Relieving Symptoms Each Day of the Week

By Broadside Correspondent Christine Blake

It’s that time of the year when people start getting sick and germs spread. If in need to relieve the symptoms, visit Student Health Services facility, located in Student Union Building I, Room 214.

According to their pamphlet, their mission is to provide high-quality health care, counseling, education and prevention services, in support of student learning and retention while at George Mason University.

The health center offers many types of different services from sexual health to flu shots.

According to the Student Health Services brochure, all currently enrolled students are eligible to receive confidential primary health care.

Students should know that there is no charge to be seen by one of the health care providers. However fees may arise for special treatments. Things such as allergy shots, flu shots, blood drawn, emergency contraception and birth control, require a small fee.

Most of the time health services can provide sufficient care and remedies. Sophomore and international politics major, Matthew Casper visited the clinic after he broke his finger.

“They were so nice when I went in there,” Casper said. “I broke my finger so they informed me that they don’t provide radiology but directed me to INOVA where I could get it further looked at. I definitely appreciated their help.”

However, sophomore and English major Brittney Vaughan shared her opposing viewpoint.

“So I was feeling awful, and decided to go to health services,” said Vaughan. “There, they told me that my fever was 103. They told me to just take Tylenol and get rest and said to come back Monday if I wasn’t feeling better. The next day, I was feeling even worse, and I had to go to the emergency room, where they told me that I had pneumonia. Pneumonia is really serious, and I wish I could’ve known sooner.”

Another concern of students is insurance. Students can check with their insurance providers and see if it will suffice or they can sign up for the George Mason Insurance plan.

This isn’t necessary at the health center but this insurance plan is a popular choice because it provides extensive on and off campus coverage, anywhere in the nation. The plan covers any injuries or illnesses domestically and abroad. It’s also accepted by many local healthcare providers.

Students are encouraged to make appointments at the clinic, but walk-ins are also welcome. Health Services’ hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 12 to 4:30 p.m. Health Services is closed on the weekends. More information is available online at Web site:
http://shs.gmu.edu/.