As cold and flu season are upon us, it is incredibly important to prioritize your physical and mental health. Here at the University of North Dakota, we have an abundance of resources available for students to stay healthy at all times but especially through the cold and flu season. Student Health Services, located behind the Memorial Union, serves as the primary health care location on campus. Student Health Services (SHS) provides a number of services that are available to students. Whether you are sick, need updates on immunizations, or even examinations for aviation medicals, SHS has services to cover all needs. Scheduling an appointment is extremely accessible for UND students. Appointments can be made via the UND website, or phone number by calling 701-777-4500.
A challenge for students may be affordability. Services at SHS can be provided for all UND students regardless of whether you have insurance or not. If you are not currently covered by health insurance, you can find details on the UND website on how to enroll in order to receive financial assistance and coverage for various medical services.
In addition to SHS and the services they provide, the University Counseling Center provides services to improve and support students’ mental health. UCC is a free, confidential program that offers services to UND students. While winter brings flu season that has the potential to take a toll on your physical health, winter also brings conditions that may take a toll on your mental health. As there is less daylight, less sun, and cold temperatures, students may find prioritizing mental health to be extremely difficult. The UCC offers services such as Individual Counseling, Couple Counseling, Crisis Counseling Sessions and Substance Abuse services. To schedule an appointment, call UCC at 701-777-2127.
Making appointments with Student Health Services and the University Counseling Center are a couple of ways you can practice proactive and reactive treatment. In addition to these, it is important to prioritize sleep and exercise throughout cold and flu season. The target sleep goal for college students is around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Implementing healthy sleep habits allows for better energy and focus throughout the day as well as improved immune function. While sleeping, your immune system produces a protein called cytokines. More of these proteins are required when you are sick to fight inflammation and infection. Exercise is also an excellent way to keep yourself healthy, keep your immune system strong, and boost energy. The UND Wellness Center allows for individual or group exercise. There are also multiple studios around the Greater Grand Forks area that offer various forms of exercise and services to improve overall health.
UND Student Health Services and the University Counseling Center offer an abundance of services that may be utilized throughout cold and flu season, and the rest of winter. To find out more, visit the UND Student Health website.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
Sadie Blace is a Dakota Student Section Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].
