Staying healthy

Are you what you eat?
If you want guidance or information about eating—vegetarianism, weight reduction, eating disorders, better health, or sports nutrition—don't rely on cheesy ads on late-night TV.

Call Nutrition Services at 2-4156 to make a free appointment through the Student Care Center.

Sex at Chicago!?
Students can go to the Student Care Center (SCC) to learn about birth control and safer sex methods. The SCC helps students prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs): it distributes condoms and dental dams at no charge. It also offers free emergency contraception and free, confidential, and anonymous HIV testing. If you think you have an STI, have been exposed to one, or want more information, call the SCC at 2-1915.

For sexual health information and free condoms or dental dams, call SCC Health Education Services at 4-5143. To see an SCC provider for contraception (birth control), free STI testing/treatment, or to get emergency contraception, call 2-4156.

Another option for off-campus testing is the Lakeview Specialty Clinic run by the Chicago Department of Public Health at 2861 North Clark Street. There's free, anonymous HIV testing and free STI testing. Call 312-744-5507 for more information.

Are there any special resources for female students?
Womancare, part of the Student Care Center, is highly regarded by students. Staffed by nurse practitioners, Womancare offers Pap smears, breast exams, pregnancy counseling, STI testing and treatment, lesbian health care, contraception services, gynecological care, and emergency contraception.

For a free Womancare appointment, call 2-4156.

Concerned about drug or alcohol use?
Get help through one of these University resources:

• Student Counseling and Resource Service (2-9800)
• The Office of the Dean of Students in the College (2-8615)
• The Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students in the University (2-7770)
• SCC Health Education Services (4-5143)

Want to avoid the flu?
Starting late in the autumn quarter, flu shots are available to all students while supplies last. Call the SCC for an appointment (2-4156), or stop by one of the campuswide flu immunization days in October and November.

Having trouble finding time to get things done?
If you're having trouble studying, learning, or managing time commitments, the Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS) can help. For details, call SCRS at 2-9800.

Looking for support groups?
The Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS) runs some support groups and is a resource for information and referral. A number of student organizations have been formed as supportive groups for communities of students in the University.

Getting well

Even if you seek and follow the best advice, sooner or later you are likely to wake up one day feeling like a dog's dinner.

What are my choices if I get sick or injured?

• You can generally be seen within 24 to 48 hours at the Student Care Center (SCC) by a physician or nurse practitioner—call 2-4156 for a free appointment.
• If you need medical guidance when the SCC is closed, call the SCC physician-on-call at 2-6840.
• Not sure if you need to come in to the SCC? The nurse can review your symptoms, offer medical advice, and refill existing prescriptions. Call the SCC nurse at 2-1915 during business hours.

To find a number in a hurry, check the list of emergency phone numbers printed on the inside back cover of this guide.

What if I think I need to go to the emergency room?
An emergency is an injury or sudden illness that is so severe that there could be serious medical consequences if you don't get treated right away. Remember that sore throat, flu, and earache are not considered medical emergencies. If possible, telephone (or ask a friend to telephone) the physician-on-call at 2-6840 before you go. If you need assistance getting to the emergency room, ask someone to take ou there or call 911.

How can I get help with a psychological or emotional crisis?
The Student Counseling and Resource Service is available for crisis intervention. During clinic hours (8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday), call (2-9800) or walk in (5737 South University Avenue) and ask to speak to the SCRS therapist-on-call. After hours, call 2-3625 (answering service) and say that you'd like to speak to the SCRS therapist-on-call. The therapist-on-call will be given the message and will return your call.

What if it isn't an emergency, but I'd like some psychological help?

• Call the Student Counseling and Resource Service (2-9800) to schedule an intake appointment. SCRS offers diagnostic assessments, short-term treatment, and referral services for individuals and couples; group psychotherapy; and medication evaluations and management. The SCRS Web site gives detailed information about services provided: counseling.uchicago.edu.
• The University's religious programming staff and the campus ministries' staffs offer counseling on issues concerning faith development and decision making and are a resource for students in any circumstance (for more information, see Student Life, Religious Life).

What if I just want to make a regular doctor's appointment?
To make a regular appointment, call 2-4156.

Where can I find out more about my campus student health insurance coverage?
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources is the company that provides coverage under the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP).
You can call their on-campus coordinators at 834-4543 or 834-1554, or send an e-mail to healthaffairs@listhost.uchicago.edu. Their Web site is www.UHCSR.com/uchicago, and you'll also find more information at studenthealth.uchicago.edu.

Where do I turn for help with billing problems?
Call the Student Care Center Billing and Insurance office at 702-6817. Make a note of the date and to whom you talked. You can also contact the on-campus StudentResources insurance coordinators at 834-4543 or 834-1554.

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