Orthorexia Nervosa is a
term coined by Steven
Bratman MD that describes
“a pathological fixation on
eating proper, pure or supe
rior foods,” Orthoresdcs
obsess over what to eat,
how to prepare their food
and look down upon those
who eat unhealthy foods
such as non-organn or iun|j.
food. This behavior is the
focus of their life and their
self worth is based on what
and hoMftbey eat. Although
it is a useful concept to
define, this is not a medical
increasing folic acid in your
diet can reduce the risk of
colon, rectal and breast
cancer. Foods high in folic
acid include fruits, vegeta
bles and enriched gram
This year, it is estimated that
555,500 people in the
United States will the horn
some form of cancer. Of :
those deaths, 154,900 will
be the result of lung cancer
and 40,000 will be from
breast cancer.
Anorexia has the highest
' Mortality late of any mental
Ulness, . i.
—WU *u >. iiaiionntrutingiiRiHdfrs Org
Contraception — A menu of choices
Student models Ortho contraceptive patch and vaginal ring. Both contraceptive
methods are available at the VO Health Center.
By Ronalyn Malasig
Contraceptives in various forms have been
around for thousands of years. The earliest
known illustration of a man using a condom dur
ing sexual intercourse,for example, is a 12,000-15,000
year old cave painting in France.
These days we have a plethora of contraceptive choic
es. Devices such as the condom, diaphragm, cervical
cap, IUD, and the pill have been on the market for years,
while the patch (by Ortho) and the intravaginal ring (by
Organon) were recendy introduced in the United States.
Allow me to shed some light on these last two contracep
tive new comers.
Ortho Evra,the contraceptive skin patches the first
weekly hormonal form of birth control. Since its ap
proval by the Federal Drug and FoodAdministration in
November 2001, many clinics, including the University
Health Center, have started to offer this method to
women. Similar to a Band-Aid, the patch is a 1 3/4 inch
square shaped adhesive patch that a woman can place on
her abdomen, upper outer arm, upper torso, or buttocks.
Its three layers include a protective outer layer, a middle
layer, which contains the hormones and adhesive, and a
clear liner that the woman peels off to expose a sticky
layer. Like oral contraceptives, the patch contains the
hormones estrogen and progestin, and works on a 28-day
cycle. Three patches are used in a month; one per week
for the first three weeks and then no patch for the 4th
week. By wearing the patch, the hormones inhibit a
woman from ovulating and aid in the thickening of a
woman’s cervical mucus, therefore preventing sperm
from entering the womb.
Another method of contraception recently intro
duced to the market, is the intravaginal ring. It’s called
the NuvaRing,and is a flexible circular contraceptive
vaginal ring that contains the hormones estrogen and
progestin. The ring is inserted into the vagina and is left
there for three weeks and then is removed for the 4th
week. The same process is then continued the following
month. The NuvaRing provides the user with a continu
ous low dose of hormones in the body.
According to Colleen Jones, one of the nurse practi
tioners at the University Health Center, the most com
mon form of contraception prescribed on campus is still
the birth control pill. Both the patch and ring, however,
are convenient if students don’t want to take a pill every
day. Like the pill, the patch and ring are 99% effective in
the prevention of pregnancy when used as prescribed.
The potential for side effects are similar to those of oral
contraceptives.
The patch and the vaginal ring, like most contracep
tives, do not prevent the transmission of sexually trans
mitted infections (STIs). And unfortunately, the preva
lence rate of STIs is increasing among the teen and
college students of America. According to Condomania,
(www.condomania.com), only 23% of young adults
know about chlamydia, the most common bacterial STI
which strikes an estimated 4 millionAmericans a year.
Statistics also indicate that one in every 100 sexually ac
tive adults between the ages of 15 and 49 worldwide is
infected with HIY and only one in 10 knows he or she is
infected (UNAIDS Report,November 25,1997).
Fortunately, the University Health Center offers a pro
gram called FPEP (Family Planning Expansion Project),
which provides qualified students with free contracep
tives, contraceptive counseling, and an annual women’s
exam. STI testing can be covered when combined with
contraceptive management, or pregnancy tests. To apply
for FPEP or to get more information on issues regarding
contraceptives, STIs, or health in general, visit the Health
Center or check online at healthcenter. uoregon.edu.
What is emergency contraception?
ay [\uiuu wjun
Tl JTfriend calls me at one a.m., frantic
/ u/M and frightened. She tells me that she
V JL and her boyfriend had sex and the
condom they used broke. She is terrified that
she might become pregnant and does not
know what to do. She says she loves her
boyfriend, but they are not ready to have a
baby right now. I try to calm her down and
ask her if she’s heard of emergency contracep
tive pills? She tells me no.
It’s surprising to me how many women don’t
know about emergency contraception (EC) or
that it’s available here on campus. EC, also
known as “the morning after pill,” is a back up
hormonal contraception that is used after having
unprotected vaginal intercourse. Do not mistake
EC with RU 486, sometimes called the “abortion
pill,” since EC will not terminate an established
pregnancy.
Women can take emergency contraceptive
pills for many reasons: contraceptive failure,
choosing unprotected intercourse, or in case of
sexual assault. EC shouldn’t be the primary
method of contraception, but used as a back up
method when other methods fail or, like the
name suggests, as an emergency.
At the UO Health Center, EC is typically pro
vided as “Plan B”, a brand that is a progestin-only
pill. Plan B is similar to regular birth control
pills, but the amount of hormone in each pill
and the dose is different. EC disrupts ovarian
hormone production and prevents egg implanta
tion in the uterine lining. Plan B is taken in two
doses, 12 hours apart and works best when the
first dose is taken within 120 hours, or five days,
of unprotected vaginal intercourse.
While most women tolerate EC well, some
experience nausea and vomiting, breast tender
ness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizzi
ness, and headaches. Menstrual patterns are
often altered. If symptoms last more than 2-3
days, or if you haven’t had a normal period in
three weeks, call your health care practitioner.
EC can be obtained by prescription at UO
Health Center, through your regular doctor, or at
family planning clinics. The cost for EC is very
low and for students who qualify for FPEP
(Family Planning Expansion Project) contracep
tive services are free. I encouraged my friend to
go to the Health Center to get an EC prescrip
tion and to if she qualifies for FPEP.
Health Center nurse practitioner Wendy Lang
thinks it is a good idea for sexually active hetero
sexual females to have EC stored at home, just in
case it is needed. The sooner after unprotected
intercourse EC is taken, the more effective it is.
For more information about emergency con
traceptives, FPEP, or to schedule an appointment
at the Health center call 346-2770.
What can I do? helping a friend with an eating disorder
By Christine Mosbaugh
~t started with missing leftovers, jars of peanut butter, and other foods disap
pearing. She ate a watermelon every three days and kept nofood of her own in
JL the house saying it was too tempting for her. Even though I knew she had a
problem, I wasn t sure what to do about it. The bathroom smelled suspiciously of
strong perfume and she ran panicked to the toiletfrom time to time. It was horrible
watching her walk around like a zombie going to the gym despite my concerns, but
every time I talked to her she swore she wasfine. As a result of this and more, the
summer we were supposed to enjoy became a sad memory of the past.
This situation is unfortunately all too common for many college students. The Na
tional Eating Disorder Association estimates that 6 to 16 million people in the US suffer
from anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and other eating disorders. The preva
lence of such disorders is often even more pronounced on college campuses. As Uni
versity Health Center Physician Donna Scuriock points out, eating disorders on campus
is a function of both social influences as well as individual circumstances. However
complex the causes may be, it is likely that most everyone has experienced or has
heard about someone who struggles with an eating disorder.
It can be very frustrating to watch a friend hurt her or himself and feel like there is
nothing you can do to help .This difficulty is acknowledged by Kristen Olmos, Regis
tered Dietician at the Health Center. She emphasizes, that while you cannot change
someone or make them seek treatment, you can learn about disordered eating In this
sense, it is possible to influence a friend so that they are motivated to get help. Being a
supportive friend, a good listener, a positive role model, and learning about the signs,
symptoms, and treatments for eating disorders are great starts for those concerned
about someone with an eating disorder. Becoming aware of resources available on cam
pus is extremely helpful in encouraging a friend to take action for themself. Knowing
what to expect when confronting or talking to them about their problem cam also help
you deal with the situation without becoming overwhelmed. It is crucial to remember
to take care of yourself and not become consumed by the problem or tempted to be a
hero.
A few years have passed since the ill fated summer with my friend. At the time my
knowledge focused largely on knowing the signs and confirming there was a problem.
A more productive approach might have been to learn about options, describe them to
my friend and let her think about them as she was ready to deal with her problem. In
this way, I could be supportive and available if she chose to get help.
Here at the UO, there are several resources available through the Health and Coun
seling Center. Don’t hesitate to learn more about them so you can help your friends.
• Health Center medical stuff (346-2770):physical exam and referrals to additional services
• Registered Dietitian, Kristen Ohnos (346-2794): dietary recommendations and mealptarir
ning
• Peer Health Education tibntrybooks, bnxhures and other materials on body image and eat
ing disorders
• UO Cxnmseting (Center (346-3227):confidential workshops and chopin hourspr individu
als unth eating disorders and their concerned friends
• Fating Disorders Team Psychologists, Physicians, Exercise Physiologist, and Dietitian work
ing as a team to comprehensivety understand and treat individuals with eating disorders.
• Eating DisordersAimteness Vfoek- winter term and aims to increase awareness on campus
(all the Beer Health Education Office for more information 046-4456)
•Oxcfcoutwwwnationaleatingdisoniers.org
...eating
disorders on
campus is a
function of
both social
influences as
well as
individual
circumstances.
Taking Care of Those
Pearly Whites
By Kimberly Ito
Has it occurred to you that your one pair
of teeth are supposed to last your entire life
time? Many people take this simple realiza
tion for granted, and in turn fail to take prop
er care of their one and only pair of teeth.
There is more to caring for our chops than
just brushing.
Think about all the reasons you want to
hang on to your strong teeth (e.g. look
good, eat hard foods, enjoy a pain-free
mouth) and then read on.
You may be brushing your teeth twice a
day, but there are other factors to consider.
Type of toothbrush, technique, and when
you brush, for starters. After gathering infor
mation and speaking with Debra George,
dental hygienist, at the University Health
Center’s Dental Clinic, I have learned better
ways to care for my teeth. Using a tooth
brush that has soft bristles with an effective
plaque removal design is the best way to go.
Brushing twice a day is good, but brushing
after meals is even better. Make sure your
toothpaste contains fluoride for preventing
cavities. Replace that toothbrush every
three months.
Although the equipment you use to
brush is important, technique is also ex
tremely important. It is best to pay close at
tention to the hard-to-reach places, as well
as the gum line. You also want to make sure
that you brush for about two minutes, in a
circular and gentle motion, careful to not
press too hard. Brushing your tongue is
helpful in removing bacteria and promoting
fresher breath.
Debra explained many adverse dental
side effects of smoking. The toll tobacco
takes on your teeth and gums has a lifetime
effect. Tobacco use increases the preva
lence and severity of periodontal disease.lt
is in your mouth’s best interest to not
smoke at all.
Our University Health Center’s Dental
Clinic is a valuable gem. Jan Halvorson,the
dentist, and the hygienists are friendly, pro
fessional, and extremely knowledgeable.
Making appointments is easy (simply call
346-2791). The location is totally conven
ient and the costs are most affordable.
Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is es
sential when it comes to taking care of my
health and that is why I encourage you to go
too! Once there,you’ll learn a whole lot
more than you’ve ever expected!
Author,\ Kim Ito, brushes up on knowledge
of dental health at the University Health
Center dental Clinic.
Social smoking or smoke screen?
By Maria Guerrero
Pop Quiz:
What is the definition of a “so
cial smoker”? Is it people who:
A-Justify to themselves they
are a soft smoker so they don’t
have to admit that they are
bonafide smokers.
B. Leach cigarettes from their
friends because there too cheap
to fork out the $4.50 per pack.
C. Smoke only when they
drink but drink every Friday and
Saturday night.
D. Are very close to being fully
addicted to tobacco.
E. Some combination of the
above.
You won’t likely see this ques
tion on any quiz, but the notion of
what makes a social smoker is fas
cinating to me. According to the
2002 University Health Center’s
Student Health Survey, 22% of stu
dents use tobacco, many of whom
consider themselves social smok
ers.
First let’s review what hap
pens when you pick up that cig
and bring it to the curves of your
lips.
You are breathing in over 4000
toxic chemicals, many of which
cause cancer. Ever heard of car
bon monoxide, arsenic, methanol,
and hydrogen cyanide? These are
a small sample of toxins that you
breathe in while you smoke to
bacco. The tar in cigarettes is the
black sticky substance that con
tains many other toxins and is the
main cause for throat and lung
cancers. Yellowish brown stains
show up on smoker’s teeth, fin
gers, clothes and the ceilings of
their homes.
Let’s not forget nicotine, the
addicting agent in tobacco, which
is thought to be more addictive
than heroine.This conclusion
comes from recognizing that crav
ing and physiological changes
happen quickly to most individu
als who smoke tobacco. It’s physi
ologically difficult to remain a “so
cial smoker” and avoid full on
addiction.
Nicotine is also a stimulant and
as such can not possibly confer
the relaxation that so many smok
ers claim that tobacco provides.
Nicotine stimulates the nervous
system, increases heart rate, raises
blood pressure and constricts
small blood vessels under your
skin. The last effect is what causes
wrinkles. When a smoker goes to
sleep, they often experience nico
tine withdrawal. Research sug
gests that nicotine is linked with
difficulty falling asleep and prob
lems waking up. Research also
suggests that smokers may experi
ence more nightmares.
Reviewing all this, let’s not ra
tionalize that being a social smok
er is benign. Halt an unhealthy sit
uation before it takes deeper root.
Why not join the 78% of students
on campus who don’t smoke at
all? Make an appointment or stop
by the Health Center and pick up
a free Quit-Kit for tips on quitting
tobacco.
For more information on
smoking cessation, contact
Health Educator Paula Staight at
Pstaight@oregon.uoregon.edu
Peer Health Educator, Cara McCarthy promotes the Great
American Smoke-Out on campus.
• Ammonia (floor cleaner)
• Arsenic (rat poison)
• Butane (lighter fluid)
• Hydrogen Cyanide (gas chamber poison)
• Toluene (industrial solvent)
• Acetone (paint stripper)
• Cadmium (car batteries)
• Formaldehyde (preservative for dead bodies)
• Naphthalene (moth balls)