photo courtesy of: The Odyssey Online
Getting sick has changed a lot over the years for us all. When you got sick as a kid; your parents would bring you soup and medication as you watched cartoons at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. However, in college, rolling out of bed for your 8 a.m. class with a feverish forehead and snot draining from your nose is a more common way to deal with a cold.
As flu season approaches, along with common colds and severe allergies, more and more students are trying to rid themselves of any illness that may come their way. Many stuffy- nosed, coughing students shuffle to class, but it’s better for everyone to take care of themselves. Finding time in-between busy classes and a social life makes it hard for students to make sure their physical health is the best it can be. The solution of taking Dayquil and Nyquil every day until you feel better is a tempting one, but SFA students are fortunate enough to have an on-site health clinic. On top of getting flu shots and learning about birth control options, the clinic is set up to identify any illness students may have and guide them to the right medication.
While you’re at the clinic you can also get a “Proof of Visit” that will state the date and time of your visit for you to give to professors who specify that they will be accepting doctors’ notes. Typically, the appointment runs for about an hour as licensed doctors and nurses run check-ups and tests to make sure you have the medication you need to get better. The best part about this clinic is the fact that it is, for the most part, free of charge! The clinic is partially funded by some of the “Student Service Fee,”; so, if you need the clinic and have the time it is a great way to keep yourself in top shape. Scheduling appointments can be done at 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. during the week, or urgent appointments can be seen immediately or worked into their appointment schedule.
The health clinic is a goldmine for the accident prone, or constantly sick Lumberjack who really has no time to worry about medication or waiting forever in a doctor’s office. Being in college is stressful enough without feeling like your body is falling apart at the seams, so taking care of yourself should always be a number one priority. Also, remember to wash your hands and cough in your elbow…. just to be safe