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International / Self Care
SELF-CARE
While visiting the doctor is a very important practice in the U.S. to keep us healthy, in other countries and cultures self-care measures and alternative forms of healing are often practiced. It is proven that most common illnesses can be prevented and treated with simple self-care measures.
You, as an international student, may have been taught by your family, friends, or teachers some first aid measures to prevent minor illnesses. It is important to recognize that these forms of treatment are very valid and important.
In the U.S. it is important that you adopt an active role as a consumer. For instance, it is expected that individuals search for different types of treatments, and even question the relevance and validity of the physician's prescriptions and indications. This practice may be difficult for you since in some countries we are taught to accept medical advice from physicians and health care providers without any doubt.
The role of physicians in some countries entitles a lot of power and authority, and their decisions are seldom questioned or discussed. Although being able to trust your medical care provider is an important component of health care, it is also important to recognize that in the U.S. we encourage health services users to adopt a more active role, to ask questions, and to request explanations of the services they receive.
Self-care measures are an indication that you are taking responsibility for your health and that you care about yourself. You ought to be praised for that. Some examples of self-care include first aid, home remedies, intake of vitamins, breast and testicular self-examinations, exercise, weight control, membership in support groups, nutritional aids, use of home-care products for checking blood pressure or glucose, etc.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
A physician should be consulted when:
- A life-threatening situation exists (e.g. stopped breathing, severe bleeding, intake of a poison, chest pain, lack of consciousness, etc.).
- A symptom or condition is too severe to be endured (e.g. when a symptom persists for days with no easily identifiable cause).
- Symptoms return repeatedly for no apparent reason.
- When there is doubt or uncertainty about the problem.
HOW TO FIND A DOCTOR
It is very possible that your closest option to finding a physician or other health care provider may be contacting the Student Health and Wellness Center. At the University of North Texas, you can get advised as to how to find a physician that responds to your specific needs.
Here is a list of resources that you can use when you want to find a health care provider that speaks your language:
- Call 1-800-doctors
- Contact local county health department
- Check the phone book
- Call local medical society
- Contact the Student Health Center
MEDICATIONS
International students face different challenges ( a different language, a different culture, being away from family and friends, etc). One of the major challenges may be the use of medical services in a country that is different. This is why some international students may bring with them to the U.S. home remedies and medications. Although this practice indicates your concern for maintaining your health, in some instances, they can be very dangerous. For instance, some international students may bring to the U.S. antibiotics or other mediations that require a medical prescription in order to be used when you are ill.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
It is important to remember that these medications have different uses and doses depending on the specific health problem. Antibiotics, for instance, need to be taken for a specific number of days in order to prevent future resistance.
Another problem may be the possibility of being allergic to certain medications. This is why it is important that you, as an international student, try to avoid self-medication and consult with a health care provider before taking any prescription medication. Also, it is essential to avoid taking someone else's prescriptions since the dosage and medications are specific for each person.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION
There are medications that can be used without the prescription of a physician and can be used for minor illnesses. These medications are called "nonprescription drugs" or "over-the-counter" (OTC) because they can be bought in any pharmacy or store. These medications are considered to be safe for consumer use when label directions and warnings are followed. Examples of these medications are some analgesics (medicines to alleviate pain), fever medications, some vitamins and minerals, cold remedies, etc.
When using over-the-counter medication:
- Remember that no medication is completely harmless, and any chemical substance you take may carry some risk.
- Avoid self-medication as much as possible.
- Pay close attention to the drug labels. The labels of over-the-counter medications must include the name, the symptoms to be relieved, the contents, the quantity, the doses for use, warnings, and drug interactions.
- Check with the pharmacist. If the medication has something you do not understand or lacks the information previously mentioned, check with the pharmacist.
- Follow labels directions strictly. If you exceed the recommended doses, you may harm yourself.
RECOGNIZING QUACKERY
Be suspicious when the following situations are present:
- A cure for the disease is completely guaranteed.
- A special or secret formula is presented.
- Quick and easy cures are promised.
- Magical cures are advertised using case histories and testimonials.
- There is refusal to provide methods of medical research.
- Ingredients are not identified.
- Support from experts is indicated, but not fully identified.
ALTERNATIVE HEALING
Healing is defined as the complex of methods and practices to restore health. In some cultural groups the use of alternative healing methods is a commonly used practice. As a matter of fact, now there is an emphasis on the validity and importance of traditional health care practices.
Healing methods can vary from wearing amulets, scapulas, or medals, to the use of more complex forms of medical services such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic medicine, herbal therapy, etc. In the U.S. there is now an Office for Alternative Medicine from the National Institute of Health that is trying to regulate the practice of alternative methods of care.
Other forms of healing such as visualization, meditation, music therapy, chiropractic medicine, yoga, and religious healing, among others, attempt to restore internal balance. If you, as an international student, have used any of these forms of healing, it is important for you to understand that these treatments are just now being recognized as scientifically-based practices and as such, they are just now being regulated. If you want to use these forms of healing while you are in the U.S., it is important for you to remember that you need to look for signs of quackery, and that you should always search for the appropriate credentials and certifications of the provider.
Although there is an increasing acceptance of these forms of health care, you will find that the number of institutions that offer these services are limited. Most student health centers at U.S. universities primarily offer Western forms of health care. In this case, if you, as an international student, would prefer to use other alternative healing methods, you may need to get a referral from a physician to be able to use the traditional healing methods you need. For instance, some health insurance does not pay for acupuncture or homeopathic services unless you have been referred by a doctor.
Some international students may rely on the use of some form of alternative healing (e.g. herbs, essential oils, exercise patterns, etc.) before seeking medical care. Some forms of alternative healing have proven to be very effective and have enhanced medical services. However, it is important to know when you need to see a physician to prevent further complications.
HERBAL THERAPY AND NATURAL REMEDIES
Some principles for safe usage of herbal therapy and natural remedies are:
- Begin with low conservative doses.
- Look for products made by reputable companies.
- Herbal remedies should not be used on children under 10, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
Be suspicious of herbal products or natural remedies that claim to purify the blood, strengthen the glands, encourage rejuvenation, detoxify the body, or ease nerve pain. Be knowledgeable of potential complications for herbal medicines, such as allergies, drug interactions, overdoses, toxicity, masking serious symptoms, and delaying appropriate medical care.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients important for life. Vitamins work best when taken with food. Vitamins are sensitive to light so they need to be stored in a cold place, in dark containers. When taking vitamins and minerals as supplements, make sure to pay attention to how your body is reacting to them. Some signs of alarm may include gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, nausea, etc.), and neurological problems (confusion, dizziness, etc.) Consult your physician to determine the appropriateness of taking mega doses (large doses).
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