Student Health Center

Health Issues

For more information about each topic click on the Topic Heading.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug in America.  1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes

The consequences of excessive and underage drinking affect virtually all college campuses, college communities, and college students, whether they choose to drink or not.

Allergy Shots

The ISU Student Health Center does not provide allergy shots.  We can provide you with information about where you can go to receive allergy injections

Substance Abuse

Some of the substances that are abused on college campuses include, alcohol, Marijuana, Ecstasy, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Rohypnol.
Using these substances is dangerous and illegal.  You could go to jail.  You could die.
If you know someone using these substances or any other illegal substance, be a friend.  Get them the help they need

Sexuality and STI's

For some people it is easier to have sex than it is to talk about it. This information is for anyone who is having sex or is considering having sex. 

"...Not one of 800 sexologists at a recent conference raised their hand when asked if they would trust a thin rubber sheath to protect them during intercourse with a known HIV infected person... and yet they're perfectly willing to tell our kids that 'safe sex is within reach and that they can sleep around with impunity."  Dr. James Dobson

There are a lot of issues associated with a sexual relationship.  Sexually transmitted Infections and Pregnancy are just two of the issues you need to consider.  There are also the psychosocial implications involved with the sexual relationship that influence self-esteem and self-acceptance.

Sexual Violence on Campus

Rape is not the only form of sexual assault.  Any unwanted advances can be considered sexual assault.  Remember, it is only consensual sex as long as your partner continues to agree.  If at any time your partner says "STOP" any further coercion can become sexual assault

25% of all women and 12% of all men have been the victim of sexual abuse in their life.

If you know someone who has been a victim of sexual assault you can help them.

Hepatitis C

Another form of a disease that attacks and destroys the liver.  It is a blood-borne disease that is commonly transmitted through the sharing of dirty IV drug needles or dirty tattoo needles.

Unlike the other forms of Hepatitis (A and B) there is no immunization available to protect a person from this virus.  Often there are no symptoms until the disease has begun causing severe damage to the liver.

85% of those who contract this disease will develop chronic hepatitis.  Up to 5% may die from chronic liver disease. (8000 - 10000 people every year)

Stress and Anxiety

If you are going to college, you will probably have stress in your life.  That stress does not have to take over your life

You can learn to reduce stress and prevent anxiety.  Anxiety occurs when we fail to cope with the stressors that we deal with every day.

Depression

Depression is a disturbance in mood characterized by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. Most people tend to feel depressed at one time or another, but some people may experience these feelings more frequently or with deeper, more lasting, effects. In some cases, depression can last for months or even years.

A person experiencing severe depression may experience extreme fluctuations in moods or even a desire for complete withdrawal from daily routine and/or the outside world.

Nutrition and Eating Disorders

A healthy diet is another key to a healthy you.  Eating a healthy diet makes it easier for your body to fight infection and disease.

Eating disorders are a serious disturbance in eating patterns or eating-related behavior, characterized by a negative body image and concerns about body weight or body fat.

For more information on several different health issues, check these sites!

HealthFinder.com
WebMD
Health Line
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Social Health Association