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Ask the School Nurse:
Health
The Clarion \ February 20, 2009
What should I do about embarassing stretch marks?
by Susan Martin, R.N.
Faculty Contributor
Is there any way to get rid of
stretch marks?
—The Zebra
Sigh—many people have
this problem, so I am glad you
asked. Both men and women
can have stretch marks on
several areas of their bodies
including the abdominal area
(stomach), thighs, hips, breasts,
upper arms, or lower back.
They are caused by rapid
weight loss or gain and start
off as reddish or purplish in
color and then become glossy
and appear streaked in silver or
white. It occurs in the dermis
(the elastic middle layer of
skin that allows it to retain its
shape). When it is constantly
stretched, it can break down
and leave behind these stretch
marks. (Research from Medi-
cine.net)
There are several different
means of preventing more
stretch marks. Drink plenty
of water, as dehydration can
make the skin less elastic and
more prone to stretching. Limit
caffeine intake (coffee, tea,
carbonated drinks) and drink as
much water as you do liquids
with caffeine.
You can also eat foods that
promote skin health such as
foods rich in zinc (nuts and
fish), foods high in Vitamins A
and C (carrots, citrus fruits, and
milk) and protein-rich foods
(such as eggs).
Methods for removal include
surgical methods (dermabra
sion, chemical peels, and la
ser surgery), and lotions and
creams sold over the counter
While you are young, this is
an easier problem to tackle,
so start doing what you can
to lessen the likehhood of de
veloping more and come see
the doctor at the Clinic if you
want to see about options for
removal. Best wishes—and see
me about helpful websites.
How much coffee can a per
son (who has an ulcer or who
has a big risk of having one)
consume per week?
—Cappuccino Lover
In my research (heartburn.
about.com), I found that ulcer
diets are very individual, but
that certain foods are more
apt to bother those who are
by Nacole Potts
Contributor
February 9-13 was Sexual
Responsibility week. BC’s Peer
Health Advocate Team used
a Big Bed social experiment
as a unique way to advocate
communication between bed-
mates..
“We wanted to take a more
indirect approach to raising
awareness for sexual respon
sibility, something different
from just ‘Hey! Here are some
free condoms,’” said Lauren
Wise, SGA representative for
RH.A.T. Each signature on
the bed symbolized partners in
one’s sexual history.
The bed was located on the
second floor of Coltrane with
markers attached to it for stu
dents to sign.
Each signature represented a
different partner in someone’s
sexual history, and the students
that signed the bed without
taking into consideration the
other signatures (partners)
symbolize the ignorance some
have toward their partners’ his
tory and the consequences that
ignorance poses.
experiencing gastro-intestinal
problems. Diets for patients
with ulcers are developed to ac-
comphsh three things: restrict
or avoid foods that may irritate
the digestive system, reduce
excessive acid production, and
prevent unpleasant side effects
such as heartburn.
Foods that are most often
recommended to avoid are
coffee, tea, carbonated bever
ages, citrus fruits, tomato based
products, spicy foods, foods
high in fat, and chocolate. It
is also recommended that al
cohol and smoking should be
“The purpose of the big bed
is to show people that when
you sleep with your significant
other you're also sleeping with
aU the people they slept with
up to 10 years prior The reason
being is that it can take that
long for some STD’s to show
up,” Wise said.
Communication and regular
STD testing are vital. Thorough
and honest communication can
prevent the spread of STDs,
promoting a truly healthy re
lationship.
It’s important to know not
avoided.
Dairy products, like the milk
in cappuccino are generally
aUowed for those with ulcers.
So, I would recommend that
you avoid the foods mentioned
above.
When you are feehng better,
reintroduce a cappuccino and
see how you tolerate it. If it
doesn’t bother you, try to avoid
having it every day, but enjoy
it if you are able! I have further
information available for you
if you would like to come to
the Clinic. Take care and good
luck!
only who your partner has slept
with before, but also his or her
stance on contraception and the
last time he or she was tested.
If you and your partner would
like to be tested for STDs or
find out more information
about contraceptives, this can
be done through the Transyl
vania County Health Depart
ment (884-3135). All services
are confidential. Women can
be tested for free. Men are
tested for free if they are hav
ing symptoms or have been
exposed to a particular STD.
What was the deal with the Big Bed?
Visitors to Coltrane Commons last week could have chosen to take
a nap ... if they dared.