A Healthy Buc
While you’re juggling classes, homework, work, and a social life, it’s important to maintain your health! Below are opportunities for you to do just that. And, in case you do need it, you have access to some of the best health care in the Southeast — three major hospital systems close by, urgent care facilities on the same street as campus, and primary care physicians within walking distance from our residence halls.
It’s always helpful, no matter the season, to maintain healthy habits.
Medical Info
Primary Care
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Charleston Southern University has partnered with Roper St. Francis Express Care to provide excellent sick care for our full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
Roper St. Francis Express Care is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the closest location less than one mile from campus at 8901 University Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29406. They can be reached by dialing 843-203- 2245. All CSU full-time undergraduate and graduate students will receive one free visit per major semester (Fall & Spring) simply by presenting their CSU Student ID when checking in. Please note COVID testing is not a part of this plan. We recommend students bring at least two COVID-19 tests with them to school.
Here is what is covered in an office visit at Roper St. Francis Express Care:
- diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries and administration of first aid;
- initial evaluation for allergies;
- nutritional diagnosis and counseling;
- orthopedic evaluation of injuries to bones, muscles, and joints within the scope of a primary care practice;
- dermatological problems;
- initial diagnosis and need for simple physical therapy;
- illness care;
- minor procedures;
- prescriptions for pharmaceuticals as indicated
- basic x-ray
- up to 2 POS lab tests (excludes COVID tests) for the following: Urinalysis, Pregnancy, Flu, Streptococcal A, Mono, Glucose finger stick
- sutures
Immunizations
- University policy requires students to receive and provide receipt of immunizations for their protection prior to admittance to the Charleston Southern University Residence Halls. These include, M.M.R, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, Varicella, and Hepatitis B as well as receive a Tuberculosis Screening. We recommend students receive the Influenza and Meningococcal vaccines as well.
Urgent Care/Emergencies
- In the event of an urgent need to see a physician, CSU is in a great location close to many wonderful healthcare providers.
URGENT CARE PROVIDERS ON/NEAR UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD IN NORTH CHARLESTON:
HOSPITALS:
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Roper St. Francis – Berkeley, West Ashley, Downtown
- Trident Medical Center
Pharmacies
- For prescriptions and over-the-counter medication needs, here are a few pharmacy locations closest to our university:
- CVS Pharmacy
- Herold’s Pharmacy
- Walgreens Pharmacy- Goose Creek, N. Charleston
- Walmart Pharmacy- Goose Creek, N. Charleston
- Publix Pharmacy
Health & Wellness Inspections
Hygiene Best Practices
Wash Your Hands
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Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. Follow these five steps every time.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth! This is a great way to prevent transmission of bacteria and viruses.
Get 7-8 Hours of Sleep
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- Getting quality sleep naturally boosts your immunity. Have trouble falling asleep? Try following these tips:
- Turn off all screens at least one hour before bed,
- Hold yourself accountable by setting an alarm to notify you it’s time to head to bed,
- Minimize caffeine intake in the afternoon/evening,
- Use non-digital ways to calm your mind such as reading, drawing, meditating, praying, etc.
- Getting quality sleep naturally boosts your immunity. Have trouble falling asleep? Try following these tips:
Exercise
- Regular exercise should be a part of your lifestyle! It strengthens your immunity, tones muscle, and keeps your mind sharp.
Check out the Brewer Center or go for a run around campus!
Eat Well
- Incorporating healthy foods will help you feel better and more energized! The Dining Hall has a plethora of options, but if you head to the grocery store, make sure you meal plan and stick to the list!
Stay Hydrated
- Take water with you everywhere you go! Water cleanses your body and transports nutrients throughout your body to give you energy.
Clean Your Living Space Often
- Clean and disinfect household items, phones, doorknobs, computer keys, tablets, steering wheels, etc. regularly. And don’t forget to wash bed sheets weekly and use commercial cleaners in the bathroom.
Poor air circulation means more dust and dander, so be sure to vacuum, too!
Listen To Your Body
- If you feel sick, take precautions. And if your symptoms get worse or become troublesome, see a doctor.
Don’t forget mental health! Please see our Counseling Services team should you feel extra stressed, anxious, or struggle with depression, grief, etc.
And, if you get sick…
- Take care of yourself and rest!
- Communicate with your professors and cc Student Success (jmbrown@csuniv.edu) to coordinate notes and assignments.
- Prevent the spread.
- Cover your cough in the nook of your arm or in a tissue (NOT IN YOUR HAND),
- Dispose of tissues appropriately,
- Isolate yourself,
- And if you have to be around others–to go to the doctor or pick up medicine, for example–and you are still contagious, wear a mask.