Chronic Illness - Chemical Sensitivity
Chronic Illness - Chemical Sensitivity Definition
Chronic Illness - Chemical Sensitivity Definition
A chronic illness is a disease that persists for a long time, lasting for three months or longer. Generally, chronic diseases cannot be prevented by vaccines nor cured by medication. Typically, chronic illnesses don't disappear. The cause of chronic illness is varied and certain behaviors increase the risk. Tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits can lead to a chronic illness. Common examples of chronic illnesses include: arthritis, cancer, diabetes, lupus, asthma, epilepsy, etc.
A chronic illness is a disease that persists for a long time, lasting for three months or longer. Generally, chronic diseases cannot be prevented by vaccines nor cured by medication. Typically, chronic illnesses don't disappear. The cause of chronic illness is varied and certain behaviors increase the risk. Tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits can lead to a chronic illness. Common examples of chronic illnesses include: arthritis, cancer, diabetes, lupus, asthma, epilepsy, etc.
Multiple chemical sensitivity is a chronic medical condition which is characterized by symptoms that affect a person when there is low level to high level exposure to frequently used chemicals such as pesticides, plastics, smoke, paint, and latex. The symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, inflammation, breathing issues and other physical impairments.
Multiple chemical sensitivity is a chronic medical condition which is characterized by symptoms that affect a person when there is low level to high level exposure to frequently used chemicals such as pesticides, plastics, smoke, paint, and latex. The symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, inflammation, breathing issues and other physical impairments.
Most college students will struggle with coursework at one time or another, but students with chronic illnesses have the additional burden of managing their symptoms while trying to successfully complete the requirements for their intended goal. Managing their chronic disease is a primary concern, but dealing with attendance policies has a tremendous emotional and sometimes, financial effect. For this reason, students with chronic illnesses seek disability service providers who may approve appropriate accommodations to lesson this worrisome concern.
Most college students will struggle with coursework at one time or another, but students with chronic illnesses have the additional burden of managing their symptoms while trying to successfully complete the requirements for their intended goal. Managing their chronic disease is a primary concern, but dealing with attendance policies has a tremendous emotional and sometimes, financial effect. For this reason, students with chronic illnesses seek disability service providers who may approve appropriate accommodations to lesson this worrisome concern.
At times, students with chronic conditions are forced to miss prolonged periods of school so their progress depends greatly on their health. With support of disability services and the approval of accommodations, students with chronic illnesses have a better chance of continuing with school while managing an illness. Having accommodations for a chronic illness does not allow students to have a free pass to skip requirements. Rather, accommodations can assist a student who is dealing with a chronic condition.
At times, students with chronic conditions are forced to miss prolonged periods of school so their progress depends greatly on their health. With support of disability services and the approval of accommodations, students with chronic illnesses have a better chance of continuing with school while managing an illness. Having accommodations for a chronic illness does not allow students to have a free pass to skip requirements. Rather, accommodations can assist a student who is dealing with a chronic condition.
Faculty can serve a vital role in the success of a student with a chronic illness. The following are some ways that faculty can support students who are managing chronic health concerns while attending college.
Faculty can serve a vital role in the success of a student with a chronic illness. The following are some ways that faculty can support students who are managing chronic health concerns while attending college.
Tips for talking with a student with a Chronic Illness
Tips for talking with a student with a Chronic Illness
Students with chronic conditions are the experts of their own condition. Appropriately asked questions can provide valuable information that will benefit everyone in the classroom. The following four tips should be considered when requesting feedback from a student with a chronic illness:
- Treat the student with respect, protect their confidentiality, and use appropriate language. Be aware of the words used. Similarly, watch for patronizing words or words that indicate pity or other negative emotion.
- Ensure that the student understands the limitations. Express your willingness to provide support when it's possible to do so, but explain that referrals will be made when requests cannot be implemented.
- Ask the student to describe the health effects and what makes the condition better or worse. It can be appropriate to ask how the student is managing his/her health. Remember to ask these questions only if there is rapport and a trusting relationship between you and the student. Also, do not feel offended if the student refuses to respond.
- Solicit the student's guidance on how he/she can best succeed in the class. Acknowledge your willingness to do what is possible and appropriate.
What Can Faculty Do?
What Can Faculty Do?
- Provide the Disability Services approved accommodations.
- Become familiar with the College's policies that support students with unpredictable chronic health. For example, what is the Medical Withdrawal policy and when is it appropriate? What is the department's policy regarding when and how incomplete grades are granted? If assistance is needed, faculty can always refer students to Disability Services or a counselor.
- When available, provide copies of Power Points, class notes, and other material to students who may miss class due to a medical condition.
- Consider using Blackboard and posting this type of material for all students to have access.
- Encourage the student to be a good communicator about his/her needs and attendance issues. Provide feedback and talk directly with the student if there are concerns about successfully completing the course.
- Talk privately to the student. Most students with chronic illnesses do not want to make their condition public. Confidentiality is very important.
- Although some chronic illnesses like epilepsy may result in seizures during class, most students are aware of the triggers, are often on medication that controls the condition, or will likely inform those that need to know.
- The health and safety of all students is of utmost priority. If an incident occurs concerning a student's safety, call 911. If it is not life threatening, call Health Services. There are phones located in each classroom.
- To support students with chemical sensitivity, request that students limit the use of strong perfumes and acknowledge that some in the class may have sensitivity to strong odors.
- When possible, leave a door open especially if the space is confined and crowded to help with air circulation.
- Ask the student what can you do about making the classroom an accessible, comfortable, and safe space.
- Allow students to use personal items to guard against strong odors such as face masks, personal fans, etc.
