Navigating Student Health Services: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Maintaining optimal health, both physical and mental, is crucial for students to thrive academically and personally. Universities recognize this and provide various health services tailored to meet the unique needs of their student populations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of student health services, drawing on examples from the USU (Utah State University) Student Health and Wellness Center and the David E. Cabrera University Family Health Center (UFHC), highlighting the range of services available and their importance in supporting student well-being.

USU Student Health and Wellness Center

Located at 850 E. 1200 North, the Student Health and Wellness Center at USU offers a wide array of services for students ("Aggies") and their families. Most services are free because students pay a student health fee at the start of each semester. The center is conveniently located near the Spectrum and specializes in student health needs. Appointments can be made by calling 797-1660, and students can often be seen on the same or next day. Walk-ins are also accepted. It is advisable to seek medical attention if you have a temperature over 101.5 degrees, persistent pain, inability to use a specific body part, diarrhea lasting more than a day, or any health-related questions.

Physical Health Services

The health section of the Student Health and Wellness Center encompasses several specialized areas which include:

Women’s Center: A private area specializing in contraceptive counseling and gynecological issues.
On-site Pharmacy: Convenient for filling prescriptions, especially for common student illnesses.
Medical Laboratory: Facilitates diagnostic testing and analysis.
Wellness examinations
After hours urgent care
Sexual health care
Birth control consultations
X-ray
LGBTQ+ care
Physical therapy

Mental Health and Wellness Services

The Wellness Center focuses on health education and mental well-being. The Wellness Center is also home to Sexual Assault and Anti Violence Information (SAAVI) which, according to their Web site www.usu.edu/saavi, strives to “educate Utah State about relationship violence, help students, faculty and staff impacted by relationship violence and promote healthy relationships” by providing hotlines for students who have been sexual assault and abuse victims and organizing events to raise awareness of these issues. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports student mental health development and self-reliance through short-term therapy, support groups, workshops, referrals to outside long-term resources, and self-guided resources. The most common illnesses treated at the Student Health and Wellness Center are depression and upper respiratory infections.

David E. Cabrera University Family Health Center (UFHC)

The David E. Cabrera University Family Health Center (UFHC) is a Tricare Prime clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive personal and family-centered care to active duty students, faculty, their families and other DoD beneficiaries assigned to USU. The UFHC is staffed and operated primarily by the Department of Family Medicine with board-certified family physicians and is supported by a professional staff nurse, medical technicians, and administrative support staff. The medical experts at the clinic can manage the majority of your health care.

Read also: Comprehensive Health Overview

Transition to MHS GENESIS

The University Family Health Center along with the rest of the Military Health Clinics in the National Capital Region has transitioned their Electronic Medical Record to the Genesis platform starting 3/25/2023. Please be patient with us as we master the new system. Please click here to access the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. You can use the portal to view lab results, radiology results, and immunizations.

Pharmacy Information

WRNMMC pharmacies are only processing NEW prescriptions. You can activate new prescriptions by texting Q anywhere. Prescription refills are only processed through the NEX pharmacy and the drive through pharmacy window located at building 85T (The trailer is near gate 1 entrance).

Location and Parking Instructions

Pregnant or Expecting? Enter Gate 1 (Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Ave) on Wood Road, shortly after entering the gate veer right to continue on N Wood Rd. Proceed until the second stop sign by gate 2/ WR ER/ Turn left at the stop sign onto Palmer Road and continue straight past the ER. Stay on Palmer Road through the next 3 stop signs, after the third stop sign you will pass the university on the left. At the next stop sign turn left and drive down into the University garage using University Road. When you enter the USU parking garage, proceed past the first stop sign. Assigned clinic patient parking will be on your left, across from the security office, marked with blue signs. If there is no parking available you are welcome to park in any unmarked parking spots within the garage.

Additional Health and Wellness Resources

Beyond specific centers, universities often provide a range of resources and programs to promote student health. These may include:

Wellness and Preventative Medicine

Health Education: Many universities offer health education programs covering topics such as nutrition, stress management, sleep hygiene, and sexual health. Understanding Medicare: Navigating your healthcare optionsMedicare can be complex with countless rules, coverage options, and enrollment deadlines. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why Intermountain Health created a comprehensive guide to help you make sense of it all.
Mental Health Support: In addition to counseling services, universities may offer workshops, support groups, and online resources to address mental health concerns. How is your child's mental health?It doesn’t matter if your child is six or sixteen, when they’re struggling, they need help. Unless you know what to look for and what to expect, you won’t be able to help your child get the help they need.Help For Seniors With Mental Health and Substance Abuse IssuesAs American baby boomers get older, their need for mental health services is booming. One in five American seniors has a mental health or substance abuse problem, according to a 2012 report by the Institute of Medicine -- and that number will only grow as baby boomers get older.
Physical Activity Programs: Universities often have fitness centers, intramural sports, and recreational activities to encourage physical activity. Benefits of Physical ActivityWe know, we know. New Year, new resolutions. Want to know the number one resolution of individuals at this time? Get more active, lose weight, and exercise more (or some combination thereof). But why? Why do we bother?Be active: Prevent heart diseaseBeing physically active is an important component to preventing heart disease, the nation's No. 1 killer. To improve overall cardiovascular health, we suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
Health Guides: Universities offer health guides on topics like RSV, constipation, and croup. Baby Your Baby - All About RSVIf you have a newborn or a young child, you may have heard a lot about RSV. In this article, we answer some common questions you may have about this illness.Baby Your Baby - Preventing Pediatric ConstipationDiscussion of dietary and bowel habits is an important part of routine health supervision visits for infants and children of all ages. This is because inadequate fluid and/or fiber intake can lead to constipation, a common childhood concern. Baby Your Baby - All About CroupIf you have a newborn or a young child, you may have heard a lot about croup. In this article, we answer some common questions you may have about this illness.
Guides for Parents: Guides for parents are also available on topics such as getting kids back into a sleep routine, childhood illnesses, and handling failure. Back to School Guide in 5 StepsParents everywhere are rejoicing and kids are shedding tears. Why? Because it's August and for some school starts in just a few days. Here are 5 ways to get kids back into the swing of sleep routine, reducing school stress, and dealing with back to school emotions.Back-to-School and Childhood IllnessesEvery parent has been there. Your child wakes up at 2 am and they’re sick with … something. It’s two weeks into a new school year, so you’re sure it’s something they picked up6 Tips to Help Children Handle FailureMuch like adults kids have pressures in life that come from a variety of sources. Pressures can come from within the child, parents, teachers, peers and the larger society in which the child lives. Here are a few ways to help children find successful ways to handle life's pressures.
Senior Health: Resources focused on aging gracefully are also available. Aging Gracefully: Senior HealthAging, it has been said, isn’t for the weak. While there is no way to turn back the hands of time, there are some things that you can do that can improve your life and increase the fulfillment and joy you find in your golden years.
Age-Appropriate Chores: Information on age-appropriate chores for kids. Age-Appropriate Chores For KidsYou could use some help around the house. Between work, and keeping track of your kids, you just aren’t making it through all of your household chores. You think your child is old enough to help out with chores, but you aren’t sure
Affordable Exercise: Information on affordable exercise at home. Affordable Exercise at HomeThere are multiple ways to exercise without spending money and most of these can be done in the convenience of your own home.
Team-Based Approach to Mental Health: Universities may have a team-based approach to mental health. A Team-Based Approach to Mental Health Integration in Primary CareLong before patient-centered medical homes or accountable care organizations were buzzwords, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare was looking at all of the points of care that could improve the health of patients in its system. It did not take long to identify mental health as a problem.
Preventative Maintenance for Men: Resources targeted towards men's health. A Man's Guide to Preventive MaintenanceMen are great at assuring their car gets the required maintenance to keep it running smoothly. But they aren't great about taking charge of their own health to keep the engine running. Here are five ways men can maintain their health with good preventive care.
Burning Extra Calories: Tips on how to burn extra calories. A NEAT Way to Burn Extra CaloriesIt is possible to increase metabolism - and you don’t need to buy a thing. It’s possible through being “N.E.A.T.,” or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.
Guide to Fevers: Information on fevers in kids. A Guide to Fevers in KidsFevers occur when the body’s internal thermostat raises the body temperature above its normal level. There are different causes of fevers, but there are a few ways to know if they should be considered serious.
Exercise Statistics: Information on the percentage of Americans that get enough exercise. 80% of Americans Don't Get Enough Exercise. Do you?It’s January and everybody is going to the gym. I applaud and encourage everyone who is making a commitment to be more active as their New Year’s resolution, but before you take on a P90X or Insanity workout, let’s talk a little about what you need to know so you can be healthy and successful.
Drinks to Help you Sleep: Tips on drinks that help you sleep. 10 Drinks to Help You Sleep at NightIf you struggle to find peace at night, here are just 10 of the drinks you can make at home to help improve your sleep
Parenting Tips: Tips for happy parenting. 9 Things Happy Parents Do To Raise Happy ChildrenChildren have a way of pushing their parents to the limit of their patience - and beyond, which leaves both parent and child frustrated. The good news is, when it comes to children, a little preparation can help.
Kindness Benefits: Information on the benefits of kindness. 7 Ways Kindness Improves Your HealthRecent studies have shown the health benefits of both practicing and witnessing acts of kindness. The positive health benefits of showing compassion and concern are both physical and mental.
Exercise Buddy: Tips for exercising with a buddy. 7 Reasons Why Exercise is Better with a BuddyWorking out is difficult, but adding a friend into the mix improves the likelihood of sticking with it. Check out these seven reasons for getting a friend involved in your regular exercise routine.
Calorie Burning Workouts: Types of workouts that burn the most calories. 6 Workouts that Burn Major CaloriesThe ice and snow provides an outdoor gym that can help your workouts. There is a heart healthy benefit as you raise your cardio level and build muscle strength as well. But just being cold could also be beneficial.
Swimming Benefits: The benefits of swimming. 6 Reasons You Should Swim for Your Next WorkoutSwimming is one of the best workouts you can do to get healthy. Whether you’re looking for a workout that’ll be easy on your joints, strengthen your heart, or help you lose weight, swimming is the answer.
Antioxidants: Information on antioxidants. 5 Great Antioxidants You May Not Know AboutYou may be surprised to hear your dietitian tell you to eat more herbs and spices, but the truth is many common herbs are often overlooked as rich sources of antioxidants. Not only are you adding flavor to your food, but also giving your health a boost.
Car Seat Mistakes: Common car seat mistakes. 5 Common Car Seat MistakesWith so many ways to install a car seat it’s easy to make a mistake or miss something. Below are the top five mistakes parents make when using car seats and suggestions on how to correct each problem.
Health Apps: Helpful health apps. 4 Free Apps that Support Your HealthStriving to live the healthiest lives possible can be challenging. Being mindful of - and proactively managing - our daily activities helps us reach our health goals. Check out these four apps that help make it a little easier.
Agility Ladder Drills: Agility ladder drills. 4 Agility Ladder Drills for At-home WorkoutTired of the same workout day in and day out? I've put together four simple drills you can do at home using an agility ladder. It will get your heart pumping and provide variety to your workout, because doing the same workout everyday can get pretty boring.
Back Pain Relief: Tips for back pain relief. 3 Exercises to Help Relieve Back PainIf you suffer from lower back pain, you are not alone. About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime. This pain can decrease your quality of life and make everyday tasks unpleasant.
Pregnancy Heartburn: Ways to get relief from heartburn during pregnancy. Pregnancy Heartburn? 7 Ways to Get ReliefExpectant mothers everywhere are aching to know one thing: “How can I get some relief from this awful pregnancy heartburn?” To help ease your pain, here are some answers to your “burning” questions.

Read also: U of U Student Health Plan

tags: #USU #Student #Health #Services