With cold and flu season taking its toll on students, there are services available on campus to help you get well soon.
As a part of the construction on campus, the Student Health Services building has relocated to Legacy Park at 605 East Center near Starbucks.
According to the health services’ page on http://www.harding.edu, the services provided for students include: symptomatic treatment for minor illnesses such as colds, upset stomach, aches and sprains; first aid for accidental injury; blood pressure screening; and allergy injections with physician approval.
According to head nurse Lynn McCarty, the nurses are also available to change dressings, treat burns and give doctor referrals for students. Crutches and other medical equipment are also available for check-out. McCarty said that doctors in Searcy hold openings for Harding students referred to them by health services.
The move from the old building on Center Avenue to the new one on Pleasure Avenue has made the building more accessible to students seeking first-aid and health advice, according to McCarty.
“Since we moved, I’ve noticed that more students than ever have been coming to see us,” McCarty said.
The new building has four consultation rooms for nurses, a larger waiting room, more restroom facilities and two beds for students who need to be treated overnight. Each registered nurse working for health services now has his or her own room for seeing patients.
“I encouraged each nurse to add (his or her) own personal touch to their room,” McCarty said. “It makes them feel more homey and inviting.”
According to McCarty, the nurses’ goal is to make each student feel comfortable and cared for, just as if their own mother were caring for them. The nurses not only give students non-prescription medicine they need to get over sicknesses, they also teach students how to use the medicines and how to prevent future illnesses.
McCarty gave some basic tips for staying healthy while living in close quarters with other students.
“Practice good cough hygiene,” McCarty said. “Cover your mouth and wash your hands often. It is flu season and you don’t want to take any chances. Remember the golden rule of hygiene; never leave messes behind that can grow germs and must be cleaned up, and always be thoughtful of your roommates when you are sick.”
With the approach of flu season, the building also offers flu shots for $15 on a first come, first serve basis. It is important to stay healthy in the upcoming winter months, and nurse consultations at the Student Health Services building are available free for all Harding students.
“If students have any questions about their health, I encourage them to come and ask us about it,” McCarty said.
