Fit2BTide S05.E05: Personal Hygiene and Flu Shots

FIT2BTIDE Transcript Season 05, Episode 05: Personal Hygiene and Flu Shots Aired October 06, 2019 [00:00:02] STINGER: The Capstone 90.7 FM, WVUA, [00:00:23] Speaker B: And welcome. And Sunday afternoon, you are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7, the capstone. Oh, my gosh. Why is it still hot, Whitney? [00:00:32] Speaker C: I don't know. I'm dying now. [00:00:34] Speaker B: Okay, so if you guys are regular listeners of this show, you might have realized that last week we had a rerun, and it was because one of our co hosts went to Disney World. I'll let you guess who that was. [00:00:47] Speaker C: Gee, I wonder. Yes, it was me. I will confess. I went to Disney World. It's our annual trip with the family. Did Universal and Islands of Adventure. Did everything Wrote, Went to Galaxy's Edge, all the new stuff. I'm still recovering from it because I'm not as young as I used to be. So, like, all the overload of stimulus of, like, the good smells and the 3D and the rides and everything, I'm just kind of, like, trying to come down off of that high, which was a great high. Sure. But I'm trying to come down now. [00:01:19] Speaker B: Was it as hot there as it is here? [00:01:21] Speaker C: Surprisingly, the first couple of days, it felt great. It was kind of breezy. I didn't even sweat. But then, like, Wednesday hit, and I was like, okay, I'm ready to go. It is too hot. [00:01:30] Speaker B: Are you one to track your steps? Because I feel like, you know, I don't do numbers. I know, I know. I guess every time I hear about, like, friends or family members that go to amusement parks or things like that, they're always like, oh, my gosh, I got 10,000 steps before noon at Disney or whatever. [00:01:46] Speaker C: Well, my brother's friend had on his apple watch, and I think he said, oh, man. [00:01:51] Speaker B: What did he. [00:01:51] Speaker C: One day, he walked, like, a ton of miles. And we were like, really? That's something. We walked. And so I'm just thinking, I mean, at least I know I did a marathon. I mean, I know I did. [00:02:00] Speaker B: Oh, sure. [00:02:00] Speaker C: I'm sure I did. But, yeah, I mean, it was great. It's one of my favorite places to go. I mean, just be taken away from reality and go to Star wars and Animal Kingdom. And it's great. [00:02:12] Speaker B: Yeah, it's like, no big deal. Doing all the things. [00:02:15] Speaker C: Drink this really cool frozen drink, which I never drink. Cause I'm like a water person. But I was like, you know what? I'm splurging. I'm drinking that sugar drink. And I did. And I had two, and it was awesome. It had, like, these. It looked like tapioca pearls. You know, like in the bubble tea. [00:02:26] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. [00:02:27] Speaker C: But they popped in your mouth. It was fluid filled. [00:02:29] Speaker B: Really? [00:02:30] Speaker C: Like some kind of orange juice. I don't know, but it was awesome. [00:02:32] Speaker B: Well, now I feel like I need to spend a few thousand dollars just to make a drink. [00:02:35] Speaker C: It's so worth it. [00:02:38] Speaker D: But. [00:02:39] Speaker B: Yeah. Well, I' I'm glad that you had a good time. [00:02:40] Speaker C: I did. How was it here? I mean, was it. [00:02:42] Speaker B: It was hot. [00:02:43] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:02:44] Speaker B: You know, I didn't know what to do on my Sunday afternoon. Cause I was like, well, dang. I was like, we can't. [00:02:48] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:02:48] Speaker B: I was like, we're not doing the shifts. [00:02:50] Speaker C: I could have phoned in from a ride and been like, hey, I'm on Expedition Everest. [00:02:54] Speaker E: What's up? [00:02:55] Speaker B: You probably should have. Now you have me itching to go. My husband's never been. [00:03:00] Speaker C: Have you been? [00:03:02] Speaker B: I have. We. A long time ago, you know, when people would sign up for the whole, like, timeshare situation, my family decided to get based in Orlando instead of at the beach. And so we would go to Disney a lot when I was younger. And so, I don't know. I feel like I should take my husband. He's just. He's. He's not into the magic. I'm hoping now that we have a kid that he can. [00:03:26] Speaker C: There's. There's other things there. But, you know, I try to be really, like, conscious to, like, wash my hands, because, you know, you're going on, like, rides. And I was afraid I was gonna get sick, but I actually didn't get sick. But you sound kind of sick. [00:03:37] Speaker B: I am. And so. And that actually kind of works out really well. Because on our show today, we are gonna be about things related to being responsible with your germs. You know, how to make sure that you are doing what you need to do to stay healthy on a campus where we have thousands of people kind [00:03:55] Speaker C: of like, oh, yeah. And I will say, I have to admit, I'm kind of a germaphobe. I don't know if anybody's ever seen Seinfeld and David Putty, who wears the germaphobe necklace. Like, that's me. I'm constantly like, if someone sneezes, I run in the other direction. So, I mean, it's funny that I would go to a theme park, but I just make sure I washed my hands, you know, occasionally, and was mindful of that. [00:04:16] Speaker B: Yes. No. I feel like if anything else, our big takeaway from today's show at the end is gonna be wash your hands. I'm looking at our guests right now, and some of them are nodding their heads like, yes, that is a very good piece of instruction. But I don't know today's gonna be a good show. [00:04:33] Speaker C: It'll be awesome. [00:04:34] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, it's hot. And so we're just happy to be inside in the radio station. But you guys, we're gonna take our first break, and then when we get back, we have our two fabulous guests that we're gonna introduce. But go GR a cold drink. Yes, a very cold drink. Check on your pets outside to water your plants. Do all the things that you need to do. [00:04:54] Speaker C: All the things hot. [00:04:56] Speaker B: But we'll be back. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. [00:05:10] STINGER: The Capstone 90.7 FM, WVUA. [00:05:30] Speaker B: Welcome back. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. And today our theme is germs. Yes, exactly, exactly, exactly. [00:05:41] Speaker C: Hand sanitizer. I'm just kidding. [00:05:43] Speaker B: All the things. I mean, honestly, we have to be responsible with our germs, y'. [00:05:47] Speaker E: All. [00:05:47] Speaker B: And for those of you who have been listening with us a while may remember that I have the pleasure of working as a dietitian at our student health center in pharmacy on campus today. Whitney and I are very lucky to have two fabulous guests who are my co workers, Dr. Nikki Christiansen, who is our medical director, and then David Brown, who is our nursing supervisor. So welcome, you guys. [00:06:07] Speaker D: Thank you so much. [00:06:08] Speaker E: Absolutely wonderful to be here. [00:06:10] Speaker B: Well, good deal. And David, you know, we've had you on the show before, so. Yeah, so he's. I'll just say you're pro radio. Pro. Absolutely. [00:06:18] Speaker E: I have that faith for radio. [00:06:22] Speaker B: So, you know, we'll start with you, Dr. Christiansen. Tell us a little bit about your current role at the student health center. And before coming to the health center, you know, what's your professional background? Where'd you go to school? Just tell us all the things. [00:06:36] Speaker C: All the things. [00:06:37] Speaker D: I took the long way around, but to cut it short, I did my undergrad at Stanford University in Birmingham and worked in pharmacy actually for a couple of years before that, decided to go back to medical school. Then I went to UAB for medical school, did my third and fourth years here at the Capstone and then decided to do family medicine and decided to stay here and do residency. So I did that for three years in family medicine. Goodness. And then I went to the ER in Pickens county, if you're familiar with that. Out in a rural area west of here. Did that for many, many years. And then life has brought me back this way to Tuscaloosa. And I started working here with you guys about a year ago and just took the medical director job this month. [00:07:21] Speaker B: Wow. So you didn't know that you were going to be forced to be on the rad? [00:07:28] Speaker D: I did not sign up for this part, But Sheena's so nice, I can't say no. I tried. She wouldn't let me. [00:07:35] Speaker B: Okay, so we know Dr. Christensen's been with us about a year now. Now, David, you've been with us a little bit longer than that. [00:07:42] Speaker E: Starting my 15th year here. [00:07:43] Speaker B: All right, so before you were at UA, what did you do? [00:07:47] Speaker E: Well, I started out actually in the military in the army Reserves as a combat medic. [00:07:52] Speaker C: Wow. [00:07:53] Speaker E: And then I was looking at the path for promotion because when you're a private, you want to be a sergeant. And they offered to send me to LPN school, and that would make me a sergeant, so I went to LPN school. And then I really fell in love with nursing. So I went back and I got my bachelor's degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Admitting men since 1992. But yeah, and that's what I did then. I worked intensive care at Pickens County Medical Center. And then after my last deployment, I was out in Fort Bliss, Texas, where I ran a award on the hospital there for a year. I came back and there was an opening with the student health center, and I jumped on that because I grew up here on campus. My dad taught engineering. [00:08:39] Speaker C: Oh, cool. [00:08:39] Speaker E: I grew up playing in Hardaway hall, and so kind of have a little close ties to this. Never dreamed I would be retiring, you know, work as the university's career, especially as a nurse because there's so many few RN positions. [00:08:52] Speaker B: Right, right. [00:08:52] Speaker E: But I really enjoy working in college health. [00:08:55] Speaker B: Man, I didn't know that about your dad. That's so cool. [00:08:57] Speaker C: That is so cool. Well, and speaking of that, so what do you guys enjoy most about working exclusively with our college students and their healthcare? [00:09:06] Speaker D: Well, oddly enough, I have six children total. Now, I didn't birth six children, but I claim all six. And two of them are from my husband's first marriage. And they're older. They're the college age children. They're 24 and 20. And so that is close to my heart as far as, you know, just being around guys that age, guys and girls that age. So I feel that maternal pull to want to help these students here, especially the ones that are brand new. The freshmen coming in, they're far from home, and I just feel called and led to be here. I really. I love it. This past year has been really different than anything I've ever done before. But I feel like there is definitely a mission field here and work to be done. And for the most part, all the students are very appreciative for anything you do for them, help them, advice you give them, and I'm just pleased to be here. [00:10:01] Speaker E: Just like you say, it is a special. It is a special niche in our medical careers, working with this age group in the college. They're, you know, they come off. You see them their freshman year, and they're stuttering, they're shy, they're just, you know, and then three years later, you know, they're articulate and they're poised, and you watch them grow up. And, you know, a lot of parents, you know, get to watch that. But. And they have special needs. And as you know, we only treat students at the student health center. We don't have. We do have some older students, but it's not, you know, it's just for the students. So we're in tune to what's going on. Usually in the semester, you know, they have big exams or what. I like to say that as the weather gets better in the spring, we put away the Tamiflu and start getting out the crutches, you know, and so. But, you know, I mean, but it's really. It's like you say, it's nice to help them navigate healthcare properly for the first time by themselves. So there is a little bit more involved than just, here's your pills, you go get well. I mean, you've got to work with these students and make sure they understand and give them that confidence, too, that they're doing the right thing. And it's really. I like it. I really enjoy it a lot. [00:11:14] Speaker C: I was just thinking back to, like, when I was a student and I would get sick and I would go to the student health center, and I felt like I was taken care of because, you know, a lot of these students, you know, they go to the doctor with their parents because you're still young, you know, and you just don't know the kind of questions to ask. And you have to kind of think about these things. And, yeah, you can go into a doctor's office, but the good thing about you guys on campus is you really care, and you're gonna guide them in the right way. And sometimes they may not know the right questions to Ask. I think that's what's so great about you guys is you care about the environment where they could go elsewhere. I can't name any names, but then go elsewhere and maybe not get the best, you know, care. Yeah. [00:11:56] Speaker B: And it's funny because especially now that my nutrition office has moved right into our clinic area, because I've chuckled a couple of times where I'll see a student, tell the nurse or the physician, like, here, my mom's on the phone, she'll tell you what's wrong with me. And, you know, at first I was like, oh, my goodness, that's so silly. But I have done that before. I did it in our. In our student health center, especially back when it was down in Russell hall, because I was just so used to my parent being the advocate for knowing my symptoms and articulating them correctly. So it was. Yeah, I felt nervous the first time [00:12:31] Speaker C: speaking on my behalf and knowing, like, yeah, being responsible for yourself. And I think that when you come to college and we talk about all these things on our show about, like, learning financial security and learning to be physically active. Well, we always talk about the health side of it, but we don't talk about going to the doctor and, like, how that's going to look when your mom or dad's not there. Her grandparents aren't there. [00:12:53] Speaker D: Yeah, absolutely. And it's even more than just going in and talking to the doctor. There's prescriptions to be filled. There's insurance questions. There are referral questions. There are just things that you don't consider until you're in that position. And then, you know, they're really appreciative, though, when we help them and try to guide them to where they need to be. And we have great, you know, our ancillary staff is great with them and very helpful. So they do a great job. [00:13:18] Speaker E: Resources here on this campus, generally, we're in tune to that, you know, well, here, let me hook you up with these people over to this office and maybe they can help you with that problem because it's more than just, you [00:13:32] Speaker D: know, writing a prescription. [00:13:33] Speaker E: Yeah, right. [00:13:34] Speaker C: And I remember the whole idea of insurance. I didn't know how that worked. Like, I didn't know. I'm like, well, I have insurance. Why do I have to pay a copay if I have insurance? [00:13:44] Speaker B: Yeah. What is this? [00:13:45] Speaker C: So it's like, I remember thinking back, like, I didn't understand all of that. And, you know, it's those things making the appointment. Like you said, you have to fill prescriptions and where to go. And y' all have the pharmacy there, which is super helpful. [00:13:59] Speaker B: It's just. [00:14:00] Speaker C: It's awesome. [00:14:01] Speaker B: I know. Yeah, it's super convenient. And obviously. [00:14:04] Speaker E: And you have credit. Anything not covered by insurance goes on your student account, the bill there. So you don't need credit cards or cash or. [00:14:13] Speaker C: That's even better. [00:14:14] Speaker E: Anything. And our pharmacy, a lot of people don't realize, Daniel, they do sell over the counter medications and hygiene products and things. And you can just charge it. [00:14:26] Speaker C: Hey, mom and dad, I'm taking care of myself. Check out my student bill. [00:14:29] Speaker B: Nice toilet paper. [00:14:31] Speaker D: I heard that was one of their biggest purchase items was toilet papers. [00:14:36] Speaker C: I mean, hey, you do what you gotta do. You do what you gotta do. Well, we are gonna take a quick break on that note. We'll take a break, grab something cool to drink, and we'll catch you on the other side. You're listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whit Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. [00:14:58] Speaker A: The capstone 90.7 fm wvua. [00:15:17] Speaker B: And welcome back. [00:15:18] Speaker C: You're listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. And if you're just tuning in, we're talking about germs and we're talking about how to be well. And our student health center guests are here. And it's been a great show so far. But Sheena, you had a funny story that you were gonna tell us. [00:15:33] Speaker B: I did. I know. I think I mentioned during our break, you know, we were just kind of talking about just encounters with each other and everything else. And before Dr. Christensen joined our staff, I remember when I first started working out at this place in town, I started going to one of the early mornings morning classes and then this person beside me was like killing it on the treadmill. It was like a beast on the rower. And I was like, oh, my gosh. And then she was like super friendly with everyone and I was like, oh, my gosh. I was like, life goals. Like, she just seems really hardcore. And I would have never imagined that I would get to be your co worker if you were so cool. Yeah, I don't know. [00:16:11] Speaker D: That's so funny. [00:16:12] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:16:12] Speaker D: I think you're exaggerating a little bit. [00:16:14] Speaker B: I really am not. No, you were like, very gregarious and like super friendly. So it seemed like you just had a lot of buddies in that class. And I'm probably was intimidated because that wasn't a normal class time. I go to early morning. It was early morning and I was just that's that's not normal. I'm usually in that right after work kind of person. But yeah, so she was like, killing it. And she was like, tall. And, you know, I'm five one. Like, she just. I know tall people. [00:16:42] Speaker C: Right. I'm always like, gosh, I wish I could just be taller. Exactly. [00:16:46] Speaker B: I felt like I just had to shave. [00:16:47] Speaker D: Well, you're sweet to say that, but you have to remember. So I said, two don't live with us. So that means I have four children at home that I have to get ready for school. So that's why I don't have to go early morning. [00:16:56] Speaker C: That's an early day. [00:16:57] Speaker D: Yes, ma'. Am. Wow. And I am not young, so we'll [00:17:01] Speaker B: just leave it at that. You look good. [00:17:03] Speaker C: You look good, though. You look good. Well, okay. I don't like shots. Let's just be frank about this for a second. Tell me about this flu shot campaign and let's just talk about it, because I am not the person that's going to run up and go get a shot. I'm not. I'm being completely honest. This is not staged, people. I hate shots. But, like, tell us about it. I know. I just need to listen and just, you know, buckle down and probably get a flu shot. Right. [00:17:28] Speaker E: Well, first reason was each year thousands of people in the United States die from the flu. [00:17:33] Speaker D: Ok. And just take that in. [00:17:36] Speaker E: Take that in. The university several years ago came up with this idea of buying the serum and giving free flu shots to faculty, staff and students. And they wanted to break down barriers. The first year, I think President Bonner wanted us to go to everybody's office and knock on the door and say, here, have a flu shot. I mean, that's how. Making it easy as possible, you know. And jokingly, I like to tell parents at orientation, I go to use them most of the orientation session. I go. This fall, your student will have at least four chances saying no thank you to a flu shot on campus. Because then we start doing them. You know, we go to academic buildings, we go to several of the residents. [00:18:21] Speaker C: Y' all are everywhere. [00:18:23] Speaker E: Yeah. And we go to the quad. They're gonna be on the quad next. And starting in October, they've got two or three scheduled there. And we did almost 10,000 last year. But back to your original question. Yes, the CDC says this is the very best thing you can do to prevent getting the flu. Now, you know, some people say, well, the flu shot makes me sick. Well, the flu shot can make you a mild flu ish for 1224 hours, which usually to acetaminophen or some ibuprofen takes care of that and a little sleep and you're fine. You can't catch the flu from the flu shot. I like to say a lot of times you catch the flu because you were at the doctor's office with the sick people getting your flu shot, and the flu's out there at that time of year. Usually you get shot. And that's why it's probably better to go to one of these clinics and stay away from the sick people. And then. So, I mean, that's really it. The one that we're giving this year has protection for four strains of the flu. Two A's and two B's. [00:19:30] Speaker B: Okay, sounds good. [00:19:32] Speaker E: And so that, you know, and they also. Research has also shown that if you get a flu shot and you still come down with the flu, you will not be as sick as you would if you had not taken the shot. How they measured that, I don't know. But who was the one that said, okay, I'm not going to take the shot anyway? But so that. That does help. So it helps. Helps that way. I mean, they have a group of scientists and doctors that get together every year and they look at the strains of the flu that were floating around in the southern hemisphere during our summer, which is their winter and their flu season, and they make an educated guess based on science on what strains to put in the flu shot. Now, there is a flu shot with just three strains in it. We do the four because one goes the most coverage. [00:20:22] Speaker B: Hey, I mean, Roll Tide. [00:20:23] Speaker C: Well, honestly, I like the idea. Like, you kind of had me sold when you said just you're not having to go get it where sick people are. Because that's my thing is like, I'm not going anywhere where there's sick people. But if I can go to the quad where it's breezy and it's airy and if there's no germs, well, then, yeah, I would probably consider that. [00:20:41] Speaker B: And what is the, I guess time for that quote, unquote immunity to build up, you know, because I don't know, know if somebody would think like, oh, I got the flu shot today, so tomorrow if I'm around someone with the flu, I'm completely immune. Is there a begin with your. [00:20:58] Speaker E: It takes at least two weeks for the flu shot to start giving me effective, but it's not total immunity. So just because you've had the flu shot, you don't need to put yourself in jeopardy by hanging out with that flu person. Now, certainly we want to take care of our friends and family when they have. Have the flu. I recommend any student can come by the student health center and we'll be happy to give them a handful of masks to wear. So you either put the mask on the sick person or the well people. Both people don't have to, just one or the other. And then that way. So if you are in that situation, of course, wash your hands. [00:21:33] Speaker B: Wash your hands. [00:21:33] Speaker E: Wash your hands and then wash your hands, you know, and keep all your surfaces clean. That's if you're around that you, you know, because it's not armor, but it is arbor to some extent. [00:21:45] Speaker B: David, at the beginning of the segment, you were talking about deaths related to the flu. Which populations are the most susceptible to being severely affected by the flu? [00:21:54] Speaker E: Well, you have the very young and the very old, the elderly. You also have those people that have respiratory asthma, copd, smokers. I know in. And I'm sure that spills over into the vaping. Yeah, yeah, that's, you know, that group, that population, people that burn the candle at both ends, which means most of our college population, because you have an active social life, an active scholastic life, which is like a very demanding job. So you're up all night either studying for your job or, or you're socializing. And so that. And then also our population is at risk for transmission disease because they do like to get in close quarters and stuff and oh, here, take a sip of this. [00:22:45] Speaker C: Yeah. Oh, that drives me absolutely nuts. I'm like, are you kidding? I saw some girls like sharing their water bottle in class and I went, [00:22:55] Speaker B: I could just see you. Like, I literally have this. [00:23:00] Speaker C: Why would you ever do that? I will buy you a water. [00:23:04] Speaker B: Oh my gosh. Are there other, you know, just while we're on this topic, any other myths related to the flu or flu shot that we can debunk in the last couple minutes of this segment? [00:23:16] Speaker E: Well, we talked about how it cannot give you the flu because it's a dead virus, you know, so you don't get sick. You know, just coincidence. If you get sick that after you've had the flu. Flu shot, really? That's the biggest one that we get across, really. Herd. One thing that is fact about it is that you're taught who shouldn't and should. The flu vaccine is grown in an egg culture. So anyone who is allergic to eggs, the CDC has relaxed that standard now to where we can give it to someone, say they just get a rash when they get around Egg, raw or cooked, we can do that. We don't like to do those at our clinics because we do have to observe them for 30 minutes. So we do have a, well, waiting area in the student health center. So we have a few students, they'll come up, get their flu shot and bring their books and they'll study for 30 minutes and then go see you next year. And they take off. There is an egg free vaccine out there, usually some of your local drugstore stock. But like I say, for the most part, you know, we look at that. But, you know, the main thing is people saying, oh, that. Or my favorite one is I had a student say to me, I don't believe in flu shots. And I said, well, here, let me open the cooler and show them to you. [00:24:35] Speaker B: They're really here. That's hilarious. I can see you doing that for a student. No, but I think. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I feel like there are always some very random reasons that someone decides to decline a flu shot. Not necessarily that they're afraid of shots, but, you know, it might say like, oh, my family doesn't believe in that, like you said. Or. [00:24:58] Speaker E: And then I was like, you know, I'm tougher than the flu. And I go, let's see how that works out for you. We'll see you at the student health center. [00:25:05] Speaker B: Right? Exactly. But, yeah, I feel like our campus is just this incubator of germs. But on that note, y' all go take a break, wash your hands because we've got to take a break here. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7, the capstone. [00:25:30] Speaker A: The Capstone 90.7 FM, WVUA. [00:25:50] Speaker B: Welcome back. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7, the capstone. And if you are just joining us, we were just talking about the flu, the flu shot and all of that awesomeness. And during the break, Dr. Christensen, I know you were just mentioning an old trick that a nurse had told you about. It not hurting as much. Kind of redescribe that for us. [00:26:12] Speaker D: Well, last year, myself and my four children, I keep mentioning the nose just to get some sympathy from you guys, but we were lined up at the office to get the shot and she just told us to cough. You know, that she would count to three and cough, and then she would inject at the time of the cough. And we literally did not feel the stick at all. [00:26:29] Speaker C: So I'm gonna try it. [00:26:30] Speaker D: You can try it. [00:26:31] Speaker C: Yeah, I'm gonna do it. [00:26:32] Speaker E: Relaxing your arm helps. Don't tense up. Yeah, the more you tense up, you know, if you relax, it'll be less sore. And. And, you know, and like I say, there's nothing, nothing. No harm in taking a couple of acetaminophen when you get your flu shot. [00:26:45] Speaker C: And for those of us that don't know what acetaminophen is on the radio, [00:26:49] Speaker E: brand name is Tylenol. [00:26:50] Speaker C: There you go. [00:26:52] Speaker E: Or ibuprofen. [00:26:53] Speaker B: Are they giving flu shots also at the Work Life and Wellness Expo, the employee health fair. Do you know if they're doing that at the costume? So, yeah, so you guys, if that's coming up this Wednesday. [00:27:04] Speaker E: Well, and then you mentioned the emotion on the quad. And you can go to this great website. It's www.cchs.ua flu shot. Or go to UA Edu, and in the search bar, type in flu shot. And that website will come up. [00:27:24] Speaker B: Okay. [00:27:26] Speaker E: And that lists all the clinics, what time they are, where they're at, and [00:27:31] Speaker B: we got to emphasize the word free. [00:27:32] Speaker C: Free. [00:27:34] Speaker E: And this is not free because you have insurance. A lot of retail places advertise free flu shots, but then you get there and they go, oh, we don't take your insurance. It'll cost you $25. [00:27:49] Speaker C: Sound effects. [00:27:51] Speaker E: And a lot of people don't realize the more, you know, and I'm not saying don't go to the doctor when you're sick because of this, but the more things that are charged to your insurance, the next year your insurance premium will go up. [00:28:02] Speaker B: Wow, that's good. [00:28:03] Speaker E: So by the university doing this, this keeps all these flu shots off of our insurance, which helps, too. Mainly it's about making sure people get a flu shot whether they got insurance or not, as long as they're student faculty staff. Now, students can always come to the student health center to get a free flu shot. We try to get them in and out quickly and keep them away from the sick. [00:28:24] Speaker C: Do you see a lot of students getting flu shots? [00:28:26] Speaker E: Yes. Yes. [00:28:27] Speaker C: That's good. [00:28:27] Speaker E: We've given out in the clinics I've done on campus and at the health center, we're probably up to a thousand 1500. That's not just all of the clinics, because I just go to the residence halls. [00:28:40] Speaker C: Okay. [00:28:41] Speaker E: And so. And then faculty staff can go to the faculty staff clinic. It's also open for faculty staff. I mean, faculty's, your spouse and your children. So like Dr. Christian, you could take those four kids to the faculty staff clinic because we don't do children at our on campus clinics and they can, and they can get a free flu shot. Now, elderly people, which I don't know how many listeners we have that are elderly, there is a high dose version of the flu vaccine which is recommended for them. And once again, for faculty, staff, or if there's an elderly student, they can get that, we can get that next door. [00:29:21] Speaker B: Oh, that's good to know. At the faculty, staff, clinic, which departments have all been involved with this flu campaign? Because I know you mentioned cchs, obviously the student who. [00:29:30] Speaker E: The College of Community Health Science is in charge of it. The finance department of the university is what pays for it. [00:29:39] Speaker C: Sure. [00:29:41] Speaker E: We also write, we also have the nursing school. The nursing students help with this greatly. And if anybody's a little leery about a nursing student, trust me, they are, they are experienced, they've been trained in this and they do a great job. And so, you know, so it's great because a lot of friends and their friends come get their shots. [00:30:04] Speaker C: Isn't that funny to be like, hey, give me my shot. [00:30:07] Speaker B: It's like, let me do yours. [00:30:09] Speaker E: Yeah, well, I'm actually had students, I've offered. No, no, I gotta wait till Thursday because I got a friend in nursing school and he's gonna give it to me. [00:30:17] Speaker C: Support though, there's great. [00:30:19] Speaker B: I like that. [00:30:20] Speaker E: So anyway, so we got school nursing, then we have the student health center and then the University Medical Center Student health center. We mainly like say sponsor the ones in the residence halls and the student health fair and then University Medical center does the ones, all the others. [00:30:36] Speaker C: So speaking of students, because hopefully there's some students listening to our show. What kinds of basic first aid? I just totally segued, but I'm sorry, I just, you know, you zone out and you think about something and you want to like, wait, wait, so what kind of basic first aid items do you recommend students have? [00:30:53] Speaker D: Well, I can't say all, but most students are going to get some type of respiratory illness, cold, hopefully not the flu, but something while they're here on campus. Because again, I always give the example of it's like new babies in daycare, they come to this place all over the country, different germs, different immune systems. And so the minimum basics I would provide for my student would be obviously first aid type things, Band aids, peroxide, antibiotic ointment, then pain type relievers like your acetaminophen, your ibuprofen or naproxen. You need a thermometer, which by the way, if you don't have one. You can come by the student health center. We have some freebies to give out. [00:31:31] Speaker C: Oh, that's great. [00:31:31] Speaker D: Yes, shout out. You know, it's helpful if you know that you have seasonal or environmental allergies, go ahead and pack some of that allergy medicine like loratadine or fexofenadine or cetirizine. Those are the three most common over the counter. A nasal spray, like a steroid type nasal spray. If you use it at home, then go ahead and bring it here because you're probably going to going to need it here at some point. And if not, then great, you know, but at least you have it. [00:31:58] Speaker E: And you can always go by the pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist about what they recommend, tell them what your symptoms, what you get and they'll be happy to. [00:32:06] Speaker D: If you're prone to injuries like my sons, you might want to pack a little Ace wrap here and there. Ankle brace, you know, things like that. You know, we get lots of sprains, ankles, you know, the intramural sports and just, you know, good Thursday night activity. We have lots of patients come in on Fridays needing a little X ray here and there. [00:32:24] Speaker E: Some cute shoes. [00:32:25] Speaker D: That's right, the wedges. [00:32:27] Speaker E: My roommate's cute shoes. I borrowed the wedges. [00:32:30] Speaker D: Hit them every time in a curb. [00:32:31] Speaker E: In a curb, that fence. [00:32:34] Speaker D: But those are like the most basic things that we see that I would encourage especially, and if parents are listening, I would encourage you to do this is dropping back a little bit. But like she said at the beginning, go ahead and educate your student on what to expect when they go to the doctor, perhaps before they even come to campus. Make them go to the doctor by themselves when they need to get updated for something. But it'll pay off in the long run. [00:32:59] Speaker C: Yeah, well. And so what are some just general health and hygiene practices that students can do just so that they can prevent the spread of disease, the flu, things like that? [00:33:11] Speaker D: Well, as you've all touched up on and jokingly, but in all seriousness, it is washing your hands. Now, obviously when you're out on campus, you're not gonna have a sink handy nearby all the time. So sanitizer goes a long way. And actually some resources say that sanitizer, if your hands are not visibly dirty, that sanitizer is the preferred method of washing your hands because you're supposed to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. [00:33:35] Speaker C: Singing Happy Birthday. Right. [00:33:37] Speaker D: For Old MacDonald, I think is the last one of but you know, quite [00:33:40] Speaker C: song how many Roll Tide? [00:33:42] Speaker D: How many people really take the time to stand there and wash their hands that long? Not many. [00:33:47] Speaker C: No. [00:33:47] Speaker B: Yeah, I see some people, they turn the water. Like, they literally just, like, stick their hands under. [00:33:51] Speaker C: I find great joy from washing my hands. Like, it feels good. It's like I'm. Like, I'm clean. [00:33:56] Speaker D: And even when they do wash their hands, they often forget their thumbs and their interwebs between their hands, too. So if you have sanitizer, you know, obviously I would get a little travel. Travel size from the dollar store and keep it in your bag at all times, in your car, wherever you're going to be. Because you have to remember, even if you're washing your hands, you're touching doorknobs, you're touching tables, chairs, all these common surfaces that people are not washing their hands and touching. [00:34:23] Speaker B: Yeah, y'. All. Yeah. If you can do anything for yourself, be the responsible one and wash your hands because. [00:34:30] Speaker C: And don't drink after each other or vape after each other. Don't vape, period. [00:34:36] Speaker E: Nothing is. [00:34:36] Speaker D: That's a whole other show. It's a whole other show. [00:34:38] Speaker E: If you go to class and the person next to you obviously has got a cough and everything, don't just sit there and scowl at them. Just get up and move. [00:34:45] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:34:46] Speaker E: Get at least 6 to 10ft. [00:34:49] Speaker C: You take care of you. [00:34:50] Speaker E: You do more, you know, and you know. And then hopefully you won't be the one that has to go to class coughing. [00:34:56] Speaker B: Right. [00:34:56] Speaker D: In the common currency. Take tissues with you, coughing to your sleeve or whatever. [00:35:00] Speaker C: Being courteous and respectful to other people, I think is. [00:35:03] Speaker E: And now if you do are running a fear fever, don't go to class. [00:35:05] Speaker C: Exactly. [00:35:06] Speaker E: Don't go to work, don't go to class. Go to the health center. [00:35:08] Speaker D: And here's your tidbit. 100.4 degrees is the definition of fever. 100.4. [00:35:16] Speaker C: Okay. [00:35:17] Speaker D: Many people don't know that. [00:35:18] Speaker C: No. Yeah. So even if, like. And I don't even care if we run out of time, because this is so interesting to me, but even if, like, you run, like, a lower body temperature and so still, like, 100.4 is, [00:35:29] Speaker D: like, that's the hardcore hard line drawn there. Granted, there is some variability, of course, because based on the statistics and the bell curve, that's what the definition is. [00:35:42] Speaker C: We are learning so much. I think we gotta take a quick break before we close it out. [00:35:48] Speaker B: Yeah, we do. Yeah. Okay, so you guys go wash your hands for the 30 seconds that we've been talking about. [00:35:54] Speaker C: I may have to do that right now. [00:35:55] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm like, let's all get, take a break. But actually, you know, I do want to give a plug for the services that the student health center and pharmacy offers. So if y' all are willing to stick with us in our five minute closing, we would love to have you, but. Okay, go wash your hands, you guys. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7 capstone. [00:36:22] Speaker A: The capstone 90.7 inch fm. Wvua. [00:36:42] Speaker C: Welcome back to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. On this lovely Sunday, we are closing out our show with a band. [00:36:51] Speaker B: Yes, we are. [00:36:51] Speaker C: With lots of little tidbits and announcements and fun things, right? [00:36:55] Speaker B: We are, yes. And you know, we talked about our student health center and pharmacy on campus and I don't think we had a chance to talk about the hours that you guys see patients and then aside from just walk in medical care, I think some students may not be aware of some of our specialty services. So I will hand the mic over to you all. Even though it's floating, it literally is floating. [00:37:17] Speaker C: Yeah, it's cold. [00:37:18] Speaker E: Well, to begin with, the student health center, we are open seven days a week in the fall and spring semesters. We are closed on game day Saturday because as y' all know, someone parks in these parking spots on campus besides us, really. But we are open on the Sunday after the game. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 8pm, Fridays 9 to 5 and weekends 1 to 4. We used to open in the mornings on the weekend, but nobody came, so we decided we'd just be open in the afternoon. We do have the most hours of any student health center in the sec. Roll tide. [00:37:53] Speaker C: Roll tide. [00:37:54] Speaker E: We are open more than any other student health center, which I think say a kudo for us, extra services. We do have a gynecology. We have a dietitian. We have gynecology. We do have a psychiatrist department, full pharmacy on site. We also will, I like to tell the students, we are your first stop for health care. You need an eye doctor, you need a dentist or something. We have numbers and names and we will help you find someone that will take your insurance and we'll see you. I'll never forget walking back. I've been off, I think at orientation or something. Friday afternoon, I come in, kids holding his jaw. He's got a bad tooth and everything. Here it is, Friday afternoon, most dentists are closed and our receptionist is calling all over town finding to get him in to see somebody. So you know that that's, you know, so like I said, we're, you know, I've even had kids that call and ask where to go, get their pants hemmed, tell them where we go, you [00:38:57] Speaker C: know, take care of all. [00:39:00] Speaker E: But one thing, and Dr. Christian about brought this up, is that we do want to emphasize how important it is if you're sick to get up and come on in. Most students walk in at 11 o' clock during the day, we open at 8, so you know, come on in early, you'll get in and out a lot quicker, be back home and back in bed getting well also in the evening, you know, try to get in, come in 30 minutes before we close. Don't wait till 5, till 8 or 4 o' clock on a Saturday or Sunday because we have lab and X ray and pharmacy and some of those ancillary services. They close whether you're here or we're here. So you know, you may get to see the doctor but you know, I mean certainly if it's a last minute emergency, you're at the rec center or down there at flag football or something at 7:30 at night and you twist your ankle, definitely come see us. But if you're sick when you wake up in the morning, but don't wait till closing time to come see us. [00:39:56] Speaker D: And we have plenty of web booking appointments that you can go on the website and make your an appointment and then your wait time should even be less. So you know, if you can wait till a little bit later in the day or whatever, you can at least make it when it's convenient for you and your schedule. And then you may have mentioned already, but psychiatric services we have and we also have a dermatologist trained nurse practitioner so she is a great resource also because we have lots of skin complaints and so you can get in with her. She's done some extra training this summer so I wanted to throw that in there. [00:40:29] Speaker B: That's awesome. And I think when it comes to just being able to book things on the web, you know, we're just in that culture now. But students can do that through their mybama in our patient portal. So that makes it super convenient. So if you know that you could only come by after you get out of class, go ahead and give yourself a slot for sure. [00:40:48] Speaker E: Now the Women's Health we do like you to call or come by our appointment desk because some of those appointments can last 15 minutes, some of them last 45 minutes. And so they really need to know why you're coming. So you can get the right appointment for the right time frame for your problem because there's nothing worse than to get there and the doc go, hey, I ain't got time for this. Because you made a 15 minute appointment and you need it, you know, so that's why we like our women's health to contact us well, and you get [00:41:14] Speaker D: more specialized care and like you said, intensive care, whereas the walk ins or even the web based with the primary care, our slots are a lot less, sometimes less than half the time that you're gonna get with the women's providers exclusively. So, yes, absolutely, start trying to get in the habit of making those appointments through the appointment nurse. [00:41:35] Speaker B: Awesome. Well, y' all have provided just a wealth of knowledge. I'm gonna go wash my hands like the rest of the afternoon. I'm gonna tell my husband and my baby. But just thank you guys both for being with us. [00:41:46] Speaker E: Thank you all for having us. [00:41:47] Speaker B: Well, we are closing out another great show. You are listening to FIT2BTIDE with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone.