SPIRITUAL FAQs

Q.  I’m unsure of my religious faith.  Is there anyone I can talk to about this?
A.  LLU Campus Ministries is a safe haven for community building, encouragement, prayer and spiritual direction.  Students are encouraged to drop by for a visit, leave a note, or send an email.  They are located in Room 1103 of the Drayson Center, and can be reached at (909) 558-8348 or campusministries@llu.edu.

 

PHYSICAL FAQs

Q. Where can I find information regarding my health coverage?
A.    The student health plan is administered through the Department of Risk Management.  Please call (909) 558-4386 or visit 11161 Anderson St. Suite 200 which is located above the Campus Store.  Office hours are from 8am-5pm on Monday-Thursday and 8am-2pm on Friday.

Q.  Are routine physicals covered by my health plan?
A.  Yes.   Plan provisions, limitations and exclusions apply see your student health plan document for details.

Q.  Where do I get a health plan document?
A.  Contact the Department of Risk Management. You can also refer to the plan summary and PPO list you received during orientation.

Q.  Where can I go for medical services?
A. The Student Health Plan has a Preferred Provider Network.  If you utilize Student Health there will be no co-pay.  If you use a preferred provider there will be a $40 co-pay for most services.  If you choose to go outside the network it will be a higher out of pocket share of cost.  For detailed information see plan document.

Q.  Do I receive coverage for my prescription medications?
A. Yes.  Prescription medications can be obtained through Caremark pharmacies and can be obtained for up to a 30 day supply with applicable co-pays.  Prescriptions can also be obtained from preferred provider pharmacies which include the Medical Center, Faculty Medical Offices, Campus and Community (located in the professional plaza) pharmacies at reduced co-pays.  Fiscal plan year maximum applies.

Q. If I want to know my cholesterol levels where do I go?
A. Student health, one of the preferred providers or other doctors can order these tests in conjunction with a physical or annual exam.  Plan limits apply.

Q.  If I need a same-day appointment who can I call?
A. Possible options are Student Health, Urgent Care, some providers (ie. Family Medicine, Pediatrics, etc.) whose services are subject to applicable co-pays.

Q. Am I automatically enrolled in the health plan?
A. An enrollment form must be completed and filed with the Department of Risk Management.  Fees are included in student tuition.  Family coverage can be purchased during quarterly open enrollment times through the Dept. of Risk.  Please note the following days for open enrollment:

Enrollment Period	Coverage Period
Sept. 15-30	Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Dec. 15-31	Jan. 1-March 31
March 15-31	April 1 – June 30
June 15-30	July1 – Sept. 30

 Q. How do I find out if I am on the plan already?
A. You should have received a health plan (Caremark)  ID Rx card once enrolled.  If you have not received a card please contact Risk Management at (909) 558-4386.

Q. What happens if I am covered under another health plan?
A. The student health plan is a secondary coverage health plan to any other group health plan.  This means that all health services should be billed to the primary health plan first then the student health plan will coordinate benefits.

Q. Does the student health plan cover dental check-ups, vision exams or glasses?
A. No. The plan will only provide medical coverage on an excess basis.

Q. Does the plan have a pre-existing condition exclusion?
A. Yes.  See plan document for details.

Q. Where can I go to exercise?
A. The Loma Linda University Drayson Center is a $16.2 million state of the art facility which includes basket ball, racquetball and tennis courts, aerobics studios, cardio and weight rooms, 10-lane lap pool, a leisure pool and an outdoor jacuzzi.  This facility is located on 25040 Stewart Street.  Hours:  Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10:00pm and Friday 5:30am-4:30pm (hours subject to change based on the sunset schedule)

Q. Where can I go to receive personal training or massage?
A. The Drayson Center provides these services.  Personal training sessions start at $50/hour and massage begins at $35.  Please visit http://www.llu.edu/llu/drayson/wellness.html to find a detailed description on services and pricing.

Q. Where can I go to receive nutrition information?
A. The Drayson Center offers one-on-one consultations with a Registered Dietician for $35 for a 45 minute consultation.

Q.  What is BMI?
A. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a fairly good measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.  To calculate your BMI and find out what category you belong to visit http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.

Q. What is cholesterol?
A. Cholesterol is a waxy type substance that is produced in the body and is necessary for proper body function.  However, too much cholesterol can place you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
  
Q. Are there different types of cholesterol?
A. Yes.  Cholesterol is sometimes packaged as lipoproteins.  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) delivers cholesterol to the body.  High-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) removes cholesterol from the blood stream. 

Q. What should my cholesterol levels be?
A. Total Cholesterol <200
LDL cholesterol 100-129
HDL >40

• For more information about cholesterol and cholesterol levels visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cholesterol.html

Q. How much exercise should I be getting?
A. You should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every single day.  Visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html to find out more on what exercise programs are best for you and read the latest literature.

Q. Where can I go to and read about easy and practical health tips?
A. Visit http://www.explorewholeness.com/living-whole.html and you will find issues of the Living Whole Newsletter.

Q. Can exercise help reduce a person's stress level?
A. Yes. Research has found that there are mental health benefits from exercise, including reduced stress and increased confidence for those who exercise regularly -- even 20 minutes a day. Exercise helps you improve your overall health. It also reduces your risk of developing chronic (life-long) conditions such as heart disease, and may help prevent dementia and some forms of cancer.
LLU student and spouse membership to the Loma Linda University Drayson Centeris included in student fees.Faculty and full-time benefited staff and their spouses: Membership is part of the employee benefit package.

Q. Is there somewhere I can go for treatment of a chemical dependency?
A. Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center's chemical dependency services is an adult program providing the highest quality of care consistent with the guidelines of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Chemical dependency services endorses the 12-step, self-help approach to recovery. The program offers the flexibility of several different levels of care including inpatient and a variety of outpatient treatment alternatives.
For more information, visit: LLUBMC - Chemical Dependency Program. Or call (909) 558-9277.

Q. What are the dangers of eating disorders?
A. When faced with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, life can seem lonely, hopeless, and depressing. Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center has developed a nurturing program for the adult patient suffering from this illness to begin the healing process and restoring hope by addressing all aspects of the individual's mind, body, and spirit. The program's goals are to provide a safe and healing environment to understand the root cause of the eating disorder so the individual may have lifelong freedom. You can view a list of personalized treatment services.
For more information, please call LLUBMC at (800) 752-5999 or (909) 558-9275. Visit Eating disorder FAQs.

 

INTELLECTUAL FAQs

Q. I’m feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork and managing my time, where can I go for help?
A. The LLU Student Counseling program can help students find practical solutions to difficulties experience in personal or academic life. LLU students receive 9 free visits per academic school year. Located on Barton Road and Mountain View Ave, they can be reached at (909) 558-6028. Hours are: Monday – Thursday 8 am – 7 pm, Friday 8 am – 4 pm.

 

EMOTIONAL FAQs

1. Why is it important to understand my emotions?
There are many ways in which we experience life: our thoughts, emotions, and sensations are three such ways. Many people have clear awareness of at least one of these elements of experience, but not of all three. Individuals who have trouble moving on after a loss, for example, typically have been unable to deal with their loss cognitively, emotionally, or experientially.

2. Do men and women really deal with their emotions so differently?
Yes and no. Any experience we have is viewed through the lens of our socialization. Boys and girls are rewarded by society for behaving and thinking in distinct ways. Culture and ethnicity also influences how we view and experience our emotions.

3. What happens when people ignore their emotions?
Feelings that are ignored can “leak out” into other areas of life such as relationships, physical health, spiritual outlook, and habits. A large number of issues for which individuals seek counseling such as eating disorders, substance abuse, pornography addiction, or failed relationships, involve mismanaged or ignored emotions.

4. How might counseling help me deal with emotions?
A counselor or therapist can help you become aware of numerous aspects of your life experiences, both past and present, to help you find healthy ways to express your emotions rather than ignore them or act on them in unfortunate ways.

5. Aren’t some feelings bad or sinful?
Humans were created with the capacity to experience a wide range of emotions. The bad or sinful aspect of feelings doesn’t come from experiencing them; it comes from acting on them in unhealthy ways. People can also feel one thing such as sadness, but act in an angry way. Likewise, feeling angry doesn’t mean that you must hurt someone else. It may mean that a boundary was crossed or that you didn’t take care of yourself in some way, among other things.

 

Q. I’m feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork and managing my time, where can I go for help?
A. The LLU Student Counseling program can help students find practical solutions to difficulties experience in personal or academic life. LLU students receive 9 free visits per academic school year. Located on Barton Road and Mountain View Ave, they can be reached at (909) 558-6028. Hours are: Monday – Thursday 8 am – 7 pm, Friday 8 am – 4 pm.   The Student Assistance Program also offers 8 free sessions per academic school year to LLU students. Located at 11360 Mountain View Ave, Loma Linda, they can be reached at (909) 558-6050.

Q.  Who can I talk to if I’m having trouble fitting in at LLU?
A. Located on Barton Road and Mountain View Ave., the Student Counseling Program can help students find practical solutions to difficulties experienced in personal and academic life.  Students get 9 free visits a year and can attend additional sessions with copay.  They can be reached at (909) 558-6028 or jdyer@llu.edu (all services are confidential).  Students are also encouraged to talk to their dean or advisor. 

Q. I am facing an ethical dilemma at work, but I am worried about going to someone associated with Loma Linda. Where can I go?
A. At the Loma Linda Employee Assistance Program (LLEAP), your confidentiality is important. Often times, employees are referred to LLEAP to address work-related problems. LLEAP will not release information to your employer without your prior written consent. All appointments are staggered in order to ensure that employees will not encounter coworkers in the office or waiting area. The office is equipped with three exit points, further guaranteeing your confidentiality. All LLEAP services are free of charge to benefit eligible employees, their spouses, and children. Located on Mountain View Avenue in Loma Linda, they can be reached at (909) 558-6050.

Q. I don’t like asking for help, but I’m not sure how to handle the situation I’m dealing with.
A. Reaching out for help can be a daunting task at times, which is why the staff at the Loma Linda Employee / Student Assistance Program (LLEAP) is committed to providing you with a comfortable and accepting environment in which to share your concerns. You can expect to be treated with dignity and respect by LLEAP's skilled and sensitive staff which has demonstrated expertise in the following areas of treatment:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Burnout
• Marital problems
• Family conflict
• Child & adolescent difficulties
• Post-traumatic stress
• Psychiatric disorders
• Substance abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Eating disorders
• Gambling addiction
• Legal concerns
• Medical problems
• Financial difficulties
• Grief
• Life transitions
• Work-related problems

 

RELATIONAL FAQs

Can someone who has hurt me ever be considered safe?

There are many reasons why people begin abusing their intimate partner. Both men and women can be abusive in intimate relationships. Many individuals wonder when it is safe to get back together again with their partner after there has been abuse. This is difficult to ascertain since many abusers may appear to have sincerely repented, only to return to abusive behaviors once ensconced in their familiar environment. A person who abuses others has a moral and spiritual responsibility to tackle this issue with those who can help him or her: therapists, treatment groups, etc. It is the responsibility of the abused to find help for themselves as well, so they will not continue to be harmed or allow harm to their children. Pushing back, or requiring the abuser to get help before he or she can be allowed back into the home is often what prompts the abuser to comply with treatment.

Here are guidelines to help you know if the person who has hurt you should be welcomed back to the family. All of these things should be in place before someone who has hurt you is considered “safe.”

1. They have gained insight about how they developed into abusers. This may mean that they have participated in therapy, or through reflection, are able to explain what has prompted them to turn to abuse as a way to get their needs met and relate to intimate others.

2. They learn and practice new skills for anger management, intimacy enhancement communication, self-expression, and relationship maintenance.  An abuser who has made an about-face should be actively involved in learning and trying to put to use good solid interpersonal skills that are devoid of coercion and intimidation. Instead, the abuser expresses an openness and curiosity about new ways of being.

 

3. They readily admit they have been abusers and that their natural manner of relating is to behave in abusive ways.  The denial and minimization about the extent and impact of their behavior on others is no longer present.

4. They attempt to right their wrongs to the abused through seeking forgiveness and remuneration of losses.  There is a new sense of humbleness about what they have done to others. This is not a groveling, handwringing type of grief. It is an attitude that can be represented by the following comment:  “I have behaved in this relationship in abusive, controlling, intimidating, and unsafe ways. I want to compensate for that in whatever way I am capable right now.”  This may take the form of paying for a his wife’s therapy, making it possible for her, a previously “trapped at home” woman, to go to school or get a job. He will be willing to take over household responsibilities in order to free her up to pursue whatever she desires outside the home.

5. Abusers will encourage the abused to take whatever steps are required to feel safe and to aid in personal growth.  The abuser will respect the partner’s need for a period of sexual abstinence after having been coerced into undesirable sexual activities with the abuser or losing sexual interest because of physical or emotional abuse. Trust must be regained first. Abusers also recognize that their victim(s) may need to withhold information after having been forced to reveal every thought, act, or whereabouts to the abuser. Other victims may wish to completely absent themselves from the abuser for a time until they feel strong enough to rebuild the relationship. An abuser who is in recovery will respect the victim’s needs and will not press or harass them into healing in the way the abuser thinks they should. In other words, the needs of the victim will be put first.

6. A series of checks and balances will be arranged so the abuser will be accountable for his/her actions. S/he will intently adhere to this arrangement by participating in an abuser group, therapy, and/or utilizing support of friends and community. In other words, s/he is aware that s/he has been in a closed system without any accountability. The abuser now asks others to help manage himself/herself if necessary. This abuser will not say things like, “Let’s just go back to how we were before.”  The accountability issue is enormous, and a recovering abuser takes full advantage of whatever emotional resources are available to them.

7. Grief work will be completed or at least started.  An abuser will have plenty to grieve: how much their behavior has cost the abuser and their relationships; the pain they have caused the family; and how difficult normal social and emotional development has been for the family members while being preoccupied with enduring the abuse. The abuser will discuss these failings with the partner and children and seek to find ways to grow with them as they change (and seek their forgiveness). This is sad, hard work. Healthy working through is evidenced by expression of remorse and the individual engaging in their own grief work, rather than frequently reminding the family of how sad they feel, how despondent their behavior makes them feel, etc. (These latter behaviors forces the family into taking care of the abuser, rather than the abuser taking responsibility for the consequences of their own behavior).

8. New, realistic personal, relational, and family goals will be created. To say, “I’ll never hit her again” is a good goal, but it isn’t good enough to stop there. It is a naïve promise that shows that the abuser thinks abuse was only about hitting or yelling. If an abuser is serious about not abusing again, she will negotiate with family members for what each individual needs and wants out of a relationship with her. There may need to be new rules about what behaviors will not be tolerated by the family, or what the abuser will need to do if she feels that she is reaching a dangerous level of intensity. Everything is renegotiated openly, either formally with a therapist, or in private with each individual.

9. Abusers will mentally turn over a new leaf in their relationships.  Abusers who are not serious will say things like, “Why can’t we just go back to how we were?” Changed abusers will realize that such a course is unsafe and undesirable—without hope of lasting change. Most who are really serious about changing will seek out a therapist to broker new rules and roles in their relationships.

10. Abusers will seek either spiritual healing or growth, especially in light of their need for forgiveness and ability to adhere to their recovery plan. It is a rare abuser who has not reached for some sort of new life philosophy to guide or strengthen them as they make such drastic emotional and life changes. Almost every life assumption is challenged in recovery, and all the pain of their past seems to beg for resolution. So it is not surprising that most need a new way of giving meaning to their lives. Those who believe in God most value a sense of forgiveness and hope that they can become different people with God’s (or a Higher Power’s) empowerment.

Adapted from Understanding Intimate Violence (1999), Barbara Couden, ed. Review & Herald Publishing.

 

CULTURAL FAQS

Q. What type of student groups exist at LLU? How can I find out about events happening at and around campus? I’m unsure of my religious faith…is there anyone I can talk to about this?
A. View LLU student organizations here: http://www.llu.edu/central/sao/studentorg.page

Q. I want to spend more time outdoors. Where can I find a list of parks and recreation in the area?
A. To find a park to enjoy reading, playing soccer, or relaxing in the Loma Linda area, visit Loma Linda Parks.
For a list of state parks and beaches in California, including places of where to camp and hike, view: CA State Parks.            
Visit National Parks in California.

Q. What type of student groups are on campus?
A.    A partial listing of Loma Linda University student groups can be found at www.llu.edu/llu/handbook/life-gov.html.  Some of these groups include the Asian Pacific Islanders Students’ Association, the Black Health Professional Student Association, Club Internationale, etc.  Additionally, most schools have their own student associations: School of Public Health Student Association, School of Medicine Student Association, etc.  Some student groups are also arranged by subject area: Logos (drama), Testimony (choir), etc.     

Q.  How can I find out about events happening at and around campus?
A.  LLU Online maintains a calendar of events that includes school related deadlines and various social activities.  Upcoming events are posted on BlackBoard under the “Students” tab, and a link to the master calendar is also provided.  BlackBoard can be accessed at https://lluonline.llu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.