Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Daily Checkups a Day will Help Keep Colds and Flus Away
Alice Roach, Corner Post Staff

The fall has rolled around, and with the cool temperatures comes the time to begin contracting the typical coughing and sniffling. The MU Student Health Center is committed to assisting students perform their best academically despite the health challenges that might persist.

MU Student Health Center clinic manager, Ann Nadler, defines the mission of the center as helping out the students of this university.
“We are the health care provider for the MU student body. Keeping the students well will support their academic efforts,” Nadler said.

So far in this academic semester, the health center has seen varying types of cases. Patients this year have experienced problems such as sore throats and homesickness. In November, the number of patients typically increases with the influx of the flu.
But the Student Health Center is much more than a place to go if you get ill. The center also provides numerous services to MU students. The center provides services including primary care of illness and injury, allergy clinics, immunizations, psychiatrists, and counselors. The center also employs two full-time education specialists who provide outreach to students.

The center also sponsors special activities for students. On Oct. 28, Maxim Health Care Clinic is providing a flu and meningitis immunization clinic. The center also sponsors yoga classes and instructs a healthy eating program.

Feedback from students proves that students enjoy using the Student Health Center “for convenience and the quality of health care. People listen to the students and work around their schedules,” Nadler said.“We understand student stress.”

Students can also get immunizations at the clinic at any time. The Missouri legislature now requires students to be educated about meningitis. Before the winter semester begins, students must either get the immunization at the center, show proof that they have been given the immunization, or sign a waiver explaining that they understand the potential problems of not being immunized. The center, of course, encourages students to get the immunization.

As far as keeping students healthy, the center encourages “washing your hands, don’t share beverages, and don’t share eating utensils,” Nadler said.

If a student does get sick, however, the center is there to help. The first step is to call and schedule an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended due to the number of students on campus. If the problem is urgent, students can request to speak to a nurse over the phone. Students needing attention after hours can call the center and speak to an after hours nurse who can talk with students and give advice about what steps to take to begin getting well.
For more information about the center and its amenities, visit their website at www.studenthealth.missouri.edu.

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