Westminster College: leading liberal arts college, New Wilmington, PA

Body Composition Assessments

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

The Student Health Center will host students from Slippery Rock's Exercise Science department who will be providing free body composition assessments on Wednesday, April 24th from 11 am to 2 pm. No appointment necessary.

Free STD Testing on Feb. 13

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

The Student Health Center will have FREE STD testing on Wednesday, February 13th from 11 am to 1 pm. No appointment necessary.

Influenza Immunization Clinic

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 EST

The Student Health Center will be holding a Influenza Immunization Clinic on October 9th from 11 am to 2 pm. Beginning August 24th, you may sign up at the Student Health Center for the clinic. Please bring your insurance information with you when you come to sign up. Rite Aid pharmacy will be providing the immunization and will bill your insurance. If you do not have insurance, the cost is $27.99.

Recall of Birth Control Pills

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm289770.htm

Free Neck and Shoulder Massages

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Student Health Center will be offering free neck and shoulder massages on Reading Day, December 14th from 12 pm to 3 pm. Call 724-946-7927 for an appointment.

Free STD Testing

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Adagio Health will be offering FREE STD Testing on Wednesday, November 16th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Student Health Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

Flu Shot Clinic

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Student Health Center will be holding a flu shot clinic on Friday, November 4th from 11 am to 2 pm. Jameson Hospital will administer the influenza vaccine for $29.00 payable by cash or check.

HPV Vaccine

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. More than half of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives.

Whooping Cough Alert

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the nation's chief vaccine advisory panel, says more Americans of all ages should get Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) booster shots. Several states are reporting an increase in whooping cough cases, including a state-wide epidemic in California.

H1N1 Update

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

We continued to offer free doses of the H1N1 vaccine to students until Wednesday, December 16, On Wednesday the Department of Health took our remaining vaccine. In total, we administered 261 doses of the vaccine.

H1N1 Update

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Since I last wrote to you on November 2, we have had two clinics to give the H1N1 vaccine to students. We gave 241 doses of the vaccine during those clinics. We continue to give the vaccine to students who come to the Health Center and request it. We plan to continue to offer the vaccine to students.

H1N1 Update

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

We have received the doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine that I ordered for our students. Following CDC guidelines for situations in which vaccine supplies are limited, these doses will be targeted to STUDENTS. Other members of the campus community should be able to get the vaccine from their physicians or at one of the community mass clinics planned for later this year.

H1N1 Update

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Since I last wrote to you, we have not had another case of influenza - that is, until yesterday. We have had 4 or 5 students go home with influenza- like illness during the last two weeks, but none of them tested positive for the flu. Yesterday we did have a student who tested positive for the flu. That student has gone home to recover.

H1N1 Update

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

This week at the Health Center we have had only one student who tested positive for influenza. That student was isolated here on campus for several days and is now well and back in class.

H1N1 Update

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

This week at the Health Center we have seen fewer students with influenza-like illness. Two students were diagnosed with H1N1 by their family physicians and went home prior to being diagnosed with the virus. We did send one student home with influenza this week and we are awaiting the results of that student's H1N1 test results. Thus far this semester we have 21 students diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Update

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

This week we sent 6 students home with influenza. Of the 6 students, 5 have tested positive for H1N1 virus and one student's test is pending. This brings our total of students diagnosed with H1N1 virus to 17. This afternoon I spoke with all of the students who tested positive for the virus this week and all report that they are feeling improved and plan to be back on campus next week.

H1N1 Update

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Since yesterday we have sent 4 more students home with influenza. The good news is that all of the students we sent home last week are back on campus and feeling good. As we continue to see students with influenza, it is more important than ever to do what you can to stay healthy.

H1N1 Update

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Today we learned that we have 10 students who have tested positive for the Novel H1N1 Virus. All of the students who had positive influenza tests last week left campus for home or were isolated on campus. Many of the students who went home ill last week are better and are back on campus.

H1N1 Update

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

We have yet to receive any test results for students tested for the H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Update

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Today was a much better day here at the Health Center. We tested three students for influenza and only one student tested positive for influenza. That student has gone home to recover.

H1N1 Update

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Thus far we have not had a student diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. All of the students who have gone home or were isolated have influenza. We do not know yet whether they have the H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Update

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

It has been another busy day at the Student Health Center as we tested 16 students for influenza. Of those tested, 6 tested positive and have gone home to recover.

H1N1 Update

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Today Dr. Uberti, one of our College physicians, treated four students with influenza-like symptoms (fever, with cough, body aches, nasal congestion) and all four were tested for influenza. One of those students tested positive for influenza and is being isolated in the Student Health Center. The student has been tested for the H1N1 virus. However, the results will not be available for three days.

H1N1 Update

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Thus far this term we have had no cases of the H1N1 virus here at Westminster, nor have there been any cases in the community. Nonetheless, we continue to see news of outbreaks on college campuses. We are working hard to be prepared in case there is an outbreak here.

H1N1 Update

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Over the summer we have all read and heard a great deal about the H1N1 virus. Thus far there have been no cases in Lawrence County, but we want to be prepared. We have been working with the New Castle Department of Health and the college physicians to develop a plan to deal with the virus if it arrives in our area. We will also be looking into offering the H1N1 vaccine on campus when it becomes available.

H1N1 (Swine Flu Update)

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director, called the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic "moderate" in its severity and noted the overwhelming majority of patients suffer only mild symptoms and recover fully.

Pandemic Influenza

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST

Recent news reports have contained speculation and projections about the spread of avian influenza (bird flu). They reflect the growing concern about the spread of avian influenza in birds and its potential threat to people.

Mumps Outbreak Alert

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST

The state of Iowa has been experiencing a large outbreak of mumps that began in December, 2005. As of April 12, 2006, 605 suspect, probable and confirmed cases have been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health. The majority of cases are occurring among persons 18-25 years of age, many of who are vaccinated and are on college campuses. The first reported cases in Iowa were among college students. Cases of mumps are under investigation in 8 neighboring states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Urinary Tract Infections

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Pain or burning when urinating, frequent need to urinate, urgent need to urinate, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the middle of the lower abdomen (suprapubic pain) are the most common presenting symptoms of a UTI.

Acute Bronchitis (Tracheobronchitis)

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Welcome back Westminster Titans! Over the break I am sure that some of you experienced "acute bronchitis". It is one of the most common conditions that bring people to the doctor, particularly at this time of the year. Those of you who developed acute bronchitis over the break (or since your return to campus) could attest to the symptoms. Nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and malaise are of the most common initial symptoms during the first week. It then progresses to a persistent deep non-productive cough. This cough can make it difficult to sleep at night (for you and your roommate!).

Influenza

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

What is "the flu"? Should I be concerned? What happens if I get the flu?

Flu Vaccine

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

The flu vaccine is recommended for persons at risk for influenza-related complications, including: persons 50 years of age or older, residents of LTCF, adults and children who have chronic lung or heart conditions, including children with asthma, adults and children who have required regular medical care during the previous year because of chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, or problems of the immune system, children and teenagers age 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for Reye syndrome, women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season, persons who might transmit influenza to high risk individuals such as health care workers, workers at chronic health care facilities, providers of home care, and household members of persons in high risk groups. Because the vaccine is prepared from viruses grown in eggs, patients with serious allergy to egg products should consult with their doctor before receiving the vaccine.

Viral Gastroenteritis ('Stomach Flu')

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the stomach and small intestine. It is also called viral gastroenteritis. The illness is usually brief, lasting 1 to 3 days.

Common Colds

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

Common colds are the most frequently acquired acute illnesses in the United States and throughout the industrialized world. Though the infection is self-limited, the burden in terms of lost productivity and expense is high. The common cold has been estimated to cost more that $3.5 billion per year in the United States alone. Forty percent of all time lost from jobs among those employed is due to colds, and annual school absences are as high as 23 million days.

Do I Need to Visit a Physician?

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

When you are experiencing a cold or the flu it is sometimes difficult to decide whether or not your symptoms warrant a visit to see a physician.

Ten Ways to Help Avoid Colds and the Flu

Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST

Wash your hands frequently. Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth unless you have just washed them. If you are not able to wash your hands, use an antiseptic towelette to cleanse them.
Drink plenty of water (do not refill disposable water bottles). Water keeps mucous membranes moist and working to defend your body. Run a vaporizer in your room while the heat is on.
Reduce stress. Studies have shown that those with higher levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness.
Don't smoke. Smoking paralyzes the cilia (tiny hairs that line the respiratory tract), which are your first line of defense against viruses and bacteria.
Keep surfaces clean. The flu virus can live for hours on inanimate objects. Clean commonly used surfaces such as keyboards, door knobs, etc. with disinfectant wipes.
Observe cough etiquette. Don't cough into your hands, use disposable tissues. If a disposable tissue is not available, cough into your sleeve.
Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to keep your immune system strong.
Eat a well-balanced diet and take a multi-vitamin if you think you might not be getting all the essential nutrients. Breakfast is an important meal.
Get enough sleep. Sleep helps to keep your immune system strong.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

West Nile Virus

Thu, 09 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST

Midsummer and early fall are beautiful times of year here in Pennsylvania. They are also the times for the presence of West Nile Virus in this area. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Human infection with the virus is usually through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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