To Your Health

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 the Student Care Center at 2-4156 to make a free appointment with the registered dietitian.

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 male and female condoms, dental dams, and finger condoms at no charge. Students can also receive free confidential and/or anonymous HIV testing at the SCC. If you think you have an STI, have been exposed, or want more information, call the SCC at 2-4156 to make an appointment with a medical provider.

For sexual health information and free safer sex supplies stop by the SCC Health Education Office, Room R-111. To see an SCC provider for contraception (birth control) or free STI testing/treatment, call 2-4156. Remember you can purchase emergency contraception (Plan B) at all pharmacies without a prescription if you over 18 years old.

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?
SHARE (Sexuality, Health, and Resources for Everyone biologically female), part of the Student Care Center and staffed by nurse practitioners, offer Pap smears, breast exams, pregnancy counseling, STI testing and treatment, lesbian health care, contraception services, gynecological care, and sexuality counseling.

For a free SHARE appointment, call 2-4156.

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

Want to avoid the flu?
The SCC begins to administer flu vaccine in the middle of Autumn Quarter. The vaccine is free 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. Topics covered have included men's and women's identity issues, sexual orientation, eating concerns, procrastination, and crisis intervention.

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?

To find a number in a hurry, check the list of emergency phone numbers at help.uchicago.edu.

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.–4:45 p.m., Monday–Friday), call (2-9800) or walk in (5737 South University Avenue) and ask to speak to the SCRS staff-member-on-call. After hours, call 2-3625 (answering service) and say that you'd like to speak to the SCRS staff-member-on-call. The staff-member-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?

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 uchicagoadvocates@uhcsr.com. 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. If you are enrolled in the U-SHIP insurance, you can also contact the on-campus StudentResources insurance coordinators at 834-4543 or 834-1554  and press option 2.

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