Adjusting to life in a new country is always exciting and often challenging. Staying healthy is especially important while you are away from home.

Medical History Form

Medical forms must be completed by a physician and you will need to bring the original copy translated with you when you arrive for Orientation. The medical form can be found online

http://www.umcrookston.edu/services/healthservices/Forms/MedHistory-Fm.pdf

Health Insurance

Due to the high cost of health care in the United States, the University Board of Regents has mandated that all international students be automatically enrolled in the University -sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).  The SHBP provides one of the most comprehensive, high quality student health benefit plans in the country. You can view the plan details online at http://www.bhs.umn.edu/insurance/crookston/

Immunization and Medical History

You will be required to fill out a Medical History form before you can get registered for classes. Minnesota Law (M.S. 135A.14) requires that all students born after December 31, 1956 and enrolled in more than one class per semester must provide dates of immunization against the following:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): two doses required after the first birthday.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD): Must be within last 10 years.

I f you do not have proof of these immunizations, you will be required to take these shots which can cost up to $75.00 per shot. However, this fee is subject to change depending on state allocations.

Health Services

UMC Health Services is located in 145F on the first floor of the student center. It is designed to serve the unique medical, counseling, and health education needs of students.

There is no charge for care provided by Student Health. If a referral is made to a health care professional off campus, that cost, as well as laboratory, x-ray, emergency room and/or prescription costs are the student's responsibility and/or their insurance provider. Transportation to an off-campus health care facility is also the responsibility of the student. 

A physician will be on campus every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 while school is in session Sept-May. Students who wish to be seen by the physician must make an appointment by calling 281-8512. Students will not be billed if they are seen by the doctor; however, any lab work, x-rays, and/or prescriptions are the student's financial responsibility .

Health Services is open from 8:30 am-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday To make an appointment, call 218-281-8512. If immediate assistance is needed call 9-911 .

UMC Student Health provides the following services:

• Acute and emergency health care
• Pregnancy testing (Free of charge)
• Referral for HIV/AIDS testing
• Referral for STD testing
• Free Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings
• Assistance in referrals and appointments to appropriate health care providers
• Health counseling
• Follow-up care
• Over-the-counter medications and supplies available free of charge (No appointments necessary)

Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday

Emergency Information: If immediate assistance is needed call 9-911 (if calling from a campus phone).

Students and Depression

It is fairly common to hear students say that they are 'depressed,' but what does that mean and when does depression become serious and need attention? Most people will experience emotional 'ups and downs' in their life. If we get a bad grade or a relationship doesn't work out or if our parents are disappointed with something we have done, we may react to those situations by feeling sad for a period of time. However, if the sadness doesn't go away or resolve within a few days or a couple of weeks, it may be something more serious that is called depression.

Depression is an illness that needs treatment just like any other illness, but many of its symptoms are emotional. A depressed person might feel very sad, hopeless, worthless or discouraged for a long time. A depressed person might want to stay in bed and quit going to class. Sometimes people want to sleep all of the time or cannot sleep well at all. Some people lose their appetite when they are depressed and others want to eat a lot of what is commonly called 'junk food'. Some people become sullen or crabby or impatient when they are depressed. Serious depression may cause a person to have thoughts of doing harm to themselves or someone else. Some people are affected by the long periods of darkness during the winter season and need to exercise more or find sunny places indoors to study. This is a special kind of depression called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.

If you think you or a friend might be depressed, it is very important to talk with someone about that feeling. You might go to a counselor on campus or to Student Health, or you might want to let your International Student Adviser know that you are feeling this way so that person can help you find help! The sooner depression is treated, the sooner you will feel better again. Treatment for depression might involve talking or counseling with someone to relieve stress and gain new perspectives on your situation, or it might involve seeing a doctor for medication, or it might involve both counseling and medication. Depression can be successfully treated!

There are also many things that a person can do to avoid becoming depressed. Some of them include:

•  establishing a healthy schedule for sleep, work, study and play and keeping life in balance.

•  choosing a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and good protein, and avoiding junk food.

•  managing your stress levels with exercise, positive thinking and asking for help if something is bothering you.

•  enjoying campus events, programs, concerts, plays and special activities.

•  creating events to look forward to such as a shopping trip or a special dinner out.

•  getting involved with a church or spiritual community.

•  keeping a positive attitude about your experience as an international student.

•  being inquisitive about your new surroundings, the people, their history and culture and the surrounding natural environment.

•  investigating some of the academic experiences that will be available to you as you progress through your courses.

• getting acquainted on campus with a variety of students, faculty and staff who want you to enjoy your experiences in the United States .

Expected Health Practices in the United States

Cleanliness is important when living around other people. Residential space is shared with many people so it is expected to keep your items picked up. In addition it is also important when living on campus in the close proximity of many people to keep your hygiene up. This includes, showering on a regular basis and wearing deodorant. In the United States it is common for people to shower daily. If you are having a hard with this make sure to visit with the UMC nurse regarding hygiene.

Food items in the United States are different than in other countries. In the United States you refrigerate almost everything. This especially includes milk, yogurt, juice, and food that has been cooked. If you cook it will be imperative that you rent a refrigerator. A new refrigerator will cost you around $150.00. Food that is left out (non refrigerated) could spoil quickly!

Food needs to be properly cooked . There are several kitchenettes available for use but ALL food must be cooked in either a pot or a pan. No food can be cooked directly on the burners . It is dangerous to cook and burn food on campus. If there is any question on how ovens, stoves, or burners work please contact your RA.