The Legacy Library is currently conducting a survey of its users. The survey requests that users rank different areas of library service in terms of both the importance of that service to them and how well the library provides that service. Responses to the survey will be received through Tuesday, Nov. 24.

A random sampling of students, faculty, and staff is being surveyed. So to get the most useful results from the study, it is important that all library users contacted through the survey respond.

Some have asked about the need to log in to the survey. This is necessary for several reasons: it allows the identification of duplicate survey submissions and it allows us to enter respondents in the drawings for restaurant gift certificates.

Thanks for assisting the library in improving its services.

What is H1N1?
The H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus causing illness in people, first detected in April 2009.

When and how will 2009 H1N1 vaccine be available?
Both the H1N1 flu shot (in the arm) and the nasal spray have been produced by the Food and Drug Administration and both are now being shipped to all States. The availability of the spray or the shot will be determined by the demand of each State and the requests of the county and city health departments. Marietta College has been working with the Student Health Center (which is run by Marietta Memorial Hospital) to obtain vaccine for the Marietta College community. The College will announce when the H1N1 vaccine will be available on campus. Health care officials have warned us that there may not be enough H1N1 vaccine available for all members of the College community. The first priority on campus will be to the young adult population (18-24).

Is the Vaccine safe?
The H1N1 vaccine was made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make the seasonal influenza vaccines. A vaccine stimulates your immune response to prevent infection. All clinical trials have indicated that this vaccine is safe. If you are allergic to the seasonal vaccine than you would not take the H1N1 vaccine and you should refer to your health care provider to help you determine if you are allergic to the seasonal vaccine. Just as with the seasonal vaccine there will be soreness of your arm following the injection.

How many shots will I need?
All individuals that are 10 years of age or older will need one shot for the H1N1 vaccine. Children from 6 months to 9 years of age will currently need two shots with at least 21 days between vaccinations.

Who will receive the vaccine first?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain priority groups receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

Current vaccine priority groups from the CDC are:
Health care and emergency medical services personnel because infections among health care workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism among health care professionals could reduce health care system capacity.

Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.

Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because infants younger than 6 months are at higher risk of influenza‐related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old will lessen the chances they will pass H1N1 on to the infants.

Children 6 months through 18 years of age because there have been many cases of pandemic H1N1 flu in children and they are in close contact with one another in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.

Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because there have been many cases of pandemic H1N1 flu in these healthy young adults and they often live, work and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.

Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Once enough pandemic H1N1 vaccine becomes available, others will be able to receive vaccine.

What do I do before the H1N1 vaccine is available?
Although getting vaccinated is the best way to protect oneself, there are other everyday actions one can take to improve their chances of staying healthy this flu season. Health officials recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against a potential influenza pandemic as they would from colds and seasonal flu. Make good respiratory etiquette a habit.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay away from people who are sick as much as you can.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

What about social and workplace interactions?
An influenza pandemic could disrupt our everyday lives. Proper hygiene can reduce the risk of spreading germs during your work day.

• Encourage employees to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers at their desks.
• Regularly check restrooms to ensure soap and paper towels are available.
• Encourage employees to stay home if they are sick to reduce the spread of illness.
• Surfaces every employee touches such as doorknobs, handrails, drinking fountains and common telephones should be regularly cleaned.

Influenza is spread by coughs and sneezes and the virus can be picked up on hands and transferred. Consider greater distance between people at meetings and alternative greetings to a handshake. To prevent the spread of germs, the World Health Organization recommends the “elbow bump” instead of handshakes.

It is a good idea to have a plan. The federal government has provided planning documents and advice for many sectors of our society. For more information, visit www.odh.ohio.gov.

Experts recommend you have at least a one-week stockpile of food, water and goods purchased over time to limit financial impact and prevent store shortages.

Please visit the Marietta College H1N1 web site for signs and symptoms of H1N1.

All of the above information can be found by going to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site and look for H1N1.

Infectious Mononucleosis

What is mononucleosis and what are the symptoms?
Mononucleosis (often called "mono") is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms of mono include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Swollen glands in your neck and armpits
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats

Symptoms in young children are generally mild, while symptoms in adolescents and young adults tend to be more severe.

How do people get mono?
Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, which is why it is often called the kissing disease. However, mono can also be passed through exposure to a cough, sneeze or through sharing food utensils (such as drinking glasses, spoons and forks) with someone who has mono. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. Generally, people only get mono once. It's most common among people 15 to 35 years old.

How is mono diagnosed?
Your doctor will probably first ask you some questions about your symptoms and then may do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. One common test used to diagnose mono is called the Monospot test. Sometimes other blood tests are needed if the results of the Monospot test aren't clear.

Does mono have any complications?
Sometimes. The main complication with mono is the enlargement of the spleen. The spleen is like a large gland. It's located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side. It helps filter your blood. In severe cases of mono, the spleen can rupture (tear open).

Although a ruptured spleen is rare in people who have mono, it's wise to be aware of the signs and call your doctor right away if you notice any of them. Signs of a ruptured spleen include sharp pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (under the left chest), feeling lightheaded, feeling confused, blurred vision and fainting.

Can mono be cured?
No, there isn't a cure for mono. But the virus will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about 4 weeks.

How is mono treated?
The main goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. The following list includes tips on treatment:

• Rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids. They help prevent dehydration.
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water, or suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles).
• You may want to take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to relieve pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death.

Do I need an antibiotic?
Antibiotics are not effecting against mono. Mono is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. If you have a bacterial infection in addition to having mono (such as strep throat), your doctor may give you an antibiotic to treat that infection.

(Source: FamilyDoctor.org)

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is it?
Conjunctivitis, sometimes called “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and covering most of the exposed surface of the eyeball. The inflammation may be caused by many things, including an irritation from contact lenses or a chemical, an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary depending on what has caused the infection, but generally there is reddening and irritation, and frequently a discharge from one or both of the eyes. If the infection is bacterial in nature, the discharge is often thick and heavy. This may cause the eyelids to become crusted-over and, upon awakening, difficulty in opening the eye or eyes may be experienced. If the infection is viral in nature, the eyes appear red and the discharge is usually watery and thin. Conjunctivitis due to allergic reactions is often associated with seasonal pollen allergies. The eyes appear red and tear excessively and, itching usually occurs in both eyes.

If you are having severe pain, a more serious condition may be present. See a health care provider promptly.

How is it spread?
Contact with contaminated fingers, washcloths, towels, eye cosmetics and/or handkerchiefs can cause bacterial or viral conjunctivitis to spread from one eye to the other or from one person to another.
What should you do?

Remember:

• DO NOT spread the infection by rubbing your eyes.
  
• DO NOT share towels, washcloths, eye cosmetics, or handkerchiefs.
  
• DO NOT use a treatment prescribed for someone else or one prescribed for you at another time. (Your infection may be different and not respond to the same treatment and since the tube or bottle can be contaminated easily, re-infection can occur.)
  
• DO NOT wear eye makeup.
  
• DO NOT wear contact lenses until the infection has cleared up, and only after lenses have been thoroughly disinfected.
  
• DO expect a prompt and complete cure.
  
• DO remember to wash your hands frequently, especially before and after applying ointment to help prevent infection.
  
• DO call the Campus Health Center if you have any questions.
  
• DO use fresh, clean towels and washcloths.

As of Sept. 1, 2009, the Marietta College Police Department is no longer a Lakefront Lines Bus Terminal. All bus tickets and bus information can be obtained at 208 Front St, Marietta, at the Hearts-to-Art Galleria. The phone number will remain the same at (740)-374-6250.

Preventive Measures

Regularly wash your hands vigorously for 20 seconds with soap and water or with an alcohol base hand sanitizer.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow instead of your hands.

Do not touch your, eyes, nose mouth with yours hands.

Get the regular flu shot as well as the H1N1 shot when it becomes available.

Routinely wipe down surfaces (desks, computer key board, telephone, door handles etc.) with disinfecting wipes.

Prepare your own “Flu Kit” containing a thermometer, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, surgical mask, and fever reducing medication.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Body aches

Headaches

Chills and fatigue

Possible nausea, diarrhea and vomiting (These alone, particularly without a fever and cough, do not mean you have the flu)

Emergency Warning Signs

Difficulty breathing

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms improve but return with a fever and worse cough

Action Steps
If you have any of the flu like symptoms:

Contact the Student Health Center (740-373-0792) 24/7 and follow the instructions given. During normal hours you will be able to speak to a person and after hours get a recorded message.

Part of taking responsibility for yourself is to also self-disclose any underlying health issues (diabetes, asthma, pregnancy) that could compromise your recovery.

If diagnosed with the flu please take the following steps:

If you live within commuting distance or can go home please do so.

If you are unable to do so please confine yourself to your room until you are symptom free for 24 hours without medication.

Wear a surgical mask when you leave your room to go to the bathroom.

Develop a buddy system with a friend who will check on you daily.

Keep 6 feet apart from other individuals.

Take your temperature daily and report daily your condition to Linda See in the Student Life Office at ext. 4736 or by email.

Secure a prescription for an antiviral medication (Student Health Center can issue the prescription).

If you have any of the Emergency Warning Signs contact the Student Health Center, Student Life Office or Campus Police immediately to arrange for transportation to the hospital.

The hanging of banners on the fences on Greene Street (Don Drumm Field side and Softball Field side) is limited and must be approved through College Relations. College officials have determined that partnered town/gown events or College events open to the public can be displayed at one or both of the two approved locations up to two days before the event. The banner must be removed immediately following the conclusion of the event. Only one event will be hung at a time.

Approved locations

Don Drumm Field fence centered with the scoreboard.

Softball Field fence left of the College Gateway, centered with the Williamstown Bridge.

Guidelines
Those desiring to display a banner at these sites on Greene Street should review the guidelines for use of that space and then apply to College Relations using the Greene Street Banner Reservation Request Form. The information provided on the form must specify the following:

Dates requested

Organization sponsoring the event

Name, address, phone number, and email address of a contact person

Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations of individuals or groups may be moved to accommodate official College functions. Banner space may be reserved for two (2) consecutive days prior to an event and must be removed immediately following the event. Organizations may not use the space for more than six (6) days per semester.

Banners must be made of weather-resistant material (no paper) secured with rope or vinyl tie wrap in at least four corners. No hand-painted or hand-written signs will be permitted. Nothing may be otherwise fastened to the fence at these locations. Each group or organization is responsible for hanging up and removing the banner.

Banners identifying a particular political candidate, party, or side of a ballot issue may not be displayed at this site. This includes student, local, state, and national elections. Banners promoting alcoholic beverages may not be displayed.

Banners that do not meet the requirements of this policy or that violate state or federal law are subject to removal.

Cost
Free

(This policy will be in place during the 2009-10 academic year.)

Marietta College’s spring break runs from March 7-15. Although many students go home, work or stay on campus, others travel to destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, Gatlinburg, Tenn., or Panama City, Fla.

Such trips frequently involve the combination of large crowds and alcohol, it is particularly important for students to be aware of their own safety and the safety of their friends.

Safety tips to consider
-- Travel with a reputable travel agency. Know what kind of transportation, housing, and food and beverages are included in your travel package. If you don't know anything about the travel agency call the State Consumer Protection Division to find out if there are any complaints against the agency.

-- If you plan on drinking as part of your spring break experience, consider the following:

* Know the alcohol laws at your destination. Ask your travel agent for information on age of consumption and local laws regarding alcohol use. Some areas will ticket for open intoxicants, while others may have stiff penalties for public inebriation.

* Plan ahead on how much you plan to drink. Talk with a friend about when the friend should intervene and make a plan for how you will return to your hotel. Stay with someone who knows you when you are drinking—don't wander off alone. Make sure someone in your group is not drinking or is drinking responsibly so they can get everyone home safely.

* Don't assume that someone you've just met will look out for your best interests. Keep in mind that more people are sexually assaulted by acquaintances than by strangers.

* Only accept drinks from a licensed bartender or drinks that you pour yourself. You put yourself at risk for receiving an altered beverage if you don't know the source of the drink.

* If a friend feels sick, don't leave them alone. If you feel sick, ask someone to look out for you.

* If a member of your group passes out, turn them on their side to prevent choking and call 911 immediately.

* Don't horseplay or climb on balconies. Never sit on railings and always keep both feet on the floor at all times. Falls from balconies, even those on lower floors, can be fatal.

* Don't carry all of your credit or bank cards in your wallet or purse. Carry the minimum amount of cash that you will need, including a little backup. Traveler's checks are your best bet when on vacation. If you have extra cash, put it in the hotel safe.

* Make sure your friends and relatives know where you will be vacationing, when you will depart, and when you expect to return. Call friends or family members to let then know that you have arrived and returned safely.

* If you are robbed, don't resist—give up any money, jewelry, or other valuables. You can always replace material things. Call 911 as soon as you can.

International Travel
All travelers must show proof of identity and citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and other countries of the Caribbean by land or sea. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, trusted traveler card or enhanced driver’s license. (U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and either a copy of a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.) The U.S. Department of State’s Web site (http://travel.state.gov/) is an excellent source of information for those traveling abroad.

Traveling to Mexico
Due to a recent rise in violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, students should take extra precautions if traveling to Mexico this Spring Break. The U.S. Department of State has issued travel alerts for Mexico. Travel alerts are issued by the federal government to warn U.S. citizens during times of heightened crime and unrest in other countries. Key points include:

-- The nature of violent crimes throughout Mexico and how the Mexican government is responding.

-- Locations and situations of particular concern.

-- Precautions include registering travel plans with the U.S. State Department, keeping passport and emergency information at all times during travel, becoming familiar with international law and not traveling with expensive items or excessive amounts of cash.

-- Consulate contact information.

Beneficial Websites

Spring Break info for students
http://studentsabroad.state.gov/html-site/SpringBreak.html

Spring Break Info for students traveling to Mexico
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

Travel Warning for Mexico
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

Road Trip Advice
Students who are traveling by car are reminded that driving while tired is as dangerous as driving intoxicated. Activity breaks can help the driver stay alert. It is helpful to take turns at the wheel to prevent fatigue. If possible, stay on well traveled roads where it is easier to get assistance when needed.

Whether traveling within the states or abroad, students are urged to notify someone at home of their travel plans, and to check in daily to confirm that your trip is progressing smoothly.

Cabinet has approved a revised Budgeting and Funding Off-Campus Programs Policy.
Please take a moment to review the updated policy at:
http://www.marietta.edu/employees/programs.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact the Business Office.

Effective Monday, April 28, 2008, all Pepsi and candy/snack vending machines and all coin-operated washers and dryers will be managed by the Conference Services Department.

Campus Public Safety will no longer be responsible for vending and washer/dryer operations, except for emergency situations as discussed below.

Issues pertaining to Pepsi and candy/snack machines and coin-operated washers and dryers should be addressed as follows: