UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State students who are interested in promoting health among their peers can apply to participate in HealthWorks, a student peer education and outreach program within University Health Services (UHS). Membership applications will be accepted through March 1 for the 2013-14 school year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control are reporting wide-spread flu at this time. Indications are that flu activity has not yet peaked as the number of flu cases continues to increase. Influenza A/H3 is the predominant strain at this time and is associated with more severe illness, especially in the elderly. In addition, Influenza B is also circulating on the University Park campus.
University Health Services will be offering three flu vaccine clinics this month:
-- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14, in 205 Student Health Center
-- noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 15, in 205 Student Health Center
-- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 28, in 205 Student Health Center
The flu season has arrived at Penn State. University Health Services (UHS), reported that the number of students with flu-like symptoms has increased in recent weeks. The risk of contracting the flu is high in a university environment where contact with many individuals is inevitable. Proper nutrition, adequate rest and frequent handwashing can help prevent illness due to influenza and other infectious disease. Proper disposal of facial tissues, and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing can also decrease the chance of infection. Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or drinks, can spread influenza and should be avoided.
Immunization against the flu can also lessen the chances of infection. Students who have not yet received the flu vaccine can receive one now by calling University Health Services at (814) 863-0774 or scheduling an appointment online through the UHS website at www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/health.
Often referred to as "stomach flu," norovirus is most common in Pennsylvania during the winter months. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and nausea. Early outbreaks have been reported from throughout the Commonwealth, indicating that the incidence of norovirus could be high this year.
Norovirus is highly contagious, easily transmittable and able to survive for three to four weeks at room temperature. Individuals with norovirus are contagious from the time they begin to feel sick until 3 days (or longer) after recovery. These factors make the close quarters associated with college life particularly challenging for prevention. "Flu season has also begun at University Park," stressed Shelley Haffner, UHS infection control nurse manager. "And norovirus is hitting at the same time. This makes prevention even more important."
Beginning spring 2013 international students must meet new waiver standards when purchasing health insurance other than the Penn State student health insurance plan. The new waiver standards have been instituted to comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislation that will become effective in 2013 and 2014.
"The new insurance standards are meant to help ensure adequate levels of health care and avoid costly medical bills for international students studying here at Penn State," says Karen Kline, student insurance manager at University Health Services (UHS). "These standards will, among other things, cover students at a higher level for injury, illness and prescriptions."
University Health Services (UHS), Penn State's student health service on the University Park campus, has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the seventh time UHS has been officially recognized by AAAHC for delivering excellent health care services to patients. UHS has maintained accreditation since 1994. UHS underwent the extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services -- meeting and exceeding strict standards in areas such as patient rights, clinical records-keeping, quality of care, and infection control and safety. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all who undergo an on-site survey are granted accreditation.
Penn State's Student Health Center recently received the results of a University waste audit. Out of a total of 477 pounds, the facility recycled/composted an average of more than 69 percent, diverting this waste from landfills. According to Al Matyasovsky, supervisor of central support services in the Office of Physical Plant, the University Park campus waste diversion potential is 88 percent.
"We have achieved this number at a few special events such as the Quarterback Club luncheon and Shaver's Creek," Matyasovsky said. "However, campus buildings face greater challenges in capturing a wide range of waste. A diversion rate above 60 percent has only been achieved three times in the history of Penn State."
Penn State University Health Services (UHS) reports two recent laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, and can be treated with antibiotics. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease and cases in the United States are on the rise. The first recent case at University Park was confirmed Friday, Sept. 21; the second case was confirmed Monday, Sept. 24.
Anorexia and bulimia are common among college-aged women and men. Effective treatment of disordered eating involves treating the emotional and physical effects. Penn State HEALS (Healthy Eating and Living Support) is collaboration between the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and University Health Services (UHS) created to help students with all aspects of food, weight or body image issues.
University Health Services (UHS) has expanded its sports medicine clinic to include Wednesday hours with Dr. Katie Goyer, a physician with Penn State Sports Medicine.
Flu vaccine is available at University Health Services (UHS) for all Penn State students and student spouses covered by the Penn State student health insurance plan. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments ahead of time and may schedule appointments online at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS starting one week in advance of each clinic date. Students who receive their vaccine through one of the following clinics will be charged $13, charged to their student accounts. Students who receive the vaccine through a nurse or clinician visit will be charged $23. The Penn State student health insurance plan will cover the cost of the vaccine if received through UHS.
An ice cream social will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, in the lobby of the Student Health Center. University Health Services (UHS) is sponsoring the event to thank students, faculty, staff and retirees for their support and to celebrate recent high marks received by UHS.
The free Student Health Tune-up series at University Health Services (UHS) returns this fall with three weekly sessions. Students can take a yoga class from 4-5 p.m. on Mondays and from 4-5 or 5-6 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the semester. Monday sessions begin Sept. 10; Thursday sessions begin Sept. 13. Classes are held in 205 Student Health Center.
Janea Guiher, physician assistant, recently joined the staff of University Health Services (UHS), Penn State's student health service at the University Park campus. As one of seven physician assistants at UHS, Guiher will provide medical care to students assigned to the 4East team within clinical services. In order to provide continuity of care and establish a relationship with a primary care provider, every UHS patient is assigned to a health care team.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health PA DOH) have released alerts pertaining to an increase in West Nile virus. In Centre County, 16 mosquitoes and six birds have tested positive for the virus this summer. Although PA does not yet have any confirmed cases of WNV infections in people, ongoing DOH monitoring demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence of the virus in mosquitoes than in past years. This suggests that the risk of WNV transmission to humans is already high. The virus is contracted by humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State students who are interested in promoting health among their peers can apply to participate in HealthWorks, a student peer education and outreach program within University Health Services (UHS). Membership applications will be accepted through March 1 for the 2013-14 school year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control are reporting wide-spread flu at this time. Indications are that flu activity has not yet peaked as the number of flu cases continues to increase. Influenza A/H3 is the predominant strain at this time and is associated with more severe illness, especially in the elderly. In addition, Influenza B is also circulating on the University Park campus.
University Health Services will be offering three flu vaccine clinics this month:
-- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14, in 205 Student Health Center
-- noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 15, in 205 Student Health Center
-- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 28, in 205 Student Health Center
The flu season has arrived at Penn State. University Health Services (UHS), reported that the number of students with flu-like symptoms has increased in recent weeks. The risk of contracting the flu is high in a university environment where contact with many individuals is inevitable. Proper nutrition, adequate rest and frequent handwashing can help prevent illness due to influenza and other infectious disease. Proper disposal of facial tissues, and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing can also decrease the chance of infection. Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or drinks, can spread influenza and should be avoided.
Immunization against the flu can also lessen the chances of infection. Students who have not yet received the flu vaccine can receive one now by calling University Health Services at (814) 863-0774 or scheduling an appointment online through the UHS website at www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/health.
Often referred to as "stomach flu," norovirus is most common in Pennsylvania during the winter months. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and nausea. Early outbreaks have been reported from throughout the Commonwealth, indicating that the incidence of norovirus could be high this year.
Norovirus is highly contagious, easily transmittable and able to survive for three to four weeks at room temperature. Individuals with norovirus are contagious from the time they begin to feel sick until 3 days (or longer) after recovery. These factors make the close quarters associated with college life particularly challenging for prevention. "Flu season has also begun at University Park," stressed Shelley Haffner, UHS infection control nurse manager. "And norovirus is hitting at the same time. This makes prevention even more important."
Beginning spring 2013 international students must meet new waiver standards when purchasing health insurance other than the Penn State student health insurance plan. The new waiver standards have been instituted to comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislation that will become effective in 2013 and 2014.
"The new insurance standards are meant to help ensure adequate levels of health care and avoid costly medical bills for international students studying here at Penn State," says Karen Kline, student insurance manager at University Health Services (UHS). "These standards will, among other things, cover students at a higher level for injury, illness and prescriptions."
University Health Services (UHS), Penn State's student health service on the University Park campus, has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the seventh time UHS has been officially recognized by AAAHC for delivering excellent health care services to patients. UHS has maintained accreditation since 1994. UHS underwent the extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services -- meeting and exceeding strict standards in areas such as patient rights, clinical records-keeping, quality of care, and infection control and safety. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all who undergo an on-site survey are granted accreditation.
Penn State's Student Health Center recently received the results of a University waste audit. Out of a total of 477 pounds, the facility recycled/composted an average of more than 69 percent, diverting this waste from landfills. According to Al Matyasovsky, supervisor of central support services in the Office of Physical Plant, the University Park campus waste diversion potential is 88 percent.
"We have achieved this number at a few special events such as the Quarterback Club luncheon and Shaver's Creek," Matyasovsky said. "However, campus buildings face greater challenges in capturing a wide range of waste. A diversion rate above 60 percent has only been achieved three times in the history of Penn State."
Penn State University Health Services (UHS) reports two recent laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, and can be treated with antibiotics. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease and cases in the United States are on the rise. The first recent case at University Park was confirmed Friday, Sept. 21; the second case was confirmed Monday, Sept. 24.
Anorexia and bulimia are common among college-aged women and men. Effective treatment of disordered eating involves treating the emotional and physical effects. Penn State HEALS (Healthy Eating and Living Support) is collaboration between the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and University Health Services (UHS) created to help students with all aspects of food, weight or body image issues.
University Health Services (UHS) has expanded its sports medicine clinic to include Wednesday hours with Dr. Katie Goyer, a physician with Penn State Sports Medicine.
Flu vaccine is available at University Health Services (UHS) for all Penn State students and student spouses covered by the Penn State student health insurance plan. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments ahead of time and may schedule appointments online at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS starting one week in advance of each clinic date. Students who receive their vaccine through one of the following clinics will be charged $13, charged to their student accounts. Students who receive the vaccine through a nurse or clinician visit will be charged $23. The Penn State student health insurance plan will cover the cost of the vaccine if received through UHS.
An ice cream social will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, in the lobby of the Student Health Center. University Health Services (UHS) is sponsoring the event to thank students, faculty, staff and retirees for their support and to celebrate recent high marks received by UHS.
The free Student Health Tune-up series at University Health Services (UHS) returns this fall with three weekly sessions. Students can take a yoga class from 4-5 p.m. on Mondays and from 4-5 or 5-6 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the semester. Monday sessions begin Sept. 10; Thursday sessions begin Sept. 13. Classes are held in 205 Student Health Center.
Janea Guiher, physician assistant, recently joined the staff of University Health Services (UHS), Penn State's student health service at the University Park campus. As one of seven physician assistants at UHS, Guiher will provide medical care to students assigned to the 4East team within clinical services. In order to provide continuity of care and establish a relationship with a primary care provider, every UHS patient is assigned to a health care team.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health PA DOH) have released alerts pertaining to an increase in West Nile virus. In Centre County, 16 mosquitoes and six birds have tested positive for the virus this summer. Although PA does not yet have any confirmed cases of WNV infections in people, ongoing DOH monitoring demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence of the virus in mosquitoes than in past years. This suggests that the risk of WNV transmission to humans is already high. The virus is contracted by humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
