How to Use Section I–Common Health Problems
Find the health problem in Section I
of the table of contents and go to that page. The
problems are listed in order from A to Z.
Read about the problem, what causes it (if
known), its symptoms, and treatments.
Scrutinize the “Questions to Ask.” Start at the
top of the flow chart and answer YES or NO to
each question.
Follow the arrows in the flowchart until you get
to one of these answers:
For symptoms that don't threaten life, immediate care means seeing your
health care provider or going to an urgent care center right away. If your
school has a health service center, find out where it is and when it is
open. Find out where to go for urgent care, both on and off campus. Make
sure you know phone numbers for these places and write them on the Telephone Numbers & Information
Form. Find out, now, how your health insurance covers medical emergencies when
you are in the state you live in, when you are out of state, and even out of
the country. Then you'll know what to do if something occurs. You may need
to get additional insurance when you travel or study abroad
Get Immediate Care
You should get help immediately. If symptoms threaten life, go to a
hospital emergency department, if you can do so quickly and safely. If
not, call 911 or your local rescue squad. Symptoms that threaten life
include:
No breathing and/or pulse
Unconsciousness
Difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding
Head or neck injury
Suicidal or homicidal intent
Choking
See Provider
When you see this symbol, call your health care provider and state the
problem. Your provider's office staff can evaluate your symptoms and
determine how soon you need to be seen. The term "provider" can be used
for a number of health care providers. They include:
Your primary doctor, physician's
assistant (P.A.), nurse practitioner (N.P.), etc.
Doctors, registered nurses, and
counselors at your school's Health Services or Mental Health
Services
Walk-in clinic health care
providers
Call Provider
Call your health care provider and state the problem. He or she can
decide what you should do. He or she may:
Tell you to make an appointment to be
seen
Send you to a laboratory for tests
Recommend treatment over the phone
Tell you specific things to do to
treat the problem
Use Self-Care
To learn more about topics covered
in this guide and other health issues go to:
www.healthfinder.gov. At this site, enter your
topic in the Search box. You can also visit the Health Library and find
targeted information based upon age, race, and sex.