By Valentina Steen

What would Val do if she fell ill? When I descend into poor health at home, my parents tend to me by taking me to see the doctor.

So what happens when you’re on your own, surrounded by an arboretum on university grounds, and you’re sick? The answer lies in the University’s Wellness Center, which is run by Director Maureen Houck, as well as a registered nurse for emergencies, in Republic Hall. Students can inquire about all types of health concerns from the common cold to the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to being tested for sexually transmitted diseases at any age. In my mind, there is no need to be shy because there is never a stupid medical question.

Students should make a personal commitment by nurturing their minds, bodies and spirits by staying healthy on campus and seek some expert advice. If you get sick on campus or need to talk to a doctor about a delicate issue you can call the office at extension 3-6745, which has open hours Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best time to reach the office is at 9 a.m. Staci Langdon, a classmate, told me about her experience in which the doctors were respectful and knowledgeable, especially when she contracted food poisoning. They hooked her up to an I.V. and were prepared to take the next step if her health did not improve.

As for my own personal experience, when I was sick during my freshmen year, I spent more time in the hospital than ever, and my mother saw more medical bills than ever. Freshmen visit the Wellness Center more than anyone else on campus. Stress seems to be the number one complaint, along with time management problems for first year students. In September, when the season changes, students come in with upper-respiratory symptoms. The doctors see allergies, asthma and gastro-intestinal viruses. During the spring and winter weather, influenza. The treatment center encourages everyone to get the influenza vaccine, though it comes with side effects such as severe body aches. There is no nausea, but you might feel as if you’ve been “hit with a Mack truck,” as Houck puts it. If you are enrolled in the School of Education at this time, you will also be tested for tuberculosis.

Don’t be timid-just drop by for information. If University students have questions, they always can come in and seek guidance. If you need to get your blood tested, the Wellness Center can provide you the utmost privacy, respect and trust, as staying protected in all aspects is encouraged there. If you need condoms (or even think you might need condoms) you can stop by the office and give the receptionist $1 for 10-the best deal around. No worries-there is an understanding between the doctor and the patient stopping by. Chiefly towards the weekend, the doctors say that they get swamped with dollar bills!

If you are not familiar with the Department of Public Safety, learn more, as it is linked with the Wellness Center. If Public Safety officers determine a student has fallen ill, in or out of his residence hall, they will drive them to the center. If a student comes to the center beyond its treatment capabilities, an ambulance will be called to transfer him to a neighboring hospital.

Last February, my immune system basically shut down. I felt as if a truck had hit me and knocked me off my feet. I instantly called the center, gave my symptoms and was seen immediately. The doctors gave me medical guidance and a prescription to keep my irritation down due to the ruthless tonsillitis. That evening, I became dehydrated and called Public Safety, which sent me by ambulance to Nassau Community Hospital. I waited a couple of hours with the nurse before the doctor saw me. They hooked me up to an I.V. with insulin. I was there for two days because my white blood count was double the normal level.

So, you’re wondering how to stay proactive with your health. Houck has some expert tips and offers a variety of places to get your facts. In the office there is a massive amount of pamphlets in the waiting room. They range from how to avoid getting sick to where to get tested. Houck advises students to stay healthy by eating well, getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night and getting some exercise every day. If you’re unsure about what to eat, just drop by the Student Center Café and converse with the newly-hired nutritionist. For those who prefer to surf the Web, go to www.askalice.columbia.edu, which is run through Columbia University. There, you can raise any type of question; the system will hunt for your answer throughout the Columbia University library. So ask away and take better care of yourself!

Valentina Steen is a junior broadcast journalism student. You may e-mail her at [email protected].