Aggie Health and Wellness Center to students: Use campus resources to stay healthy

Regular health and wellness checkups are an important part of maintaining a balanced and successful college experience, but many young adults delay care until problems become more serious. At New Mexico State University, the Aggie Health and Wellness Center reminds students to make their physical and mental health a priority and use the wide range of resources available on campus. 

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Luis Escobedo, medical director of the AHWC. “It is best to seek help for concerns at the earliest opportunity before they become serious problems. Treatments – both medical and emotional – are most effective when started early.” 

The AHWC provides services that support students’ physical and emotional well-being. These include routine physical exams, heart screenings, travel vaccinations, and ROTC or athletic physicals, along with counseling and psychological care. The center also offers programs such as its twice-yearly Healthy Heart Program, which provides laboratory testing – even for students who feel healthy – to help detect potential issues early. 

On the mental health side, AHWC recently implemented TimelyCare, a virtual telehealth option that connects NMSU main campus, global, and Doña Ana Community College students, as well as faculty and staff, to counseling services, on-demand mental health support and self-help tools. The platform is available 24/7, year-round, from any U.S. state, in English or Spanish, and includes real-time translation in more than 200 languages. Students also have access to medication management services in person or virtually.

“Physical illnesses tend to be less common among students, but mental and emotional health needs are frequent,” Escobedo said. 

Bethany Wellman, director of student counseling at the Counseling and Student Development Center, said expanding flexibility is key to meeting students where they are. 

“Our center is always looking for creative solutions to support people who are navigating multiple demands and complicated schedules in a complex sociopolitical landscape,” Wellman said. “More flexible scheduling options, such as those provided through TimelyCare, are one step in that process.” 

She also encouraged students not to hesitate when it comes to seeking help. “Many students are aware of the scarcity of resources and delay seeking help because they think others may need the services more,” Wellman said. “But by accessing your resources, you demonstrate to your institution and community leaders the value of those services. Your needs are not a burden. Making those needs known guides institutional policy and improves access to care.” 

Looking ahead, Escobedo said he hopes to expand staffing and strengthen programs that encourage lifelong healthy habits. 

“Diabetes, heart disease and cancer – three common conditions – are strongly linked to unhealthy behaviors,” he said. “We want to be in a stronger position to help students eat healthy, stay active and adopt lifestyles that prevent disease and reduce reliance on substances such as alcohol and tobacco.” 

Escobedo emphasized that students should not wait until small issues become big ones. 

“Whether it’s a physical illness or an emotional concern, care is most effective at the start,” he said. “We encourage all Aggies to take advantage of the resources on campus. Staying healthy, body and mind, will improve your college experience and set you up for success long after graduation.” 

For more information about services, appointments and resources at the Aggie Health and Wellness Center, visit https://wellness.nmsu.edu/.