Rubbed Salmon as the main course, and it’s only $20 for 2 people!

We will be having Tortellini Pasta Salad with Heirloom tomatoes, Basil and Grilled Chicken as the main course on February 3rd at 6pm!

If you want something fun and special to do on Valentines day, come join us with another individual at 7 pm to share in a Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Cider Sauce as the main course._MG_2154_fixed

If you would like to register for the class visit https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=124&GroupID=137209 or contact Jessica at jessica.poglajen@email.und.edu or 701-777-0228.
We hope to see you there!!

Redeem your Healthy Blue points by Dec. 31st!

Staff, faculty and spouses:

Please don’t forget to REDEEM your HealthyBlue points by December 31st, 2012.  It is a use-it-or-lose-it system.  NO POINTS WILL ROLL OVER IN 2013.   If you have questions, please contact Tara Roberts, the NDPERS/BCBSND liaison at: 701-277-2852 or tara.roberts@bcbsnd.com.

Mock Clinic to be held at Student Health Services December 27th and January 3rd

UND Student Health Services will be holding a Mock Clinic on December 27, 2012 from 8am-12pm  AND  January 3, 2013 from 8am – 12pm to practice the flow and feel of the new Practice Management component of an Electronic Health Record system known as Medicat ®.   The clinic will be closed to serving students during these two blocks of time.

The New Medicat Practice Management system is planned “Go Live” on January 7, 2013.

The purpose of the Mock Clinic is for staff to practice and get the feel for the newly implemented Appointment Scheduling & Insurance Billing components of the system, and learn more about how this technology will impact workflow within individual departments and from the unique perspective of a student.

SHS will start seeing patients at 1:00 pm each of these days.

Most Popular Student Snack at UND…Fingernails!

Okay, that isn’t quite true! It is a possibility though! Last week I promoted “Smart Snacking in College” at the Wellness Center. While the majority of people consider “stressful snacking” to be overeating, many studies show that when students are stressed they resort to their fingernails… or under-eating! I wanted to find out how UND students were snacking, especially with the stress of finals coming up. Being a dietetic student, there was an OVERLOAD of ideas in my brain to share with you guys. Obviously, I wanted my information to be from credible sources. With SO many people claiming their way is the best way in nutrition it can be tough to know what to believe. After filtering through tons of information, I came up with the following general recommendations for snacks:
100-200 calories/snack

  • Don’t overdo your snacks!
  • Contain carbohydrates!
    • Fuel your brain
    • Fiber-filled!
      • Helps digestion
      • Satiety
      • Protein filled!
        • Satiety
          • Nutrient Dense!

What are you putting into your body? Using credible information when it comes to nutrition is SO important for your best and healthiest life! Where can you be sure to find this? A few resources to take a look at are:

  • ChooseMyPlate.gov
  • A Registered Dietitian
  • Nutrition.gov

Here are some quick ideas for you in your busy lifestyle!

Make-your-own Trail Mix:
Try:Whole grain, low sugar cereal
Sunflower seeds,Raw Almonds, Dried fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.), Dark Chocolate

Throw together ingredients and put into individual Ziploc bags for each day!

Raw Almonds
Try: Blue Diamond 100 calorie pack raw almonds
Why? Fiber, protein, healthy fat, B vitamins
Price: $3.99/7 pack ($0.57 per packet)

Granola Bar:
Try: Kashi TLC (Tasty Little Crunchies) Bar
Why? One package has 180 calories, 4g fiber, 6g protein, 100% whole grains, 8g added sugar
Price: $5.12/12 bars ($0.42 per bar)

Greek Yogurt dip:
Try: Dill Dip
+1 Cup Non-fat PLAIN Greek Yogurt
+3 teaspoons dried dill weed (find it in the spices section!)
Mix together and enjoy! Dip carrots, celery, whole-grain crackers

Why? Protein, Probiotics (help digestion)
Greek yogurt is a great replacement for dips using cream cheese, mayonnaise, or sour cream, or butter.
Price: $1.75 for yogurt, $3.98 for dried dill weed that can be used multiple times!

Popcorn with added spices:
Cumin
Dill
Garlic Powder
Why? Popcorn is a whole grain!
Gradually added spices and test it out until it tastes just right!

I also had members fill out a short survey about their snacking habits. The options to choose from for snack items were: crackers, candy, cheese stick, fruit, vegetables, nuts, cookies, yogurt, sports drinks, milk, chips, pop, ice cream. I was impressed that the item that was most commonly snacked on was yogurt! Good job, you guys! The most common activity that those were snacking during was watching television! The majority of those who took the survey claimed they consumed less when feeling stressed. Continue that healthy snacking UND students! I would advise against relying on fingernails for nutrients though!

Meet Your Student Health Services Providers – Marlene Hjeldness

UND Student Health Services Hours for Friday, November 23rd

Please note that UND Student Health Services will be open from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Friday, November 23rd (the Day after Thanksgiving Holiday) to serve students.

Students can make an appointment by calling 777-2605 or use our Online Appointment Form. You may also call 777-4500.  We do our best to work in students who have an urgent medical situation, but it is best to call ahead to minimize delays.  Please call in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

If students need care after hours, non-emergency services are available at Altru Urgent Care, which is located next to the Emergency Room at Altru Hospital on South Columbia Road. For information call 701-780-5968.

In the case of an emergency, please dial “911” or proceed to the Emergency Room at

Altru Hospital.Altru Hospital

1200 S. Columbia Rd.
Grand Forks, ND 58201

701-780-5000

                                                                                                                                                                  

Please Note: Student and/or student’s health insurance provider are responsible for the costs of emergency and non-emergency after hours care (to include Office Visit and any other applicable ancillary service charges). 

Exception:  In the event student is a Student Blue subscriber and SHS is closed, an Authorized Referral may be issued.  When an Authorized Referral is issued the Copayment Amounts will be waived for Office Visits and Emergency Services from a Participating Health Care Provider.  An Authorized Referral does not guarantee payment of benefits. Benefits for services received as a result of an Authorized Referral are subject to the conditions, limitations and exclusions of this Benefit Plan. Benefit payment will be denied if the Subscriber is not covered under this Benefit Plan on the date the services are provided.

After hours care is also available through several local community providers:

Altru Family Medicine Center              8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

1380 S. Columbia Rd.
Grand Forks, ND 58201
701-795-2000

Altru Family Medicine Residency         8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (conveniently located on UND Campus)

725 Hamline St
Grand Forks, ND 58203-2819
701-780-6800

Aurora Clinic                                      8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

1451 44th Ave S Unit F
Grand Forks, ND 58201
701-732-2700

Aurora Urgent Care                             8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Dr. Cedric Masa – Julie Solberg, PA-C – Dr. Matthew Viscito, MD
2650 32nd Avenue South, Suite D
Grand Forks, ND 58201
701-732-2710

Let’s work together to make UND Tobacco Free!

November 15, 2012 marks the 37th annual Great American Smokeout. The event is nationally recognized and held on the third Thursday in November each year. Started by the American Cancer Society, the event challenges tobacco users to abstain from tobacco for the day or plan in advance to quit smoking that day. More recently, the event has been expanded to promote awareness and compliance with tobacco free policies as well as enhance awareness of quit tobacco resources.

How can you show your support?

(1) Come to the Health and Wellness Hub in the Memorial Union on Tuesday November 13 and Wednesday November 14 to pick up a FREE T-shirt (while supplies last) with a commitment to wear it on Thursday. T-shirts will be given to those willing to speak to TEN other individuals about UND’s tobacco free policy and quit tobacco options utilizing the resources provided to them.

(2) Contact a Tobacco Prevention Coordinator (contact information below) to sign up to volunteer for at least a ½ hour on Thursday November 15th from 11 am – 1 pm. Go to various locations around campus and hand out mints attached to business cards which outline the policy OR hand out thank you cards to those individuals following UND’s tobacco free policy.

(3) Follow UND’s tobacco free policy

(4) Quit tobacco (for the day or for life!)

Keep your eyes peeled for outreach booths throughout the week and the many others supporting the Great American Smokeout by wearing Proud to be…Tobacco Free UND t-shirts!

For more information about UND’s tobacco free policy and quit tobacco options, please visit UND.edu/tobaccofree or stop in the Health and Wellness Hub in the Memorial Union and pick up a Quit Kit!

Mark your calendars for November 15 and join the movement to be tobacco free!

If you have any questions, or want to get involved contact Julia Geigle, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator or contact Emmanuel Adjei Boateng, Tobacco Prevention GSA at 701-777-2097.

Meet Your Student Health Services Providers – Karina Wittmann

Thai Chicken Pizza

I just thought that I would share a picture of our Thai Chicken Pizza from our Cheap, Fast and Healthy class on Tuesday night. This is an easy recipe that was made in less than 30 minutes.

It got great reviews from our attendees:

  • “Tonight’s recipe from Cheap Fast and Easy I’ll definitely be making soon. It looked so appetizing. When I showed my husband the picture, he even said he’d try it. That’s high praise!”
  • “This is something that I would make at home.”
  • “Even with all the veggies it was great”
  • Don’t forget to join us in the Culinary Corner on Tuesday Nights at 5:30pm for Cheap, Fast and Healthy. It’s FREE!!!! Hope to see you there.
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