Staying Healthy

Chico State’s Student Health Service, an outpatient clinic located in the Student Health Center on Warner Street, is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Services for enrolled students include treatment of acute conditions, injuries, and illnesses. Student Health also offers a family planning program and has an in-house licensed pharmacy, an x-ray department, and a federally certified, high-complexity laboratory.

Appointments are available for those who require diagnostic or consultative services for a wide range of nonacute medical problems including asthma, diabetes, job physicals, gynecology concerns, and other illnesses that your student may experience beyond those available in the acute care clinic. Appointments may be made in person or by phone.

The acute care clinic area of the Student Health Service is a walk-in clinic. It is designed to accommodate students who wish to receive immediate medical attention. It is important to note that in the clinic there may be a longer waiting time.

Immunizations are provided when clinically indicated. This includes Hepatitis B, travel immunizations, and administering allergy shots for students who have their own medication and appropriate medical documentation at no cost to students. In addition, the center offers, at cost, some elective immunizations, including the meningococcal vaccine.

Services at the Student Health Center are provided at either no cost or minimal cost. Medical conditions that exceed the scope of the Student Health Service or require the care of outside physicians and facilities are the financial responsibility of the student.

Health Insurance

The Student Health Center recommends that all students have health insurance. Students often go without insurance because their family or group insurance plan does not offer out-of-area coverage. Specific coverage varies depending on the insurance plan and is something you’ll want to look in to.

For students who do not have health insurance, the Student Health Center provides an optional, low-cost supplemental health insurance plan specifically designed to provide protection against the high cost of medical care in the community. It covers services unavailable at the Student Health Center, facilitates access to medical care when the Student Health Center is closed, and supplements the cost of care that is not covered by family or group insurance plans. For more information about supplemental health insurance, call (530) 898-5241.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions can be filled by the Student Health Center Pharmacy. The pharmacy is licensed by the State of California and adheres to all applicable state codes and regulations. Most prescriptions from outside physicians can be filled there as well.

Tips For Staying Healthy From Chico State Students

• Getting enough sleep helps you from getting sick.
• Watch what you eat. Make sure you get enough protein, especially if you don’t eat meat.
• Take supplements/vitamins to support your immune system.
• There are two tracks near the residence halls—the Chico State track, which is lighted in the evening, and the Chico High track.
• Chico is the perfect bike town. You can reach anything you need by a quick ride on your bike.
• Wash your hands a lot!
• When in doubt, go to the Health Center, even if you think it’s only a cold.
• Don’t take on too many classes or activities.
• Join a campus club or organization. They are a great way to build a support system with other students and learn new things.
• Take a class for yourself every semester—for example, beginning weight training, yoga, golf, or swimming.
• Surround yourself with healthy people.
• Think positive. Believe in yourself and try to keep stress at a minimum!
• Go outdoors, especially to Bidwell Park.
• Try not to eat out all the time.
• Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake.