Departure to college is often a detachment from familiar medical treatment, but finding the equivalent of mom's chicken soup isn't too far away at Penn State.
Infirmities of many forms can be obtained in a variety of ways -- catching a cold from a roommate, breaking a bone during a club sport or eating some undercooked Hamburger Helper.
But however one gets sick, Penn State's University Health Services (UHS) has places and people to aid students' ailing bodies and minds.
"It's hard enough being away from home," said Ellen Nagy, UHS marketing manager. "When your sick on top of it, it's really tough."
Located in Ritenour Building on Pollock Road, UHS performs a multitude of medical and support services to students. Illness patterns such as standard allergies and that pesky flu bug are frequently treated. During their freshman year especially, students should keep a close eye on their physical health, UHS Director Dr. Margaret Spear said.
"For most students, their parents have been intermediaries in accessing health service, and college is the first time they have to do it on their own," Spear said. "All of a sudden, they're living in closer contact with a bunch of other folks. We help them negotiate what's new in the university setting."
Spear advised to call ahead to reserve a time -- walk-ins are attended to but during high-germ traffic, a student can spend a long time in the waiting room before receiving treatment.
HIV testing, immunization, physical therapy and a first-aid shop are available at UHS.
Each basic clinic visit costs $18 for students on weekdays or $24 for visits to the Urgent Care Department on weekends. Separate charges apply for laboratory tests, X-rays, physical therapy treatments, pharmacy and university ambulance service. Charges can be added to a student's semester bill
or be paid with cash, check or credit card.
Women's resources are also available through UHS. Services include birth control, annual gynecological exams and basic counseling for health-related issues.
As with all UHS appointments, service is confidential unless the student wants parental intervention on his or her health issues.
Often overlooked by freshmen, mental illnesses can also stem from extended weeks away from home. Homesickness, loneliness, anxiety and depression are contenders to take control of a vulnerable psyche.
Also located in Ritenour, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides group and individual counseling, psychological and psychiatric evaluations and crisis intervention for Penn State students. Psychologists, psychiatric providers, social workers and graduate trainees make up the CAPS professional staff.
Common symptoms of pending mental illnesses are a significant increase or decrease in sleeping patterns and appetite, trouble concentration, excess fatigue, anxiety attacks and an overuse of drugs and alcohol, CAPS psychiatrist Dr. Victoria Stout said.
There are also biological factors, she said.
"A lot of times people have genetic predispositions to mental illness," she said, adding that changes can be triggered by changes in one's physical and social environments.
CAPS Outreach Coordinator and clinical social worker Mary Ann Knapp has another assessment.
"Usually it's stress management and dealing with being a college student," Knapp said.
With CAPS Outreach Services, Knapp offers general interest educational programs to Penn State. Popular means are in-class seminars by interest groups within Penn State's diverse populace -- two examples being the Center for Women Students and the Office of International Students. Also, targeted therapy groups regularly meet to discuss issues specific to the interests of those attending. Groups include sexual assault victims, drug abusers and people with eating disorders.
Basic CAPS services are free of charge to students enrolled in 12 or more academic credits.
