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Frequently Asked Questions
General : Laboratory : Pharmacy : X-ray : Women's Health : Nutrition
Can I waive my health fee?
What time do you close?
Will I be able to get an excuse note for class?
Do you fill prescriptions from "outside" doctors?
Can I call in a refill for my prescription?
Will my charges be submitted to my insurance company?
What do I need to do in order to take a medical leave of absence?
What should I do if I need special parking consideration?
What should I do if I need special housing consideration?
Who should I inform if I will be away from campus for a few days?
Is it possible to see a nutritionist?
Will you send me an itemized statement?
Will you send me copies of my medical records?
Do I need to make appointment for lab tests?
I saw my doctor at home and some tests were ordered. Can I have them done here?
Will it hurt to get blood drawn?
When can I get my lab test results?
Can I do work-out and exercise after my blood test?
How much blood are you taking?
Why are you taking more than one tube of blood?
Can you take it from my finger?
How long do I leave the band-aid on?
Can you use a butterfly needle?
Can I give blood today/tomorrow?
What tests are being done and why?
How do I pay?
How many cycles of Birth Control
Pills will I receive?
How do I transfer my prescription to SU Health Services?
How do I transfer a prescription from Health Services
to another pharmacy?
Does the Health Fee cover medication?
Can I have a prescription written by my family physician
filled by Health Services?
How do I get my outside prescription filled?
I talked to my doctor’s nurse this morning,
when will they fax in my prescription?
I'm out of refills - will you call my doctor?
As a study abroad student, can I purchase medications
for the entire semester?
Will the antibiotic that I am taking interfere with
my Birth Control Pills?
What kinds of birth control pills does the pharmacy
stock?
Do I have refills left on my prescription?
How do I call in a refill?
What kind of payment do you accept?
What are the Pharmacy's hours?
When can I get x-ray results?
Will I have to wait?
What kind of x-rays are done at SUHS?
Will I have to pay for these tests?
How can I get a pregnancy test?
How soon can I get a valid pregnancy test?
I have a positive "home" pregnancy test. What should I do?
How can I get emergency contraception (morning-after) pill (ECP)?
I'm interested in birth control. How can I get more information?
What do I need to do to receive a prescription for a hormonal method of birth control?
What does a GYN exam consist of and what is a Pap Test?
When should I have my first GYN exam?
I have my first pack of birth control pills (BCPs). I forgot how to start.
When can I consider myself protected?
I've heard that some women begin BCP’s on the first day of their period and that they are protected from pregnancy immediately. Is this true?
What do I do if I forget to take a pill during the first 3 weeks?
What if I miss more than one BCP?
What if I want to stop taking BCPs or switch to another form of birth control?
What hormonal methods, other than traditional BCP’s, are offered at SU Health Services?
I have my exams at home and my doctor gives me a prescription for my pills (patch, ring). I ran out and need one month until I see my doctor. Can you help me?
I have my GYN exams at home and I am on Depo Provera. I will need my injection while I’m here at school. Can you give me my Depo injections?
I have a food allergy, where should I go for help?
I am concerned about my roommate. She seems to be losing a lot of weight and not eating a lot. What can I do to help her?
I just became a vegetarian and I am concerned I am not getting enough protein. How can I make sure I am eating well as a vegetarian?
I want to build muscle. Should I take a protein supplement?
General
The Health Services fee is MANDATORY for all full time students. IT IS NOT INSURANCE. The only students who can waive the health fee are those who are enrolled in a special program that takes them away from the campus for the entire semester, i.e. studying abroad, student teaching, an internship, etc. If you are on campus and enrolled full time you must pay the fee. Also, medical coverage through a health insurance plan is not a criterion for exemption. Students are encouraged to have health insurance to cover health care costs for emergency room visits, hospitalization and/or specialty services. The health fee covers more than just illness care. A packet containing the health fee policy and a brochure explaining all of our services is available. Call 315-443-9001 or email Kathy Shattuck at kcshattu@syr.edu for more information.
SU Health Services has extended full-service evening
and weekend hours. Health Services is open:
Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday closed
Hours may vary on holidays and during other periods
when University work hours are altered. After hours, a nurse practitioner
and/or physician is available for telephone consultation through the answering service when appropriate. Syracuse University Ambulance and Medical Transportation Services
are available to provide professional emergency care and medical transportation to area hospitals if needed.
Will I be able to get an excuse note for class?
SUHS does not provide notes to verify visits. When a student is specifically advised to alter activity based on current clinical findings, the recommendation is given to the student in writing. Missed class or incomplete academic work is an issue between the student and the instructor.
Do you fill prescriptions from "outside" doctors?
The SUHS pharmacy accepts prescriptions from both SUHS and other health care providers and participates with most insurance prescription plans. Pharmacy charges can also be billed to the Bursar account. Call 315-443-5691 for more information.
Can I call in a refill for my prescription?
Yes. You are encouraged to call in your refills 48 hours in advance at 315-443-5691. The SUHS pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy providing a wide selection of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical education and counseling.
Will my charges be submitted to my insurance company?
Yes, charges will be submitted to College Blue, SU Blue Point , SU Orange Point, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Card and SU HTH. We are non-participating and do not direct bill other insurance for laboratory or X-ray services. You may, however, receive an itemized statement of charges that you can submit to your insurance company. Pharmacy charges can be billed to a wider range of insurances; check with the pharmacy to see if your insurance is one of them.
What do I need to do in order to take a medical leave of absence?
Begin by completing a Request for a Leave form available from the recorder in your academic school. Once you have submitted the form indicating "health" as your reason for the leave, Health Services will contact you with further instructions. Call 315-443-9001 or email Kathy Shattuck at kcshattu@syr.edu for more specific information.
What should I do if I need special parking consideration?
Available in the Administration Office of Health Services and at Parking Services on Skytop, there is a form that must be completed by you and your personal healthcare provider. In cases that require immediate special parking, SUHS staff may issue a memo for a temporary pass. Please call 315-443-9001 or email Kathy Shattuck at kcshattu@syr.edu for further information.
What should I do if I need special housing consideration?
Contact the Housing, Meals and I.D. Card Services Office at 202 Steele Hall. The phone number is 315-443-2721.
Who should I inform if I will be away from campus for a few days?
Contact the Student Affairs Office at 306 Steele Hall. The phone number is 315-443-4357.
Is it possible to see a nutritionist?
Yes, call 315-443-9005 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Gallant, MS, RD nutritionist at Health Services.
Will you send me an itemized statement?
An itemized receipt may be requested by the student, in person, or with a statement signed by the student.
Will you send me copies of my medical records?
Copies of medical records may be requested by the student in person or with a statement signed by the student. There is a $10 fee for medical records requests. Itemized billing statements and immunization records are provided free of charge.
Laboratory Tests
Do I need to make appointment for lab tests?
No, the laboratory is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to walk-ins. However if your provider has requested you to fast, you must go without food for at least 10 hours before having your blood drawn.
I saw my doctor at home and some tests were ordered. Can I have them done here?
Yes, you must have the doctor’s written order on a script and signed by him or her.
Will it hurt to get blood drawn?
Usually it hurts only when the needle is breaking the skin, and only for a few moments. It helps not to look.
When can I get my lab test results?
Most tests done on site in the lab are available the same day. Send-outs take longer; usually results are available the next day. You may call your provider to discuss results. Please do not call the laboratory for your test results.
Can I work-out and exercise after my blood test?
Yes, if you plan to exercise immediately after having your blood drawn, be sure the puncture site has stopped bleeding completely.
How much blood are you taking?
It depends on the number of tests your provider ordered. The smaller tubes collect 5 ml, and the large tubes about twice that.
Why are you taking more than one tube of blood?
Some tests require a specific amount of blood. A lot of tests require the use of serum, so the blood is collected in a tube where it is allowed to clot and then separated. Some tests require special anticoagulant or preservatives in the tube.
Can you take it from my finger?
Yes, but only as a last option when there is difficulty obtaining the blood from the vein in the arm. Most tests require the specimen collection from an acceptable site by venipuncture. Some tests require a specified amount of blood, drawing that volume from a fingerstick may not be feasible.
How long do I leave the bandage on?
Not very long, you may leave it on the puncture site for at least an hour as
a good measure. Be sure it is no longer bleeding before you discard the band-aid or tape. Should you have concerns about the needlestick site from a blood test, be sure to check with the laboratory or with your provider.
Can you use a butterfly needle?
In very rare situations with difficult venipuncture, the butterfly needle collection kit is used.
Can I give blood today/tomorrow?
Yes, provided you pass the donor screen and requirements by the Red Cross.
What tests are being done and why?
Your provider can answer this best.
Lab tests are not covered by the Health Fee. You can pay at the cashier in Medical Records with cash or check or bill to your bursar's account as a "Health Services Charge."
Pharmacy
How many cycles of Birth Control Pills will I receive?
There are many factors to consider when the pharmacist determines how many cycles to dispense.
- The way in which the prescription was written. The pharmacy may dispense enough cycles to last through the end of eligibility.
- The number of refills remaining on your prescription.
- The number of cycles you have already received for the semester.
- The expiration date of the product.
- The number of cycles allowed by your insurance
All of these factors have to be taken into consideration before the pharmacist can determine how many cycles to dispense.
How do I transfer my prescription to SU Health Services?
Bring your container to the Pharmacy and we will call for the transfer; NYS only allows the transfer of one refill from pharmacy to pharmacy. A transfer will invalidate the remaining refills at pharmacies in other states. For routine medications, it is recommended that you ask your prescriber to call, fax, or mail a new prescription to the Pharmacy. Refills are allowed for up to one year if appropriate.
How do I transfer a prescription from Health Services to another pharmacy?
If you would like your prescription transferred to another pharmacy, request the other pharmacy to call us for a refill authorization. Your provider can also call the other pharmacy with a new prescription
Does the Health Fee cover medication?
No. It is strongly recommended that students have health insurance to cover prescription costs. The cost of the medication (or co-pay) can be billed to the Bursar account.
Can I have a prescription written by my family physician filled by Health Services?
Prescriptions authorized by your family physician are valid here also.
How do I get my outside prescription filled?
If you have a prescription written by an outside physician, you can bring it in or have your physician fax the prescription to us at 315-443-7981, or call us at 315-443-5691.
You should make sure we have received the fax, and are able to fill it. It's helpful if your physician puts your student ID number and birth date on the prescription.
I talked to my doctor’s nurse this morning, when will they fax in my prescription?
There are many factors that affect how long it takes your doctor to phone or fax us your prescription:
- How long it takes the nurse to give them the message - doctors don't necessarily get all the messages immediately.
- The amount of time it takes to request your chart.
- When they can find time to review your records - this can vary depending on how well your doctor knows you, how busy the office is, and the number of patients that are waiting.
- The number of calls and questions they have to answer before they get to yours.
- How they fit this into an already busy schedule of seeing patients. If they're running behind, they might not fax your prescription in until the end of the day.
- How busy the nurses are if they're the ones responsible for faxing in the prescription.
- Some offices do not return calls or fax in prescriptions until the next day.
Please allow at least 24 hours from the time you talked to you doctor before calling to check on your prescription, unless it's an emergency.
I'm out of refills - will you call my doctor?
We can call your provider for refills, but please allow 24 hours. Sometimes your provider will not authorize refills without speaking to the patient; it may be faster for the patient to call directly.
As a study abroad student, can I purchase medications for the entire semester?
If your prescriptions have enough refills and your physician approves, you can purchase the medication necessary to get you through. You also have the option of extending your coverage, which may be cheaper than purchasing the medications. If your refills are covered by a third party insurance, you may need prior authorization for early refills.
Will the antibiotic that I am taking interfere with my birth control pills?
Some antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Please discuss this with your provider or pharmacist. If they feel there may be a decrease in effectiveness, use some other form of back up protection while on the antibiotic and for an additional 7 days.
What kinds of birth control pills does the pharmacy stock?
Check here to see the most recent list of available products (Adobe® Acrobat Reader required).
Do I have refills left on my prescription?
The last line on your most recent prescription label tells you how many refills remain on your prescription to be filled by a certain date. A prescription is good for one year from the date it is written. A controlled drug is good for six months from the date it is written.
You may call for refills via our automated phone service, dial 315-443-5691, option 1 or stop in with the necessary information; please allow 48 hours for routine refills. Leave your name, SU ID number, name of the medication or prescription number (upper left hand corner), and a contact phone number.
What kind of payment do you accept?
If you want to pay for your prescription, our cashier is able to accept cash or check 8:30AM – 4:30PM Monday-Friday. For your convenience, any charges unpaid at the end of the business day are charged to the Bursar account.
What are the Pharmacy's hours?
Our hours are:
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Wednesday-Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Sunday: closed
During Summer and most vacation periods:
Monday thru Friday: 10:30-4:30.
Closed for lunch 12:30-1:00
X-rays
Your provider will review the x-rays at the time they are taken and a Radiologist from St. Joseph's Imaging Associates provides the final interpretation. Official reports are usually available in about 48 hours or two working days.
Yes. The x-ray technician will want to be certain that the procedure and the x-ray
films are clear and acceptable before you leave. The wait takes only a few minutes.
What kind of x-rays are done at SUHS?
Skeletal and chest x-rays are performed. Specialized x-rays are performed at a local reference site, St. Joseph's Imaging Associates, 1200 E. Genesee St.. Students can be transported by our Medical Transport Service.
Will I have to pay for these tests?
Yes. The charges for all x-ray procedures are separate from your Health Fee. Some insurances may cover x-rays. Please request an itemized statement to submit to your insurance. Charges can be billed to your Bursar account.
Women's Health
How can I get a pregnancy test?
You can request a pregnancy test Monday – Friday during full-service hours, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. To request a test, call 443-9005 for an appointment – your request will be confidential. You will be asked to give a urine specimen and results will be available in ~20 minutes.
How soon can I get a valid pregnancy test?
The urine pregnancy test used at Health Services is accurate as early as 7 days after conception and is conclusive at 10 days. The tests conducted under laboratory controls are considered more reliable than "home" pregnancy tests.
I have a positive "home" pregnancy test. What should I do?
You can call for an appointment with our Women’s Health clinic at 443-9005. If you are anxious, a nurse can speak with you. All information is confidential. When you see a nurse practitioner or physician, a second pregnancy test will be performed based on the greater reliability of laboratory controlled testing. If the second test is positive, you will be given options to consider. Whether your decision is to continue or terminate the pregnancy, your decision will remain confidential. You will be assisted in selecting outside health care providers in either choice. It is important to note that the outcome is optimal with early intervention in both cases.
How can I get emergency contraception (morning-after) pill (ECP)?
Emergency contraception, also known as "Plan
B" or "the morning after pill" is available over the counter
at the Health Services pharmacy. Emergency contraception might be effective
up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, but is most effective if
taken within the first 24 hours. Over the counter purchase of emergency
contraception is limited to those age 18 years or older; if you are under
18, it is available by prescription. You must show proof of age at the
time of purchase. Emergency contraception can be purchased by both males
and females. The cost is $50. If you have questions about emergency contraception,
schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers.
I'm interested in birth control. How can I get more information?
Schedule an appointment with a Women's Health provider by calling 443-9005.
What do I need to do to receive a prescription for a hormonal method of birth control?
Prior to beginning hormonal birth control, you will need to have a complete GYN exam with Pap Test. You can schedule an appointment by calling the clinic. If you have had an exam and Pap Test with your own doctor within the past year, you can obtain a copy of the result; however, you will still need to have an exam in order for us to prescribe for you. If you would like your own doctor to prescribe for you, a prescription can be phoned to the Health Services pharmacy at 315-443-5691.
What does a Women's Health exam consist of and what is a Pap Test?
A gynecological (GYN) exam begins with filling out a comprehensive medical history form which will be reviewed with you when you see the nurse practitioner or physician. The examination will include both breast and pelvic exams – neither is painful and both can be completed quickly. During the pelvic exam, a laboratory screening called a Pap Test will be done. This involves brushing small cell samples from the cervix (the muscle sitting at the base of the uterus along the vaginal wall), placing the sample on a slide and sending it to a specialized lab for review.
Pap Tests are not included in your health fee. You may obtain an itemized bill to submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement.
When should I have my first pelvic or internal exam?
A woman should have her first gynecological (GYN) exam and Pap Test when she becomes sexually active or by about age 21.
I have my first pack of birth control pills (BCPs). I forgot how to start.
You must wait for an established period to start your first pack of pills. Once the quickstart period begins, you will take your first pill on the first Sunday i.e., if your period starts on Wednesday, 6/1 then you will take your first pill on Sunday, 6/5. If your period starts on Sunday, you will take your first pill that day. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter whether or not your period is in progress when you take that first pill – you are simply initiating your hormonal contraception at a defined point in your cycle. After the first month, you will simply continue the same pattern cycle after cycle – ending a cycle on Saturday and starting a new cycle on Sunday.
When can I consider myself protected?
You can consider yourself protected after you have taken your pills at the same time of day for seven days. Keep in mind that BCPs are a protection from pregnancy only. You must insist on condoms to protect yourself from STDs.
I've heard that some women begin BCPs on the first day of their period and that they are protected from pregnancy immediately. Is this true?
We find that having patients start BCPs on a common day enhances successful adjustment to taking a medication at the same time each day, a commitment that is easier said than done. Further, our patients adjust to this commitment more readily when the start day for each cycle is on a Sunday (first day of the week, a “quiet” day). The majority of pharmaceutical companies arrange pill packs for a Sunday start. The effectiveness of BCPs is related to consistency; therefore, we do not recommend that BCPs be considered effective immediately. We recommend waiting two weeks into the first cycle before relying solely on BCPs as a contraceptive. We also recommend consistent use of condoms to protect you from STDs.
What do I do if I forget to take a pill during the first 3 weeks?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a pill for an entire day, take it the next day and then take your regular pill at the usual time. Do not take 2 pills together as this can cause nausea – separate the two doses by an hour or more. To minimize or eliminate nausea, take BCPs with food. Being late with BCPs may lead to break-through bleeding i.e., bleeding prior to week 4, or "placebo" week.
What if I miss more than one BCP?
If you miss two or more BCPs, it is best to call the Women’s Health clinic (443-9005) as we can assist you in getting back on track without having to discontinue the cycle. Note that you will need to use condoms for the rest of the cycle because ovulation is possible.
What if I want to stop taking BCPs or switch to another form of birth control?
If you wish to discontinue BCPs, it is important that you finish the cycle first unless you are advised otherwise by a health care provider. If you want to switch to another form of birth control or change to another BCP due to side-effects, call 443-9005 to schedule a discussion. Changing to another BCP or another hormonal method of birth control will not interrupt your protection from pregnancy. You simply complete your current cycle and begin the new BCP or method when you would have started your next pack of pills.
What hormonal methods, other than traditional BCPs, are offered at SU Health Services?
In addition to the 28 day BCPs, you can obtain the following:
- Ortho Evra patch: a patch containing estrogen & progesterone is applied firmly to the skin. The hormone is absorbed through the skin and is 99% effective when used as directed. The method is based on a 28-day cycle and is interchangeable with BCPs.
- Nuva Ring: a soft plastic ring containing estrogen & progesterone is inserted into the vagina where the hormone is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa. The method is 99% effective when used as directed and is based on a 28-day cycle like BCPs & Ortho Evra.
- Depo Provera injection: a progesterone-only method, which is injected intramuscularly within the first 5 days of an established period. The method is immediately 99% effective when started in this manner. Injections are repeated every 11 –13 weeks. Women on Depo Provera usually stop having periods. The menstrual cycle resumes when Depo Provera is discontinued.
- Seasonale: a new 91-day BCP was approved and came on the market in the fall of 2003. This method combines 4 consecutive cycles (84 active pills) and then goes to 7 days of placebos (inactive pills) which allows for a period. The method is 99% effective and reduces periods to 4 per year. Having only 4 periods per year is absolutely acceptable – there is no biological imperative exists for women to have periods at 28-day intervals.
I have my exams at home and my doctor gives me a prescription for my pills (patch, ring). I ran out and need one month until I see my doctor. Can you help me?
If you are about to run out of your 28-day birth control method, you can be given a prescription for one month. Call 315- 443-9005 for an appointment with a Women's Health provider. If possible, bring the package containing your current method with you to the appointment.
I have my Women's Health exams at home and I am on Depo Provera. I will need my injection while I'm here at school. Can you give me my Depo injections?
We can give you your Depo Provera injection on an appointment basis. There is a charge for the injection. You must provide:
- Written confirmation of the date of your last Depo injection
- If possible, a copy of your most recent gynecological exam and Pap findings A record request form is available at Health Services to facilitate your request.
If you have other questions, you can speak with a Women’s Health nurse or provider between 8:30a.m. & 5:00p.m., Monday- Friday. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, call the Women’s Health clinic during the above hours at 443-9005. If calling after 5:00.pm. or on the weekend you will get our answering service. It is best to call during our regular office hours if you have a personal question.
Nutrition
I have a food allergy, where should I go for help?
If you have a food allergy of any kind, it is important that you first make this known on the Syracuse University Health Assessment form. This way, Health Services will have this important information in your medical chart. If you have a meal plan and eat at the various dining centers on campus, please contact the Syracuse University Food Services (SUFS) dietitian at 315-443-9884. The SUFS dietitian will work with you one-on-one to assist you in making healthy and safe food choices related to your food allergy and overall nutritional health. It is also very important that you carry up-to-date allergy medication with you at all times. In case of an emergency dial 711 from a campus phone or 911 if off campus. For more information about Food Allergies please make an appointment with the Syracuse University Health Services Dietitian and/or the Syracuse University Food Services Dietitian.
I am concerned about my roommate. She seems to be losing a lot of weight and not eating a lot. What can I do to help her?
Your roommate may be experiencing some disordered eating patterns or may have an eating disorder. Eating disorders are psychological conditions that affect individuals in many different ways. While many people think that eating disorders are about food, they are not. It is much more complicated than that. The best help you can offer your friend is to encourage her to seek help with professionals at Health Services (443-9005) and the Counseling Center (443-4715). In the meantime, don't talk about food, weight or body image or size. Don't comment on physical attributes or looks. Please realize that you cannot “cure” your friend; successful recovery from disordered eating patterns or an eating disorder requires expert assistance from professionals. However, if this situation is making you uncomfortable or increasing the stress in your life, please come talk to us at Health Services and at the Counseling Center . You should not have to suffer because of your friend's health. For more information about how to help a friend with an eating disorder, pick up “How to help a friend 101” and other health resources at Health Services.
I just became a vegetarian and I am concerned I am not getting enough protein. How can I make sure I am eating well as a vegetarian?
To ensure an adequate intake of protein as a vegetarian, try eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products. Some grains like quinoa are also good sources of protein. Also, don't forget foods such as hummus and nut butters. Iron rich foods include, beans, and iron enriched cereals and breads. To maximize the amount of iron that is absorbed from foods, try to include a vitamin C rich food like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and such with your meals. So, for example, throw some berries in your cereal or yogurt; or add tomatoes to your sandwich or salad; or drink orange juice with your cereal for breakfast. Dark leafy green vegetables are also good sources of iron and vitamin C.
Zinc can be found in fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, legumes, soy products and enriched breads and cereals. Many dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D as well as soy milks and breakfast cereals. Other sources are egg yolks, cream cheese and shrimp.
I want to build muscle. Should I take a protein supplement?
You need several things to put on healthy muscle mass:
- An overall appropriate amount of calories from carbohydrates, fat and protein. Usually, your carbohydrate intake should be about 60-65% or your total caloric intake. Your intake of fat should not exceed 30% of your total caloric intake and the rest can come from protein (about 10 to 15%). Increasing only the protein portion of this caloric intake can make your kidneys work more than normal. While athletes need a little more protein than individuals who don't work out, the increase is probably not as much as you think; 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight is recommended. Athletes completing heavy resistance training may benefit from 0.5 to 0.75 grams per pound of body weight.
- Water: Maintaining proper hydration is essential to protein digestion and athletic performance.
- Consistent and safe strength training. Please consult with staff at Recreational Services for more information.
- Rest! A fatigued muscle will do you no good. The gains you see in added muscle mass come from the body's repair during times of rest between work outs.
- Patience and time. You will not develop muscle tone and “be cut” in one day, one week or probably one month. Be patient, work out safely and give yourself and your body time to build muscle mass in a healthy way.