Orientation 2012 Health Bulletins
Ask the Doc
Dr. P. Davis Smith, medical director at Wesleyan University’s Davison Health Center, answers questions submitted by our readers.
Q: I have a question regarding germs. I have always heard that it is best to wear flip-flops when in the communal showers, but I never have. My thought is that there is constantly soap and water running across the floor keeping it clean and germ-free. Is this so? If not, why isn't this the case?
—Mike, Wheaton College, Norton, MA
A: I advise students to never go barefoot when at college, especially in bathrooms. I frequently see students requiring treatment for plantar warts [(caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)], athlete’s foot, and jock itch, all of which are likely acquired by going barefoot. Other consequences I see are fungal toenail infections, glass or other foreign objects in the foot, and the dreaded “I pulled the door over the top of my foot and ripped the nail off.”
Why are there viruses and fungi in the shower? Let’s start with the viruses. They’re sneaky and very good at spreading from person to person. There are many types of HPV. Most genital warts are caused by types 6 and 11. Most cervical cancer is caused by types 16 and 18. The types that cause hand warts don’t cause genital or plantar (as in “plantar surface of the foot,” aka sole) warts; the types that cause plantar warts don’t cause hand or genital warts, etc. The virus is just a piece of genetic code. It inserts itself into the code of skin cells that it infects and makes those cells make millions of copies of it. These copies are sloughed along with dead skin cells and lie in wait for their next victim. All you have to do is step on a potentially microscopic sloughed skin cell infected with virus and BAM!, you’re infected.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by tinea. Athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis. Jock itch is also a tinea infection (tinea cruris) and is believed to often be transmitted by fungal elements accumulated in the fingernails during scratching. So keep your fingernails short and clean and wash your hands after scratching your feet and before scratching anywhere else. Fungi like warm, moist environments like shower stalls, the space between toes, and the space between scrotum and thigh. Sometimes it can occur in the armpits, under breasts, or under fat folds on the abdomen. These infections are called intertrigo. Drying yourself thoroughly after bathing and, in susceptible people, using some powder to absorb moisture, can be helpful preventative strategies.
So why doesn’t the soap kill these things? I’m not entirely sure, to be honest. Partly they may be acquired from floors near but not in showers. It may also be that these viruses and fungi are less vulnerable to soap than bacteria. Are you a bio major? This has the makings of a great senior thesis.
1: Crock Pot
With a Crock-Pot and Crock-Pot recipes, you can slow cook a meal while you’re out for the day and then come home to a hot meal. “You can wake up and put all the ingredients in for a chili or soup or other dinner and turn it on,” says Jennifer, a student at the University of Toronto. “Come home from school at dinnertime, and dinner is ready to go! Plus, if you buy a big one, you can make enough to freeze the leftovers and take some for lunch.”
2: Refrigerator With a Freezer
A fridge/freezer combination lets you keep fresh foods and prepared foods that can feed you at least over a week’s time. “Spend one day a week prepping foods for the whole week, then freeze them so they are ready to go when you need them,” says Chelse, a student at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon.
3: Microwave
Many residence halls allow students to have a microwave in their rooms. With the right recipes, you can cook a lot of dishes, from hot oatmeal to spaghetti. “Look into microwave cooking,” says John at Southern Methodist University, Orangeburg, South Carolina. “It's surprising what you can do with a microwave and a simple cooking dish.”
4: Blender or Food Processor
With a blender you can easily mix up fruit smoothies and make soups. A fruit smoothie with bananas, blueberries, and milk can be a quick, nutritious way to start the day. “I make an almond milk, yogurt, banana, and frozen strawberry/blueberry smoothie every morning,” says Lauren, a student at Northern College in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. “So yummy, you forget how healthy it is.”
5: The Internet
Keep a computer or laptop near or in your cooking area to access a wide range of recipes. “The Internet has some great websites for easy and different types of meals,” says Jo-Ann, a student at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
6: Can Opener, Sharp Knife, and Utensils
A can opener is great for cracking open a variety of canned vegetables, beans, soups, tuna, and more. A sharp knife is essential for all types of food preparation, and utensils are always good to keep on hand to eat by yourself or with others. Abbey, a student at George Fox University, encourages other students to cook for themselves: “For some people, cooking can be a time to relieve stress. If you've never cooked before, you should try it; you might actually find you enjoy it! It's nice to know how to make your own food, so you can have a break from cafeteria food or just a late-night/early-morning snack.”
A new study out of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston has found that people who eat slowly tend to take in fewer calories than those who inhale their food. So if you’re worried about putting on pounds, slow down. Posture Check: Stop Your Computer Slouch
Are you slumped over your computer for a good part of the day? Take a moment to straighten up your act. Proper alignment of your body can make you look and feel better by:
- Reducing back and neck stiffness and pain
- Helping digestion
- Increasing energy
- Optimizing breathing and muscle performance
In a study from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, real-world drivers were video recorded for 18 months. Scientists found that drivers who were involved in a crash while using their phones had typically been staring at them for just five second. But that’s enough time to drive 29 car lengths at 70 m.p.h. Resist the urge to text and drive. Pull over and send or read your messages. For more information on how to prevent texting while driving, and the dangers involved, CLICK HERE. Questions About Your Health?
To get answers in our self-care guide, CLICK HERE
