Is raisin bran a good source of iron?

I was recently turned away from a blood donation site for slightly low hemoglobin. I'm a menstruating woman and a vegetarian, so it wasn't a big shock. I'm trying to add more iron to my diet in the form of beans and cruciferous veggies and eggs (cooked on cast iron!), but I've run into some confusion. The pamphlet I got from the blood bank suggests raisin bran as a very good source of iron. Several health articles and studies I've found online also point to raisin bran, but others say that wheat bran inhibits iron absorption and should be avoided when trying to raise iron levels. Sometimes the conflicting information comes from the same source! Can you shed any light on this, Alice? Would a bowl of raisin bran a day help or hurt my iron intake?


What should I do to avoid getting an erection during a massage?

I'm a thirty-something man who has a happy but often stressful life. I'd like to get a massage every now and then, but I'm worried about what might happen when I'm virtually naked and being rubbed all over by another person. In other words, I'm worried about getting an erection during a massage. It seems like there would be no way to hide it.

How do I deal with this? How do masseuses deal with this when it happens? Do they expect their male clients to get aroused? Would they think I'm perverted when I'm lying on the table and standing at attention?


Abortion

What is an abortion?

Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy. This can be done through two different methods: medication abortion or an in-clinic abortion. The different types of abortion may be used in varying circumstances, such as how long it has been since the pregnant person's last menstrual cycle, their health history, their preferences, and what services are available in their area.

View Resource What is an abortion?
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Mpox

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox (variola virus); therefore, the viruses are closely related.

View Resource Mpox
Talking to doctors

How do I get an abortion?

Due to the changing legal landscape in the United States, access to abortion can vary by state. Various resources can be utilized in order to find an abortion provider and to learn about what services are available in your state. Different funds also exist to help people who need these services pay for the costs associated with it.

View Resource How do I get an abortion?
Person sneezing

Flu Facts

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a virus that has many strains and appears in the respiratory system. It can infect and cause symptoms in the throat, nose, and, in some cases, the lungs. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some rare cases, cause death. Most people recover from the illness in a few days; however, some symptoms may last up to two weeks. How strong your symptoms are is dependent on which flu strain you’re infected with, your vaccination status, pre-existing health conditions, and your age.

View Resource Flu Facts
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Abortion Safety and Privacy

In an increasingly digital world, there are more records of what type of information people are searching for and where they are searching for it. It's possible that this type of data can be used to prosecute those who are seeking an abortion or helping someone else seek an abortion.

View Resource Abortion Safety and Privacy

Is there a connection between soy products and male impotence?

I once read an article stating the soy products (espcially soy milk) can lead to impotence within males if taken to a high degree. I go through random bouts in my life where I cut out cow milk completely and drink just soy milk for long periods of time (not because I'm lactose intolerant but for argued health benefits). I'm just wondering whether drinking strictly soy milk every day (at least 3 10-oz. glasses for me) is overkill.


Student Resource

50 Haven Athletic Center (CUIMC)

The 50 Haven Athletic Center at the Medical Center campus is a facility open to members of the uptown campus community looking to be active. The center currently makes cardiovascular (cardio) training and strength training equipment available for members' use. There is also an accessible pool and sauna available.