Protecting the health of Cerritos College students, the Student Health Services tries to provide students with healthy living advice, hosting multiple presentations on better eating habits and maintaining stress and providing students with several different exercise programs.
According to Emily Driscoli of Fox Business News, “Going off to college involves significant adjustments to your daily routine; your sleeping and eating habits, time-management skills, and stress levels will be altered in one way or another. And even though it’s been barely three months since you left high school, you are now expected to be more independent and self sufficient.”
Nancy Montgomery, coordinator of Student Health Services, said , “Mental problems which come from stress and back pain are prevalent among college students.”
Student Health Services offer many services including:
- Urgent care
- Preventative health
- Men’s and women’s health care
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Optometry
- Chiropractic
- Contraceptive
- Health education
- Medical consultation
- Medical wellness service
- Dietician
- Counseling for relationship troubles
Montgomery added, “Mental Wellness Services is designed to get students to reveal what they are feeling in a safe environment.”
Student Health Services is staffed by a group of health care professionals who are dedicated to your wellness. Physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and medical assistants provide basic outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and sub-acute illnesses and injuries.
For medical and surgical problems, which are beyond the scope of the SHS, students will be provided with referrals to local community health facilities. The greatest challenge the Student Health Services Center faces is not a specific ailment, but “prevention.”
Montogomery said, “One of my goals at Cerritos College is to educate students on the superiority of prevention to treatment. I plan to bring to campus speakers and lecturers on health issues from various healthcare organizations to improve the education of the students.
Another of her goals is starting support groups for students who struggle with alcohol, obesity, and addictions.
“I desire to push for healthier food choices and increased activity for students on campus.”
Ni Bueno, chair of the Health Education Department and athletic coordinator, said, “The Student Health Center provides a new program called “Pound by Pound.” One of the programs, a Zumba class, is very popular with the students.”
” “Pound by Pound” incorporates proper nutrition, productive training, and positive motivation. A 16 week weight-management program such as Zumba is aimed at promoting a healthier student. They are really good programs for (a) student’s health.”
Animal science major Amily Delgado said, “I usually come to the Zumba class two times a week on Monday and Wednesday (from) 5 to 6 p.m. because I want to manage stress and lose weight.”
The Student Health Center at Cerritos College is here to provide the students, staff and faculty of Cerritos College the opportunity to have professional medical services at a low cost.
The staff is here to help achieve and maintain optimum physical, mental, and emotional health. For student privacy, all communications and medical records are kept confidential and are available to the student at all times.
The fall and spring hours of operation for the Student Health Center are Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. You can contact the center at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2321.
