BYU health experts stressed the value of regular checkups for students, noting its role in preventing health issues and supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Liana P. Au, medical director at the Student Health Center, emphasized the value of regular checkups. According to Au, checkups are critical in detecting underlying health concerns and addressing general well-being.
“I recommend students to get checkups at least two to three times during their time here,” Au said.
Despite these benefits, many students opt to visit doctors only when sick or injured. Kristin Bateman, a BYU sophomore, admitted she rarely schedules checkups. Bateman, like many students, tends to schedule medical appointments when visiting home rather than utilizing resources offered on campus
“I don’t love going to the doctor, and I make the excuse that I don’t have enough time,” Bateman said.
This trend is consistent with other students’ experiences. The convenience of parental involvement and familiarity with hometown providers often leads students to delay medical visits until school breaks. Freshman Brendan Gray shared that he had a checkup over Christmas break rather than at school.
“It’s easier and cheaper at home,” Gray said. “ My parents set it up, and it’s a lot simpler that way.”
Dr. Au noted the BYU Student Health Center is an accessible option for students because of shorter wait times than many other clinics and urgent care centers. She also highlighted the advantage of forming a relationship with a healthcare provider on campus.
“A benefit to going to the student health center for checkups is establishing a relationship with a provider,” Au said. “It can make it easier to receive treatment when you get sick or injured.”
Checkups serve as more than just routine health evaluations. They help identify early signs of health issues that could otherwise go unnoticed, such as cancer, chronic illness and even mental illness. Many students visit the health center for mission paperwork, but health officials encourage them to make regular appointments beyond those requirements.
For students balancing academic demands, prioritizing health may seem daunting, but it is necessary.
By utilizing campus health resources, students can take proactive steps in managing their well-being. Universities, including BYU, continue to improve accessibility and awareness to encourage students to seek regular medical care. Establishing these habits early can lead to a lifetime of better health, ensuring students can succeed.
“Your physical well-being plays into your mental well-being,” Bateman said. “It affects your grades and performance in college, so making checkups a priority is important.”