2008 Woodie Awards
Staying healthy after 20
Laura Selmek
Issue date: 3/27/06 Section: Arts & Life
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but that doesn't mean that students should stay away from the doctor.
"I honestly can't tell you the last time I went to see a doctor," said Travis Williams, a senior majoring in anthropology. "When I get sick, it's usually just a cold, and I'm over it in a day or two."
Rather than schedule those dreaded appointments, many students abide by the motto, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
But there are a few things every student should check up on - even if they are in perfect shape.
One aspect that's easy to overlook is sexual health. Even the most minor things that go unchecked now could result in serious problems in the future, such as not being able to have children because of something that could have been detected with a simple Pap smear.
"I think a lot of people are scared [to see the gynocologist because] they've heard nothing but horror stories," said Jolenna Short, a licensed practical nurse at the Toledo branch of Planned Parenthood.
However, Short said that for women Pap smears are vital to check for abnormal cells that, if detected early, can be treated before they lead to cervical cancer.
A gynocological exam also checks for gonorrhea and clamydia, Short added.
Despite scary stories from friends and female family members of cold instruments and uncomfortable paper gowns, the examination process Short described seems straightforward.
After going over a patient's history, Short said she feels for swollen glands and checks for any breast lumps.
The pelvic exam consists of inserting a speculum - an instrument like a cold, metal duck bill - and one finger into the vaginal cavity to check the size of the ovaries. Enlarged ovaries could lead to needing a histerectomy and can cause infertility if they matasticize.
"At the UT Student Medical Center, we try to mirror recommendations made by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)," said Kris Armstrong, the clinic coordinator of the Student Medical Center. "This specialty deals with whole-life health and wellness care, and recommends annual examination for young adults."
"I honestly can't tell you the last time I went to see a doctor," said Travis Williams, a senior majoring in anthropology. "When I get sick, it's usually just a cold, and I'm over it in a day or two."
Rather than schedule those dreaded appointments, many students abide by the motto, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
But there are a few things every student should check up on - even if they are in perfect shape.
One aspect that's easy to overlook is sexual health. Even the most minor things that go unchecked now could result in serious problems in the future, such as not being able to have children because of something that could have been detected with a simple Pap smear.
"I think a lot of people are scared [to see the gynocologist because] they've heard nothing but horror stories," said Jolenna Short, a licensed practical nurse at the Toledo branch of Planned Parenthood.
However, Short said that for women Pap smears are vital to check for abnormal cells that, if detected early, can be treated before they lead to cervical cancer.
A gynocological exam also checks for gonorrhea and clamydia, Short added.
Despite scary stories from friends and female family members of cold instruments and uncomfortable paper gowns, the examination process Short described seems straightforward.
After going over a patient's history, Short said she feels for swollen glands and checks for any breast lumps.
The pelvic exam consists of inserting a speculum - an instrument like a cold, metal duck bill - and one finger into the vaginal cavity to check the size of the ovaries. Enlarged ovaries could lead to needing a histerectomy and can cause infertility if they matasticize.
"At the UT Student Medical Center, we try to mirror recommendations made by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)," said Kris Armstrong, the clinic coordinator of the Student Medical Center. "This specialty deals with whole-life health and wellness care, and recommends annual examination for young adults."