Don’t ignore these symptoms!
Call the Medical Clinic right away if you have any of the following:
- A fever of 102 degrees or higher
- A headache accompanied by a stiff neck
- Pain in urination
- An unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
- A change in your menstrual cycle
- Pain in the abdomen that will not go away
- A persistent cough, chest pain or trouble breathing
- Pain or any other symptoms that worry you or last longer than you think they should
Student Health 101
College life is filled with opportunities to make choices, including choices about your health and safety. In addition to the clothes and room decor you will bring with you for your college experience, don’t forget to pack the following:
- A list of any medicines you take, both prescription and OTC (over-the-counter), including dosages.
- A list of your allergies.
- A list of your past medical problems (for example, if you had surgery or were in the hospital).
- A record of any mental health problems.
- Your immunization record that shows which shots you have had, including the type of vaccine, when you got it, and if you had any side effects.
- Proof of health insurance. Are you still going to be on your parents’ policy? If so, take a copy of the insurance card with you. Find out what type of plan you have, what is covered, how to file claims and what to do in case of an emergency.
- First aid kit for small emergencies. Make sure to include:
- Bandages for small cuts and scrapes
- Gauze and adhesive tape
- An elastic bandage for wrapping sprains
- Hand sanitizer
- Neosporin or another type of antibacterial/antibiotic ointment
- A digital thermometer
- An ice/cold pack that can be reused
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains and fevers
- Other medicines (ask your pediatrician or family physician for suggestions)
Practicing daily healthy habits is the best way to avoid getting sick.
Don’t skimp on rest! Sleep deprivation can cause minor illnesses, depression and trouble concentrating in class or studying for tests.
Eat well! Vending machine food or fast food may be a quick and cheap choice when you are busy, but eating well is important. ACU’s World Famous Bean has so many choices that it is easy to eat healthy and to find foods you like.
Exercise! Staying healthy means getting enough exercise or activity in your day, even if it is just walking. Every little bit helps.
Travel Health & Medicine
If you will be traveling internationally, the ACU Medical Clinic can help you prepare for your trip. It’s very important to check your immunization history before any trip and ensure you are up to date on all routine immunizations. Please research your destination country, print the information and make sure you have a copy of your immunization history to bring to your appointment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises travelers “to consult a travel medicine clinic or personal physician 4-6 weeks before departure if the travel destination is one where exposure to any vaccine-preventable diseases may occur.”
If you are participating in travel through ACU, such as Study Abroad or a trip through the Halbert Center for Missions and Global Service, the trip director will provide specific tips and information about the country you’re traveling to. But, here are some general health tips for international travel.
Top 10 Travel Health Tips:
- Expect several days of adjustment to the time change. Get as much natural light as possible to reset your circadian rhythm.
- Prioritize sleep so that your body has the resources it needs to maintain your health.
- Ask your doctor about pre-filling your prescription medications because they may not be available at your destination.
- Pack any essential over-the-counter medications as countries differ in what is available without a prescription.
- Check what your health insurance policy covers internationally. You may want to look into purchasing travel health insurance.
- Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects.
- Stay hydrated. It’s always important to drink enough water, but be especially mindful if you’re taking long flights or traveling to a high altitude.
- Find an exercise routine that works for you in your new location so that you can experience the physical and mental health benefits.
- If you’re traveling to a place where the water is not purified, drink only bottled water and avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables (unless you can peel them).
- Be careful not to swim in contaminated rivers, lakes, or streams.
Women’s Health
The ACU Medical Clinic provides supportive and confidential care for the women’s health needs that are most common for college-aged women, including:
- Annual “well woman” exams
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol screening
- Skin exam
- Breast exam
- Pelvic exam
- Treatment for yeast infections
- Birth control management
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and education
- Nutritional health and weight management program
- Sports medicine
Routine gynecological exams
All women who are sexually active or over age 21 should schedule an appointment for a routine gynecological exam. The best time to have an exam is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your menstrual period.
Any woman who is experiencing symptoms of pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual discharge or abnormal bleeding should schedule an appointment for a diagnostic gynecological exam as soon as they recognize these symptoms.
What will occur during a routine exam?
- A visual examination of your genital area to look for any sign of infection or other abnormalities
- A Pap test (see below for details)
- A physical exam to determine the position and size of your uterus and ovaries
- A conversation with your health care provider to determine your personal risk factors for conducting any additional screening tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- An opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your health
What is a Pap test?
A small number of cells are taken from the cervix and sent for laboratory analysis for identification of pre-cancerous changes, inflammation or infection.
Why should I have a Pap test?
It is important for early detection and treatment. Cervical cancer is 100% curable when detected in the pre-cancerous or early stage. In addition, other STI screenings can be added to the Pap specimen.
For further information or to set up an exam, call the Medical Clinic at 325-674-2625 or schedule an appointment through our Patient Portal.
Pregnancy Services
The emotional, spiritual and health issues during a pregnancy can seem overwhelming. At ACU, we will make every effort to provide you with a supportive environment to assure caring, confidential, non-judgmental, professional assistance and to support others affected by the pregnancy as well. There are many resources available to you that will assist you in continuing and completing your degree.
The goal of the university is to provide a comprehensive support team that emphasizes caring and personal respect. If you are pregnant, or if you know someone who is pregnant, there are support services available at ACU. All consultations will be handled confidentially.
Medical Clinic
The ACU Medical Clinic provides confidential pregnancy testing. We can also help arrange referrals with off-campus physicians, provide nutritional guidance and answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy.
Counseling Center
Confidential counseling services by compassionate and caring licensed therapists are available in an effort to support you. You may call 325-674-2626 or submit an online counseling appointment request.
Men’s Health
It is the ACU Medical Clinic’s desire to support and enhance the health and well-being of our university men through education, treatment and services that encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices.
According to the World Health Organization, health is more than the absence of disease. It is “the complete state of physical, mental and social well-being.” The ACU Medical Clinic would like to take that one step further and include your spiritual well-being, and because men matter at ACU, the Medical Clinic works to provide a broad range of prevention, education and treatment services that enable and encourage men to take care of their health and to make appropriate use of health services throughout their lifetime.
Men’s health services are available for individuals seeking information, healthcare, and/or support.
The ACU Medical Clinic provides:
- Annual exams for men
- Blood pressure
- Prostate health
- Cholesterol screening
- Skin exam
- Sexual health
- Nutritional health and weight management program
- Sports medicine
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and education
- Referrals to community resources
Your visit to the ACU Medical Clinic is kept strictly confidential.