Health Services

Health Services is located in Barrington House within the first-year village.

On-site medical care is provided by nurse practitioners.

Clinical components of the program include treatment of illnesses and injuries, women's and men's health care, laboratory services, immunizations, support services for students with physical disabilities and referrals as appropriate. 

We strive to support students in developing a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and reducing stress in order to promote success inside and outside of the classroom.

Visits are free of charge to all full-time students.

In the event of an emergency, dial (401) 232-6911. EMTs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Confidentiality

Visits and medical records are kept confidential and maintained separately from academic records. Only in a true emergency or with written consent of a student is information shared, as we strive to help students become full participants in their own health care.

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Eight questions for Cheryl Brock, who helps students make healthier choices

Making the transition to college life requires many adjustments. Figuring out the best food options for optimal health is one adjustment many college students struggle with as they deal with a new environment, academic stressors, and missing the comforts of home.

Through the generosity of donors, Cheryl Brock, Health and Nutrition Educator for Bryant, provides students with one-on-one consultations related to making good food choices and improving eating habits for better health, more energy, and an overall sense of wellbeing as they navigate the many challenges of college life. Before coming to Bryant in 2017, she worked in corporate health and wellness educating and counseling individuals in various lifestyle and condition management programs.

A Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist for 20 years, Brock received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island where she majored in Dietetics and completed a minor in Exercise Science. She also completed URI's Dietetic Internship Program.

What are the most common reasons a student makes an appointment with you?

Students will make appointments for weight gain/ weight loss, general healthy eating, athletic fueling plans, disordered eating, and navigating campus dining with allergies or medical conditions.

What can a student expect who comes to see you?

Students who schedule a private consultation can expect our initial appointment to be about 45 minutes long. During this session, students will have the opportunity to discuss their health goals and concerns.  I will ask a series of questions which will include discussion about their daily routine and schedule, current eating patterns, food preferences, medical history and exercise routine.  Science-based nutrition education will be provided and together we will develop steps towards meeting the student’s goals.

Do students see you for many appointments or just one?

I always encourage and offer follow up appointments to review the student’s progress towards the goals that have been established.  The number of follow up appointments vary from each student.  Many students take advantage of this opportunity for support and guidance.

What do students say about the impact of working with you on their nutrition and eating habits?

I would say it has been a positive impact based on the number of students who schedule follow up appointments and those students who have reached out to meet with me from year to year.  I also have had many referrals from students who tell me they scheduled an appointment to meet with me because their friend had a positive experience.

What hours are you available to meet with students during the week?

I am available to meet with students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Each day will offer opportunities for students to meet with me for a private one-on-one nutrition consultation. I will also be on campus throughout the semester in various locations, offering nutrition education at tabling events or group presentations.

Would you say Bryant University offers a variety of good food choices for students?

Yes, Bryant University has a variety of healthy food choices for students. Students can pick and choose from a variety of food stations across the dining hall to build a healthy plate. It may take some creativity and effort on the part of the student.  I am available to meet students in Salmo to provide recommendations and suggestions.

What tips would you give to parents who want to assist their Bryant student with making healthy food choices?

Here are tips I give students that parents can reinforce:

• Start the day with breakfast. Studies show that skipping breakfast detracts from scholastic achievement. When there isn’t time to sit down and enjoy your morning meal, grab a bagel, piece of fruit and some milk.

• Eat regular meals. Eating regularly allows sustained energy release throughout the day. Try to have 3 main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and a few healthy snacks in between. Avoid skipping meals during the day. Skipping meals can lead to overeating later in the day or at night. All meals are important, but breakfast has been found to particularly improve concentration levels.

• Go for variety. Focus on getting a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grain, and low-fat dairy. Try to include at least 3 food groups or think of the divided plate when planning your meal: Fill half your plate with vegetables, add a piece of chicken (protein) and brown rice (starch) to round out your meal.

• Keep healthy snacks on hand. This way, if hunger strikes during a late-night study session, you won’t be tempted by vending machine candy, chips or ice cream. Possibilities include fresh or dried fruit, pretzels, unbuttered popcorn, rice cakes or whole wheat crackers. If you have a refrigerator, consider raw vegetables with low-fat yogurt or hummus.

• Don't fight stress by eating. It can be tempting to reach for a bag of chips or some cookies when you're stressed out about an impending exam. Eating won't help your stress go away, so avoid filling up on snacks. Try working out or taking a break instead.

• Balance less healthy foods with healthier meals. Not every food you eat has to be perfect. It is normal to enjoy a salty or sugary snack, or a high calorie meal when you want, but balance it out with moderate, healthy meals.

• Drink lots of water. Your body needs at least eight glasses a day, and, if you exercise vigorously, you may need more. To remind yourself, carry a water bottle along to class and keep it handy during late night study sessions.

• Incorporate regular physical activity.

• Get plenty of rest!

• Utilize campus resources for information on nutrition, exercise and stress management.

How does a student contact you?

Students can schedule private counseling appointments by calling Health Services at 401-232-6220. If a student has a question or would like some information or handouts, they can also send email to cbrock@bryant.edu.