HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Student Health

Drugs & Drug Safety

Substance Use & Abuse

After alcohol, the most common drugs used are tobacco and marijuana. Other drugs used are amphetamines (uppers); barbiturates (downers); hallucinogens, such as LSD; inhalants; and narcotics, such as cocaine. On the increase is the use of substances known collectively as “club drugs.” These are used at all-night dance parties, such as “raves” or “trances,” dance clubs, and bars. Examples are MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD.

The safest use of drugs is no use of drugs!

Cocaine

This drug is also called blow, crack, crank, “C”, coke, nose candy, rock, and white girl.

Dangers of Use

Increases pulse rate and blood pressure. Causes insomnia, irritability, and paranoia. Can result in severe depression, convulsions, heart attack, lung damage, hallucinations, brain damage, risk of infection (hepatitis, HIV from using contaminated needles), coma, and death.

Depressants

Examples are alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, ludes, reds, and yellow jackets.

Dangers of Use

Causes drowsiness, slurred speech, drunkenness, memory loss, sudden mood shifts, depression, and lack of coordination. Can result in shallow breathing, dilated pupils, clammy skin, weak pulse, coma, and death.

Ecstasy

This is MDMA. Other names are Adam, Clarity, Lover’s Speed, and K.

Dangers of Use

Euphoric state initially, but depression can occur after taking the drug. Also carries the risk of a heat stroke from lack of fluids and sweating from dancing too long, especially in the hot environment of a club. May lead to a heart attack, seizure, and stroke.

GHB and GLB

GLB is a similar drug that turns into GHB in the body. Other names are: Grievous Bodily Harm; Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid Sex, Georgia Home Boy, and Scoop.

Dangers of Use

Common date rape drug that results in nausea, vomiting, a feeling of intoxication, and amnesia-like symptoms. The drug slows the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and can cause the user’s breathing to stop. Overdose results in unconsciousness, coma, and eventual death. There is little difference in the dose that can get someone high and one that can cause death.

Inhalants

Examples are vapors from: Solvents, such as gasoline; aerosols, such as hair sprays; anesthetics, such as ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide; and spray paints, especially gold and silver.

Dangers of Use

Slows heart rate, breathing and brain activity. Can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision. Can result in suffocation, heart failure, unconsciousness, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

Ketamine

This drug is also called: Special K, K, Vitamin K, and Cat Valium.

Dangers of Use

Causes dream-like states and hallucinations. Can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor functions, high blood pressure, depression, and breathing problems that can result in death.

LSD

This is also called acid, bloomers, and yellow sunshines.

Dangers of Use

Causes hallucinations, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Nausea, weakness, numbness or trembling are common. Long term use can cause persistent psychosis and what used to be called “flashbacks” – re-experiencing symptoms of past hallucinogen use even though not taking the drug at the present time.

Marijuana

This is also called pot, grass, reefer, herb, jay, joint, smoke, weed, and AMP (marijuana with formaldehyde).

Dangers of Use

Can result in feelings of panic, impaired short term memory, decreased ability to concentrate, fatigue, paranoia, and possible psychosis. Also causes lung damage. Synthetic marijuana, such as K2 can have serious side effects, such as extremely high blood pressure, very fast heartbeat, paranoia, delusions, seizure, and hallucinations.

Methamphetamine

This drug is also called speed, ice, chalk, crystal meth, crack, fire, and glass.

Dangers of Use

Can result in memory loss, agitation, aggression, and violent or psychotic behavior and potential cardiac and neurological damage. Can contribute to higher rates of transmission of hepatitis and HIV, if injected. Can result in heart attacks, seizures, and death from overdose.

Rohypnol

This is also called R-2, Rib, Roofies, Rope, and Forget-Me Pill.

Dangers of Use

Common date rape drug. Used in sexual assaults. Results in decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, this clear, odorless, and tasteless drug can cause death.

Signs of a Drug Overdose

Signs of an overdose depend on the type of drug used. Call 9-1-1 or get emergency care for one or more of the following:

* Unconsciousness. This means the person is hard to rouse and can’t be made aware of his or her surroundings. This can be brief, such as with fainting or blacking out. It can put a person into a coma.

* No breathing or slow and shallow breathing. This means 10 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths.

* Slow pulse rate (40 or fewer beats per minute).

* Suicidal gestures.

* Seizures.

* Tremors.

* Sudden hostile personality or violent behavior.

* Very rapid pulse rate (140 or more beats per minute) and/or extreme anxiety or paranoia.

Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services

Gives names and phone numbers for local AA groups. Gives materials on the AA program.

www.aa.org

Al-Anon/Alateen World Service Office

A self-help program for families and friends of alcoholics. Also a referral line.

888.4AL-ANON (425.2666)

www.al-anon.org

American Council for Drug Education

A substance abuse prevention and education agency for youth, college students, parents, employers, educators, and health professionals.

800.488.DRUG (488.3784)

www.acde.org

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) World Services

Gives names and numbers for local self-help meetings.

310.559.5833

www.ca.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) World Services Inc.

Gives names and phone numbers for local self-help meetings and mails out literature on narcotics to hospitals and individuals.

818.773.9999

www.na.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Provides a free treatment referral service to link people with community-based substance abuse services they need.

800.662.HELP (662.4357)

www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Over-The-Counter Medication Safety

Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are ones that you can get without a prescription. Often, they are less potent than prescribed ones. When taken in large amounts, though, an OTC medicine might equal or exceed the dose of a prescribed medicine. Read the information on the label. To learn more about OTC medicine labels, accesswww.fda.gov. Search for “over-the-counter medicine label.”

Use OTC Medicines Wisely

* Ask your doctor or health care provider what OTC products are safe for you to use and what you should take for pain and fever.

* To prevent harmful side effects and interactions, review all of the OTC medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies that you take with your doctor.

* Do not take OTC medicines on a regular basis unless your doctor tells you to.

* Read the package labels. Heed the warnings listed. If you are unsure whether or not an OTC medication will help or harm you, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Store medicines in a dry place and out of children’s reach. Do not call medicine “candy.”

* Before you take a medicine, check the expiration date. Discard expired medicines. Crush pills. Dissolve them in water. Mix this with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put it in the garbage in a sealed bag.

* If you have an allergy to a medicine, check the list of ingredients on OTC medicine labels. Find out if what you are allergic to is in them. Some labels will warn persons with certain allergies to avoid taking that medicine.

* Do not take any OTC product if you are pregnant or nursing a baby unless your doctor or health care provider says it is okay.

* Before taking herbal remedies and supplements, check with your doctor.

Resources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

www.fda.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Suicidal Thoughts 2

Mental Health

Signs & Symptoms

* Writing a suicide note.

* Suicidal threats, gestures, or attempts.

* Thoughts of suicide that don’t go away or occur often.

Causes

* Depression.

* Bipolar disorder.

* Schizophrenia.

* Grief. Loss of a loved one.

* A side effect of some medicines. One is isotretinoin. This is prescribed for severe acne. Some antidepressants have this effect, too. This is more of a risk in the first days to the first month they are taken.

* A family history of suicide or depression.

* Money and relationship problems.

* Increasing use of alcohol and/or drugs.

* Withdrawing from others.

* Showing rage or seeking revenge.

* Behaving recklessly.

* Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or in unbearable pain.

Treatment

* Emergency care.

* Treating the mental and/or physical problems that lead to thoughts and attempts of suicide. Examples are bipolar disorder and depression.

* Counseling.

* Talking with family and friends often.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Suicidal Thoughts

* Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.

* Let someone know. Talk to your doctor, a trusted family member, friend, or teacher. If it is hard for you to talk to someone, write your thoughts down. Let someone else read them.

To Help Prevent a Suicide

* Keep firearms, drugs, etc., away from persons at risk.

* Take courses that teach problem solving, coping skills, and suicide awareness.

* If you think the person is serious about suicide, get help. Watch and protect him or her until you get help. Keep the person talking. Ask questions such as, “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?”

* Urge the person to call for help (e.g., his or her health care provider, a suicide prevention hotline, EMS, etc.) Make the call yourself if the person can’t or won’t.

* Express concern. The person needs to know that someone cares. Most suicidal persons feel alone. Tell the person how much he or she means to you and others. Talk about reasons to stay alive. Don’t judge. The person needs someone to listen, not preach moral values.

* Tell the person that depression and thinking about suicide can be treated. Urge him or her to get professional care. Offer help in seeking care.

Resources

Mental Health America (MHA)

800.969.6642

mentalhealthamerica.net

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800.273.TALK (273.8255)

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stress At The College Level

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

The American College Health Association says that 30 percent of college students feel that stress hurts their academic success. Difficult classes, important exams, internships and jobs, and social events are just a few of the issues that can cause stress for young adults. Georgetown University offers these tips for stressed out students:

* Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other substances. They harm the body and make you feel worse in the long-term.

* Rely on your friends for support or take advantage of counseling services on campus.

* Minimize caffeine intake and make sleep a priority. Most college students need eight hours or more per night. Stick to a regular sleep schedule.

* Write in a journal.

* Find time for fun activities, such as exercise classes or campus events.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Abdominal Pain

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

The abdomen is the body region between the lower ribs and the pelvis. Many vital organs make up this body region.

Signs & Symptoms

The type of pain, its location, and other symptoms that come with it point to the cause.

* Mild to severe pain. It can feel dull or sharp.

* Acute (sudden) pain.

* Chronic pain. This is constant pain or pain that recurs over time.

Causes

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of a problem that affects any of the organs. Causes of abdominal pain include:

* Artery diseases, such as a blocked artery or an aneurysm.

* Celiac disease.

* Constipation.

* Crohn’s disease.

* Food poisoning.

* Gallstones.

* Heartburn. Indigestion.

* Infections, such as ones in the digestive tract and urinary tract.

* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

* Kidney stones.

* Menstrual cramps or ovarian cysts in females.

* Reflux.

* Stomach ulcers.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. The key is knowing when it’s just a minor problem like a mild stomach ache or when it’s something worse. Pain that persists can be a sign of a medical condition or illness. Very severe abdominal pain usually needs immediate medical care.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Find a comfortable position. Relax.

* Take an over-the-counter pain medicine as directed on the label.

* Apply a heating pad set on low (adults only).

* Don’t wear clothes that fit tight.

* Don’t exercise too hard.

* Use a hot water bottle on the area that aches.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic problem that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other symptoms are fever, fatigue, and, at times, rectal bleeding or drainage. Symptoms occur when the disease flares up. This is followed by periods when symptoms go away or lessen.

With Crohn’s disease, any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, can be inflamed. Usually, the colon and the last part of the small intestine, the ileum, are affected.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease includes medicines, nutrition supplements, and surgery.

Resources

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

www.ccfa.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Acne

Skin Conditions

Acne is a common skin condition. It occurs most often in teenagers and young adults, but can persist into adulthood.

Signs & Symptoms

* Whiteheads and/or blackheads.

* Red and painful pimples.

* Deeper lumps (cysts or nodules).

How acne forms.

Causes

Foods and beverages, such as chocolate, nuts, greasy foods, and cola do not cause acne. If you find that eating certain foods make your acne worse, avoid them.

Acne results when oil ducts below the skin get clogged. Factors that help cause acne include:

* Hormone changes during adolescence, before a female’s menstrual period, or during pregnancy.

* Rich moisturizing lotions. Oily makeup.

* Emotional stress.

* Nutritional supplements that have iodine.

* Medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids.

* Illegal (anabolic) steroids. These are used for muscle-building.

Treatment

Mild acne can be treated with Self-Care / Prevention. When this is not enough, a doctor may prescribe one or more of these 1 medications:

* A topical cream, gel, or liquid with retinoic acid (Retin-A). {Note: Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

* A topical cream, lotion, or wipe with an antibiotic, such as clindamycin.

* A topical gel with dapsone. A brand name is AczoneTM Gel 5%.

* An antibiotic pill, such as minocycline or tetracycline. {Note: These medicines can make birth control pills less effective and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

* For some females, a certain birth control pill.

* Isotretinoin. Brand names are Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis. This medicine is usually prescribed for severe acne. {Note: This medicine can have serious side effects. These include bone and fracture problems, severe birth defects, depression, psychosis, aggressive and/or violent behaviors, and suicide.}

Treatments Other Than Medications

* Chemical peels.

* Laser treatments.

* Surgery for acne scarring.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your skin, where the acne appears, twice a day. Use a mild soap, such as Neutrogena. Use a clean washcloth every time. Work the soap into your skin gently for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse well. Don’t scrub.

* Don’t squeeze, scratch, or poke at pimples. They can get infected and leave scars.

* Wash after you exercise or sweat.

* Use an over-the- counter lotion or cream that has benzoyl peroxide. (Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Try a little on your arm first to make sure it doesn’t hurt your skin.) Follow the directions as listed.

* Use only oil-free and water-based makeups. Don’t use greasy or oil-based creams, lotions, or makeups.

* For males, wrap a warm towel around your face before you shave. Shave along the natural grain of the beard.

* Don’t spend too much time in the sun especially if you take antibiotics for acne. Don’t use sun lamps.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

www.niams.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Alcohol & Alcohol Safety

Student Health

Before drinking, think about its possible consequences (e.g., academic and health problems, unsafe sex, assault, injury, and even death). These consequences affect the person who drinks as well as other students (whether they choose to drink or not) and the community as a whole.

Alcohol Poisoning

Call 9-1-1 for one or more of the following signs of alcohol poisoning or combining alcohol and other drugs, such as sedatives or tranquilizers. Act quickly. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.

* Unconsciousness. This means the person is hard to rouse and can’t be made aware of his or her surroundings. This can be brief, such as with fainting or blacking out. It can put a person into a coma.

* No breathing or slow and shallow breathing. This means 10 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths.

* Slow pulse rate (40 or fewer beats per minute).

* Skin that is cold, clammy, and/or pale or blue in color.

{Note: Before emergency care arrives, place the person on his or her side with the knees bent, to prevent choking if he or she vomits. Loosen the person’s clothing around the neck and check the mouth and back of the throat to see that nothing obstructs the person’s breathing. Stay with the person.}

Alcohol Poisoning

* Choose substance-free housing, if available and desired.

* Be aware and think about the risks and consequences of drinking, including getting arrested, getting sick, contracting an STI, etc. One incident of alcohol use could cause you to do something you will regret for the rest of your life. Alcohol plays a part in most sexual assaults.

* Mixing drinking with driving, drugs, or operating machines can be fatal. Designate a sober driver.

* Not everyone drinks. Be with people who drink non-alcoholic beverages or ones that look like “drinks,” such as non-alcoholic beer in a glass.

* It is better to get medical help for a person who needs it instead of worrying about getting a friend in trouble.

* Drink alcohol only if you want to, and if you do:

– Know your limit and stick to it or don’t drink any alcohol.

– Drink slowly. You are apt to drink less. Have one drink during a party. Take fake sips, if necessary. In reality, anything over two drinks does not increase the feeling of pleasure. Drinking too much leads to being unable to enjoy yourself.

– Eat when you drink. Food helps to slow alcohol absorption.

– Alternate an alcoholic beverage with a non-alcoholic one. Use non-alcohol or reduced alcohol beverages. Dilute distilled beverages. Use more and more mixer and less and less alcohol. After two drinks, your taste buds are dulled and you won’t be able to notice much difference.

– Avoid drinking contests and games.

Resources

Emergency Medical Service (Call 9-1-1) if you suspect alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose

Your school’s Student Health Service, Student Counseling Service, or Alcohol and other Drug Program

Al-Anon/Alateen World Service Office

888.4AL.ANON (425.2666)

www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services

www.aa.org

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) National Drug Treatment Referral Routing Service

800.662.HELP (4357)

www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

818.773.9999

www.na.org

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA)

www.niaaa.nih.gov

www.thecoolspot.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Colds & Flu

Children’s Health

Colds and flu are infections of the nose and throat. Both are caused by viruses.

It can be hard to tell if your child has a cold or the flu. Why? They both have the same type of symptoms. But symptoms for the flu are worse than ones for a cold. Flu symptoms come on fast. Ones for a cold come on slower.

Signs & Symptoms

Prevention

Antibiotics do not treat colds and flu. Most colds clear up in about a week. Sometimes, a cold lasts up to 2 weeks.

Fever and most flu symptoms usually go away after 5 days, but coughing and feeling weak can last up to 2 weeks.

To Help Prevent Colds and Flu

* Take your child for a yearly flu vaccine as advised.

* Don’t smoke or let your child smoke.

* Keep your child away from persons who have the flu or a cold.

* See that your child eats and sleeps well and gets lots of exercise.

Tell your child to do these things:

* Wash your hands often. Keep them away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.

* Cover your nose when you sneeze. Use a handkerchief or tissues when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. This helps prevent passing germs to others.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

Have your child do these things:

* Rest.

* Drink lots of liquids. They help clear out the respiratory tract. This can help prevent other problems, like bronchitis.

* Eat chicken soup. It helps clear out mucus.

If your child’s throat is sore, have him or her do these things:

* Gargle every few hours with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water, if able to. (A child can usually do this starting at age 6.)

* Suck on a piece of hard candy or cough drop once in a while. (Don’t give these to children under 5 years old.)

Things you can do:

* Try to clear your child’s nose. This is very important in babies under 6 months old, because some can’t breathe through their mouths yet. Also, they can’t breast or bottle-feed if they can’t breathe through the nose. To clear your child’s nose:

– Use an over-the-counter spray or drops for the nose made of salt and water. An example is Ocean® brand. Follow the label’s advice or that of your child’s doctor.

– For a baby who can’t blow his or her nose, leave the salt drops in for 1 minute. Then use a soft rubber suction bulb to draw out the mucus. Lie the baby on his or her back. Aim the bulb straight down, not at an angle! (You can get a suction bulb at the drug store.) Or use a cotton swab to wipe the mucus out. Don’t put the suction bulb or cotton swab too far into the nose. You could cause a nosebleed.

– For a child who can blow his or her own nose, have the child do it 1 minute after the salt drops are in.

* Put a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your child’s room. Use distilled (not tap) water. Clean it every day.

* For fever and muscle aches, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure you give the right kind and dose for your child’s weight. (Note: Do not give aspirin. Aspirin and other medicines that have salicylates have been linked to Reye’s Syndrome.

* Check with your child’s doctor about using over-the-counter medicines for colds and flu for children under age 2.

* Call your child’s doctor if he or she gets a fever after a cold or after the flu has gone away.

* Washing the hands often helps stop spreading the flu. Have your child wash his or her hands:

– After playing with others.

– When he or she gets home from school.

– After blowing his or her nose.

– After touching toys or other people’s things.

Signs of Reye’s Syndrome

Be on the lookout for Reye’s Syndrome after the flu or chickenpox. Reye’s Syndrome does not happen very often. But you should know about it. Look for these signs:

* Vomiting over and over again. Or vomiting that does not stop.

* Loss of pep and energy.

* Acting very, very sleepy.

* Acting very, very cranky.

* Striking out at others.

* Acting strange.

* Convulsions.

(Note: If your child shows signs of Reye’s Syndrome, get medical care fast!)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Coughs

Respiratory conditions

A cough is a reflex action. It clears the lungs and airways of irritants, mucus, a foreign body, etc.

Signs & Symptoms

There are 3 kinds of Coughs

* Productive. This cough brings up mucus or phlegm.

* Nonproductive. This cough is dry. It doesn’t bring up any mucus.

* Reflex. This cough is from a problem somewhere else like the ear or stomach.

Causes

* Tobacco smoke. Dry air.

* Asthma.

* An allergy or an infection.

* Acid reflux from the stomach.

* Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure.

* Something stuck in the windpipe.

* A collapsed lung.

* A growth or tumor in the bronchial tubes or lungs.

Treatment

How to treat a cough depends on what kind it is, what caused it, and other symptoms. Treat the cause and soothe the irritation. Self-care can treat most coughs. If the cause is due to a medical condition, treatment for that condition is needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Coughs that Bring Up Mucus

* Drink plenty of liquids.

* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Use a cool-mist vaporizer, especially in the bedroom. Put a humidifier on the furnace.

* Take a shower. The steam helps thin mucus.

* Use an over-the-counter expectorant medicine, as directed. This helps you spit out phlegm or mucus. Try a decongestant for postnasal drip.

For Coughs that Are Dry

* Drink lots of liquids. Hot drinks like tea with lemon and honey soothe the throat.

* Suck on cough drops or hard candy. (Don’t give these to children under age 5.)

* Take an over-the-counter cough medicine that has dextromethorphan.

* Make your own cough medicine. Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey. (Don’t give this to children less than 1 year old.)

Other Tips

* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid chemical gases that can hurt your lungs.

* Don’t give children under age 5 small objects that can easily get caught in the throat or windpipe. Examples are buttons, balloons, peanuts, and popcorn. Even adults should be careful to chew and swallow foods slowly so they don’t “go down the wrong way.”

* If you cough and have heartburn symptoms when you lie down, try a liquid antacid. Don’t lie down for 2 to 3 hours after you eat.

Resources

American Lung Association

800.LUNG.USA (586.4872)

www.lungusa.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fever

General Health Conditions

The average normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C).

Signs & Symptoms

A fever means that body temperature is higher than:

* 99°F (37.2°C) under the arm.

* 99.5°F (37.5°C) by mouth or ear.

* 100.4°F (38°C) by rectum. Rectal temperatures are advised for infants.

Don’t use a glass mercury thermometer. If it breaks, droplets of toxic mercury can be released. If this happens, don’t use a vacuum or broom to clean up the mercury. Call your local health or fire department to find out what to do.

Causes

Fever is usually a sign of another problem, such as an infection.

Body temperature changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors can increase body temperature. These include:

* Wearing too much clothing.

* Exercise.

* Hot, humid weather.

* Taking a temperature by mouth after drinking a hot liquid, like tea.

Treatment

Treatment includes self-care measures and treating the cause.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink lots of fluids, such as fruit juice, water, etc.

* Take a sponge bath with warm (about 70ºF) water. Don’t use cold or cool water. Don’t use rubbing alcohol.

* Take the right dose of an over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever, as directed.

* Rest.

* Don’t do heavy exercise.

* Don’t wear too many clothes. Don’t use too many blankets.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026