By MICHELLE KELLER

DESK EDITOR

Alcohol use and abuse

If you suspect that you or a friend may have a problem with alcohol, there are many resources you can turn to for help. Resident assistants,undergo training to aid their residents dealing with alcohol-related issues and can point you in the right direction. If you would like professional counseling, Drug Educator Ralph Castro offers assessment sessions. Contact him at (650) 723-3429 or at rjcastro@stanford.edu.

Breakfast:

Fuel for your brain

Many students skip breakfast, rolling out of bed at the last possible minute before they have to bike to class. But missing out on this first meal will set you up for low blood sugar, making it more difficult to concentrate in class. If you are pressed for time, keep a stock of single-serving yogurt cups in your fridge and shove one in your bag before you hit the road. Pair it with a piece of fruit and you are set to go.

CPR training and first aid classes

Many students, faculty and staff on campus choose to undergo CPR training to prepare for unexpected health emergencies. The Vaden Student Health Center offers a series of courses for groups — open to student or faculty organizations and dorms — for those who would like to receive CPR certification or learn first-aid basics. The four-hour adult CPR training class costs $20 per student per class. Check out http://vaden.stanford.edu for more information on that and other courses.

Don’t avoid the dentist

Perhaps it was the candy-binge during a late-night chat session or a result of too many sugary Krispy Kremes — whatever the reason for your cavity, deal with it pronto before it gets serious. Vaden keeps a list of local dentists on hand that offer student discounts. You can pick up a dental resource packet on the first floor of the health center.

Eating disorders and disordered eating

It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of college-age women suffer from an eating disorder. If you find yourself preoccupied with body image, food or exercise, or just want some sound nutrition advice, schedule an appointment with Stanford’s on-site nutritionist at Vaden, Vivian Crisman. You can reach her at (650) 723-1999 or at vcrisman@stanford.edu.

Feeling under the weather?

When you are feeling blue, there are a variety of support structures to help you see the silver lining in those gray clouds. Drop by the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Vaden for a free counseling session (all registered students get free short-term counseling) or head over to The Bridge — a student-run counseling service — on Salvatierra Walk (near the bike shop) for some peer help from 9 a.m. to midnight. If you are in need of counseling during off-hours, call the Bridge hotline, available 24 hours a day, at (650) 723-3392.

Gynecological exam — Yep, every year

Women who over 18 or who are sexually active are advised to make an annual visit to the gynecologist. Discuss birth control options, take your Pap smear and get all of your pressing questions answered at your yearly appointment. If you choose to see the doctor at Vaden, download their medical history form from the Web site at http://vaden.stanford.edu/medical_services/ms_womenhealth.html.

HIV / AIDS testing on campus

Free, anonymous HIV testing and follow-up counseling is available to all Stanford students. Every person goes to two appointments: one for the test and the second for the result consultation — both with the same counselor. Results are kept confidential. To schedule an appointment, call (650) 498-2336, ext. 1.

Immunizations and illness prevention

According to the American College Health Association studies have shown that people living in high-density residences (such as dorms) are six times more likely to get sick than those living off-campus. No surprises there, so make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. Freshmen are particularly vulnerable to bacterial meningitis, and many experts recommend a vaccination against this potentially life-threatening disease.

Just not feeling well...

If you feel sick or have a health concern and would like to see a doctor or a nurse, you can make an appointment at Vaden’s Medical Services. Vaden is a fully-stocked clinic that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. The facility is not open on weekends, but appointments are available all throughout the week. While you can drop in without an appointment, unless you enjoy waiting, appointments are highly recommended. Call Vaden to schedule yours at (650) 498-2336, ext. 1.

Keeping the nights safe

Looking for a safe ride home during the late night hours? Student-run 5-SURE is available from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night to drive you home safely in a golf cart when you don’t feel comfortable walking around alone. Give 5-SURE a cal,l (650) 725-SURE from a cell phone, inform them of your location and your destination, and wait for a second phone call that will let you when your ride has arrived.

Let’s get it Started in Here . . .

The Sexual Health Peer Resource Center, SHRPC, on the second floor of Vaden, gives out 12 condoms to every student each quarter and offers an assortment of other goodies for purchase. Students who have undergone a rigorous training class are available to answer your most difficult sex-related questions (except how to get some — that’s a task for Roxy Sass). The center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

Medicate me

You don’t need to go to downtown Palo Alto to fill your prescriptions: Vaden’s pharmacy can supply what you need, often at lower prices. The campus pharmacy even takes out-of-area prescriptions.

Nutritious bites on and

off campus

Looking for a change from Stern or FloMo dining, but want to keep it healthy? There are several healthy eating options on the Farm. For a quick snack, Jamba Juice offers smoothies and fruit juices. Other campus eateries such as Olives and Bytes offer fresh options for those days when you miss the dining hall open hours. Popular off-campus spots that won’t bust your wallet or boost your cholesterol levels include Pluto’s on University Ave. or Mediterranean Wraps on California Ave.

Oh #$%@! My roommate passed out!

You come home from a party and your roommate is as sick as a dog from the world’s longest game of Beirut. First, check if he or she is conscious. If not, call 9-11 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) immediately and then inform your RA. If he or she is fully conscious and hurling away, make sure that he or she is laying on the side to prevent the inhalation of vomit.

Peer Health Educators: Your health gurus

Turn to your Peer Health Educator when you’re in need of some quick health advice. These students have taken a Vaden-sponsored class and are knowledgeable about a wide range of health topics. If you are interested in becoming a PHE, you must attend an informational session in January.

Quakes: Yes, you’re in California

Many East Coast students tremble at the thought of a quake. Understandable, given that the Golden State has a history of big quakes. If you feel the ground shaking, move away from windows, bookcases and any items that are likely to fall. Stand under a dorm frame or duck under a sturdy desk, holding on until the shaking stops, then walk to an outside location.

Read up on your health

Vaden has an extensive health library on the second floor near the Health Promotion desk with books about anything and everything you needed to know about your health. Comfy couches in front of the book collection make for cozy and educational reading.

Sexual assault assistance

If you believe you have been a victim of sexual assault, Stanford has its Campus Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team that can provide various forms of assistance, from medical and psychological to legal and academic. If something happens, don’t wait: Call (650) 725-9955. The Coalition Against Sexual Assault offers outreach educational programs to prevent sexual assault. If you would like your dorm to feature one of their programs, contact Kate Bedford at Vaden at (650) 725-3190 or at health@stanford.edu.

Traveling soon?

Stop by the Vaden Travel Clinic, where you can get a full briefing on health issues you are likely to encounter in the countries you are visiting. The clinic also offers immunizations and medications that you may need while traveling. Each appointment is $30 for registered students. Call (650) 498-2336, ext. 1, for an appointment.

Undergraduate health care

All undergrads are automatically subscribed to Stanford’s health insurance plan, Cardinal Care, for $516 each quarter. If you receive health insurance from another source, you can waive the insurance on Axess. For more information, visit the Web site at http://CardinalCare.stanford.edu.

Volunteer to keep Stanford healthy

There are many ways students can volunteer in keeping the Stanford community in tip-top shape. Students can volunteer or work in different positions — as PHEs, staff members at the SHPRC, with the Bridge, to name a few. Some volunteers have created health awareness campaigns, working with Health Promotion Services at Vaden. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Staff Specialist Kate Bedford, health@stanford.edu.

Working out on the Farm

There are endless ways to get moving at Stanford: Swim in the Avery Aquatic Center’s olympic-size pool, play tennis in the Taube Tennis Stadium or pump some iron at Tresidder Fitness Center or in the Arillaga Family Sports Center weight room. Check out http://www.stanford.edu/dept/pe/recsched.html for the recreation hours of all of the fitness facilities on campus or join one of the dozens of physical education classes offered through the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.

X-rays and broken limbs

If you think you may have broken or sprained a wrist or ankle playing basketball or any other sport, get yourself over to the emergency room at the Hospital for x-rays. If you think the injury is serious, don’t attempt to move — just have a friend call 911 (or 9-911 on a campus phone).

Yoga on the Farm

The Athletics Department offers yoga classes nearly every day for beginners and intermediate students — check the time schedule on http://axess.stanford.edu to find a class that fits your schedule. If you need a yoga mat (which can also be used for Pilates classes), you can pick one up at Roble Gym.

Zzz’s — You need ’em!

According to surveys by William Dement, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, a full 80 percent of undergrads suffer from sleep deprivation. Stanford will offer you plenty of opportunities to stay awake 24 hours a day, but if you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be low on energy and may find your academic or athletic activities suffer. If you need help with time management, schedule an appointment at the Undergraduate Advising Center — and make some time to get your precious shut-eye.