Student Health and Wellness

An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle joint turns too far in a specific direction. This causes one or more of the ligaments to overstretch or in some cases even tear. Ligaments are tough, flexible bands of connective tissue inside the ankle that hold the bones together.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain with movement and weight bearing

Treatment

The best way to remember  the treatment for an ankle injury, is by the mnemonic “RICE.”  These letters stand for the following:

Rest: It is important to stay off your feet, minimize use, and rest your ankle.

Ice: You can apply a cold gel pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a bag of ice to the ankle. Ice for 15 minutes, every 1-2 hours as able.

Compression: This means applying pressure to your ankle. You can do this by using an elastic bandage or compression sleeve. Your medical provider or nurse can show you how to wrap your ankle. It is important not to restrict blood flow.

Elevation: Keep your foot raised above the level of your heart by using pillows while laying down.

NSAID’s: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce pain and swelling.

Do not take on an empty stomach and use according to package instruction.

When to seek medical help

• You cannot put weight on your ankle
• Your ankle looks deformed or feels unstable
• Numbness and tingling of your foot

A concussion is a mild brain injury that can cause headache, confusion, and memory loss. A concussion can happen after an injury to the head from being hit or falling.

Symptoms May Include:

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or trouble with balance
• Being bothered by noise or light
• Drowsiness
• Sleep disruption
• Mood or behavior changes
• Memory loss

It may be recommended to have someone with you for the first 12-24 hours after injury to monitor for worsening symptoms. It is not necessary to be awakened overnight. Individuals with a concussion will recover more rapidly if they are allowed to sleep.

How is a concussion treated?

Most concussions do not require treatment and symptoms resolve on their own, but it can take time. Symptoms can go away within minutes to hours after the injury or may last for weeks. Most people fully recover after 10 to 14 days. Most concussions do not require brain imaging. To help your brain recover:

• Rest your body: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous exercise or too much physical activity if it worsens your symptoms.
• Rest your brain: Avoid activities that need focused attention and concentration if it worsens your symptoms.
• Limit screen time: yes, that includes your smart phone.
• Avoid environments with loud noise and bright lights.
• Do not drink alcohol until your symptoms resolve.
• Avoid a second injury: a second head injury while you are still recovering from a concussion can result in serious complications.

Medication:

Treat headache symptoms with over the counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use per package instructions.

Seek medical care immediately for the following symptoms:

• Vomiting more than three times
• A severe headache or a headache that gets worse
• Seizure or seizure like activity
• Difficulty walking or talking
• Vision changes
• Numbness or weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Excessive drowsiness, inability to be awakened
• Drainage of blood or fluids from ears or nose

What is the Best Way to Take Your Oral Temperature?

• Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold
• Place the thermometer under your tongue toward the back
• Keep your lips closed around the thermometer

What Can Cause a Fever?

• Viral infections, such as the common cold and the flu
• Bacterial infections, such as strep throat

Seek Medical Help Immediately If:

• Recent hospital admission, or surgery/medical procedures
• If taking medications that affect the immune symptoms such as steroids, organ transplant rejection medications, etc.
• A fever that lasts for several days or keeps returning
• Recent insect bite, such as a tick
• Chronic Medical conditions such as: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chemotherapy, lupus, autoimmune disorders or sickle cell anemia
• If fever, plus, any of the following: rash, severe headache or neck pain, trouble breathing, seizure, confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, severe abdominal or back pain, or other unusual symptoms

Treatment for Fever:

• Rest
• Increase fluids
• (Acetaminophen) or
• (Ibuprofen) as needed

• Also known as gastroenteritis
• Inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines
• Caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, medications, alcohol, tobacco, stress

When to seek medical help

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than 4 hours
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Persistent dizziness or confusion
• Fever over 101°F for more than 24 hours (38.3°C)
• Unable to tolerate sips of fluids for more than 8 hours
• Not urinating for more than 8 hours
• Worsening symptoms or no improvement after 48 hours
• You have diabetes or have other chronic medical conditions

Food handlers and child care employees need to be symptom free for 48 hours and require medical clearance to return to work.

Diet Instructions for Vomiting & Diarrhea

Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the last episode of vomiting.

First 24 hours

LIQUIDS

• Ice chips
• Clear soups, broth
• Jell-O
• Popsicles
• Flat Soda, ginger ale, cola
• Sports drinks
• Bouillon
• Weak Tea

Next 24 – 48 hours

SOFT SOLID FOODS

• Chicken noodle/rice soup
• Cooked, mild vegetables
• Applesauce/bananas
• Eggs (not fried)
• Potatoes (baked or mashed)
• Ready-to-eat cereal (no milk)
• Chicken
• Fish
• Cooked cereal
• Toast with jelly
• Canned pears/peaches
• Plain pasta
• Rice
• Saltines
• Pretzels

FOODS TO AVOID FOR 3 – 5 DAYS

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Spicy Foods
• Salads and raw vegetables
• Whole grain breads and bran cereals
• Milk/milk products
• Fried foods
• Strong flavored vegetables