► Health
Find a Doctor
On your arrival in Bradford we strongly recommend you register with the Bradford Student Health Centre or General Practitioner in the area where you live as soon as possible. To register with the Bradford Student Health Centre simply visit the Practice and complete a registration. form
International Students are covered by the NHS if the course lasts for more than six months. If not it is advisable to take out private cover.
The NHS Direct website http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ is an invaluable source of health information and advice. In addition they provide a helpline on 0845 4647 which gives a wide range of information on medical issues and services. It can be useful calling the helpline if you are not sure whether you need to see a doctor.
Pharmacies/Chemists
A place where medicinal drugs are dispensed/ sold is known as a pharmacy, or chemist. Pharmacists can dispense and advise on prescriptions, as well as advise and sell other medication. They can often recommend remedies that will prevent you having to wait for a doctor's appointment. See below for the nearest pharmacies to the university's main campus.
For more information, including opening hours, click on the name of the pharmacy.
General Health
Healthy Eating
Sensible eating is key to good health, so try to avoid living on toast, chips and beer! It might not make you ill in itself but it may increase the risk of catching other illnesses. Read on for some tips to help you scoff the right stuff:
• To ensure you have a nutritious diet it is recommended that you include meat/fish or a vegetarian alternative, fruit or vegetables plus food containing fibre and carbohydrates in each meal.
• Try to avoid too much fat/sugar and salt in your diet as well as artificial ingredients such as E numbers. Some ready meals and processed food may seem temptingly low in fat and calories, but are also very low in nutritional content and won’t fill you up for long . It is usually far better to have a small portion of ‘real food’ such as a jacket potato with cheese, than a ‘diet’ option.
• It’s important to eat as much variety as you possibly can, so go for different coloured fruits and veg, and try not to get into too much of a food routine. Have cereal one day, toast the next, and the next morning try yoghurt or even some grilled bacon and tomatoes if you have a bigger appetite.
• Don’t skip breakfast – it’s not called the most important meal of the day for nothing. In fact, it has been proven that the people who eat breakfast every day tend to be slimmer, as they tend not to resort to unhealthy snacks later on and kick-start their metabolism early on.
• Although some health experts advocate eating big meals and avoiding snacks, especially if you have blood sugar problems, many people in reality find that snacking, or smaller, more frequent meals, actually works best for them.
• Eating when you are hungry – rather than waiting until you’re starving and then pigging out and eating too fast – can be the best strategy for keeping the weight down and keeping yourself full of energy. The ‘little and often’ tack is also best with fluids. Sip water, herbal and fruit teas, and even the odd coffee or tea throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
• Drinking enough water can also stop hunger cravings, which in turn is a great way to keep the pounds off.
• Don’t deny yourself though – have a little of what you like and it will stop you from then ‘binging’ on cakes and biscuits after a week of celery and salad.
• One of the best ways to keep healthy is to learn to cook! Once you get started, it’s really not too daunting. There are loads of good student-focused cookbooks out there or books aimed at busy people who want healthy fast food. Once you get a few recipes under your belt, you will feel confident enough to start experimenting. http://allrecipes.co.uk is a great resource with thousands of free recipes for you to pick from.
Eat healthy - stay healthy! For more information, go to http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/
Exercise
Exercise need not be expensive or boring. Try to walk more rather than driving or catching the bus or try going swimming or doing a sport. Even an hour on the Wii Fit is beneficial. If you prefer inside exercise there are a wide range of exercise DVDs; for fresh-air lovers try a boot camp-style class or running in the park. The Sports Centre offers a wide range of fitness classes as well as housing its own swimming pool: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/sports/ has more info.
Sexual Health & Family Planning
Whether you're straight, lesbian, gay or bisexual, it is really important to practice safe sex. With Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the increase, The Students' Union is working in conjunction with the local community to ensure all students receive free contraception. Free contraception is available both from the University of Bradford Health Centre, family planning clinics and the Students’ Union. Go to http://www.fpa.org.uk/Homepage for more information on all issues to do with sexual health, or go to www.BASH.nhs.co.uk.
The Horton Park Centre – Family Planning & Sexual Health
Tel. 228910/228770
99 Horton Park Avenue
Bradford BD7 3EG
There is a Department of Sexual Health at St Luke's Hospital, close to the university. Their confidential service provides:
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screening for sexual infections
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HIV testing
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Free treatment for infections
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Free condoms for patients
Dept of Sexual Health
Horton Wing
St Luke's Hospital
Bradford
BD5 0NA
Male Appointments 365231
Female Appts 365232
Advice + Support from Sexual Health Advisors 365035
Terrence Higgins Trust Helpline 0171 242 1010
Pregnancy
If you become pregnant unexpectedly there are essentially three choices you may make: to continue with the pregnancy and keep the child when it is born, to continue with the pregnancy and have the child adopted, or to terminate the pregnancy.
The UBU Advice Centre Staff are very supportive and can assist in many ways both practically and financially, before and after the baby is born, or if you decide upon a termination.
Remember, anything discussed with UBU Advice Centre staff will be treated confidentially and without judgement.
Marie Stopes 0113 244 0685
Miscarriage Association 01924 200 799
Pregnancy and birth line – 0870 444 8709
Rape & Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted contact STAR - a free and confidential support service for adult men and women; they will offer you counselling and provide support. 01924 298934.
Bradford Rape Crisis is also there to help and support women and girls who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They are a non-judgemental service whose aim is not to force you into any action but to listen to you and help you cope after a rape or sexual assault. Go to http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk/centres_show.php or call 01274 723896 for information and appointments. They also have a helpline you can call on 01274 308270.
The advice centre will also help out in any way it can whether you would like support in talking to the police or any other help.
Foreign Travel
Many countries outside Europe, and some within, require vaccination against certain diseases. NHS Direct: 0845 4647 or http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1630.aspx?CategoryID=67&SubCategoryID=152 give information on prescribed medication and diagnosed conditions. You may have to pay for certain vaccinations. Your doctor’s surgery can also advise on this.
If you travel inside the European Economic Area (EEA), free or reduced-cost emergency treatment is available to eligible patients who possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Go to https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do or call 0845 6062030 for more information.
Mental Health
Stress and Depression
Student life can be stressful; you will be adapting to a new place, a new way of life, new people, and whilst most of you will find the move to university very exciting and enjoyable, some people will also find it very difficult. Even for those of you who do switch to student life with ease, there will undoubtedly be a point during your time here when you find that you are not coping as well as you had expected. You will have to deal with the usual personal problems, and the day-to-day stresses of life, as well as the immense financial difficulties, not to mention the academic pressure.
Seek help from the UBU Advice Centre or the free University Counselling Service if you feel you need help.
Counselling provides an opportunity to talk confidentially and in private about any matter which may be causing concern. The counsellor will offer an understanding, caring atmosphere and will listen carefully to all that you may need to say. The aim of the process is to help you to understand your situation to the point where you can see for yourself the most appropriate course of action.
The University Counselling Service office is located in the Student Centre, behind the Students’ Union., You can make an appointment to see a Counsellor or use the drop-in service: the service is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 7pm Thursday (term time). Telephone: 01274 235750, Email: counselling@bradford.ac.uk, http://www.bradford.ac.uk/admin/counselling/
The Samaritans provides 24 hour confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 08457 909090 (local call rate) or email: jo@samaritans.org
MIND in Bradford is an independent organisation affiliated to Mind (National Association for Mental Health). It aims to help create a better life for people experiencing mental ill health and distress. It offers a drop-in service, email service and a telephone helpline.
Email: alex@mindinbradford.org.uk
SANE is one of the UK's leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness. SANELINE is SANE's national telephone helpline offering support and information to callers throughout the UK.
Tel: 0845 767 8000 12 noon to 2am.
Evolving Minds (Bradford & Hebden Bridge) aims to give people a space to discuss, share and campaign for compassionate approaches to emotional and mental health. It also aims to increase understanding of emotional wellbeing and mental health and to encourage people to treat the subjects in a positive way.
Eating disorders
The two major disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Students experiencing insecurities about their new environment and irregular lifestyle are one of the groups prone to such disorders. Seek help immediately if you think this applies to you.
Eating Disorders Line in Leeds 0113 246 3861
There are many web pages dedicated to eating disorders. Below are just a few suggestions of sites - this list is by no means complete.
Eating Disorders Association -
Guide-Line Helpline: 01274 594594 (12 noon until 9pm)
http://www.edauk.com/
EDA is the UK's national resource for eating disorders. They run an Adult Helpline (over 18 years of age) 0845 634 1414
The National Centre for Eating Disorders –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/womens/mind_eds.shtml
Meningitis
The bacteria which cause meningitis and meningococcal disease are spread by coughing, sneezing or direct contact such as kissing Outbreaks are more likely to occur in places where people live or work closely together in groups - such as universities and halls.
The important thing to know is that most of the early symptoms are mild and similar to those you get with flu or hangover, for example
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vomiting
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pain in the back or joints
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feeling feverish
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a headache
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a stiff neck
But if any of the following symptoms develop:
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severe dislike of light;
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disorientation;
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a bruise-like rash that doesn't fade under pressure; or
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coma
then get medical help urgently - early treatment saves lives !
By keeping an eye out for your friends and asking how they are feeling you could save their life.
Swine Flu
‘Swine flu’ is an influenza which has recently reached pandemic levels and which presents similar symptoms to common, seasonal flu. It is believed that the strain of flu currently at pandemic levels may have originated from pigs. However, eating pork, as long as it is thoroughly cooked, should not pose any danger. The NHS’s question & answers page at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx#Whatdo provide comprehensive information on the virus but see below for some of the most commonly asked questions & answers.
How is swine flu spread?
The strain of the virus currently infecting people worldwide is spread via human-to-human contact through the germs spread through coughing & sneezing, for example.
How can I help protect myself and help stop the transmission of it?
It is important, as with any virus, to prevent it spreading by good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly using soap and water, always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze then dispose of the tissue straight away & clean hard surfaces such as door handles & shared telephones frequently. Carrying a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel around with you can be helpful for when there is no water supply.
How dangerous is it?
The current strain of the virus is relatively mild. Although it has caused a number of deaths, most deaths in developed countries have involved people with underlying health conditions. Viruses can mutate over time, but the virus so far hasn't developed to the degree some predicted it would.
What are the symptoms?
As with a regular bout of flu, you are likely to experience coughing, sneezing, fatigue, fever & a lack of appetite. A sore throat, nausea, diarrhoea & vomiting are also possible.
What should I do if I think I have swine flu?
If you think you have the virus, check your symptoms at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/Sat/Topics/WizardStepOne.aspx? You should stay at home rather than visiting your GP or hospital to minimise the risk of passing it on. But if it is a true medical emergency, always dial 999.
Can swine flu be treated?
Although there is currently no cure for swine flu, there are antiviral drugs available which can minimise its effects.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Alcohol
Alcohol need not become a problem if you stay within the recommended limits. Weekly recommended units for women is 14 and 21 for men. Bear in mind 1 unit is equivalent to half a pint of ordinary strength beer or lager (3.5% ABV), one small glass of wine (125 ml) and one single measure of spirit (25ml).
Although you may feel good when you are drinking, too much can affect your judgement and you may not be in total control of your actions - for example, having unprotected sex which could lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. It makes sense to stay sober! If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems you can contact the Piccadilly Project in Bradford on 735775.
More useful links
Alcoholics Anonymous (vie Samaritans) 01274 547547
Drinkline 0800 9178282
http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk - 0207 403 0888
Drugs
It is an offence to possess or supply drugs which are controlled under the abuse of Drugs Act, without legal authority - which usually means a prescription.
If you are caught in possession of, participating in or supplying drugs, the University and the Students' Union will take direct action. The University has policies to ensure the law is upheld on the University Campus. If you are caught you could be fined, removed from halls or removed from your course. Any conviction, even for possession, can have serious ramifications if you are on a course leading to a professional qualification. If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems you can contact the Bridge Project in Bradford on 723863.
There is also a lot of information, advice and support available from the internet:
Get the facts about drugs from FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 - you can ring at anytime of the day or night and all calls are confidential - http://www.talktofrank.com
Relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems visit http://www.famanon.org.uk
Smoking
All university buildings are non-smoking areas. There is a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer, smoking and chronic chest diseases, and smoking and heart disease. On top of this, it can make you perform more badly at sports and generally feel out of breath and lethargic. Smoking also has short-term and long-term effects on your looks: yellow teeth and fingers, grey wrinkled skin and dull hair is not a good look. Not only this, it can also affect the health of your friends and family, not to mention innocent passers by who get smoke blown in their face.
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The chemicals in cigarettes that cause you harm
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The negative effects of nicotine on your health
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Smoking is a very expensive habit
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Social implications – the effects on other people
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If you are pregnant it is not good for the unborn child and can cause health problems in later life
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Men who smoke are more likely to experience impotence and loss of stamina during sex
Other Personal Worries
Personal problems and anxieties can interfere with the way you work and could impede your progress: these may be concerned with loneliness, addiction, sexuality, family, relationships or difficulty in making friends. The advisers have extensive training and experience in personal counselling: with over 30 years between them of working in the Advice Centre it is unlikely they will be shocked by anything you say. The Advisers are non-judgemental and will empathise with your situation, offering guidance and support throughout your difficulties. It is important to seek help as soon as you feel unhappy for any reason and certainly before your academic work is affected. Anything you say will be treated in the strictest confidence. If your problems are of an emotional or psychological nature, or you need to talk to sombody - in a non-advice capacity - and explore your issues, then the University Counselling service will be happy to help. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/admin/counselling/
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