Wellness FAQs

The current name, BroncoFit, is misleading and doesn’t accurately reflect the department’s mission of promoting wellness.

The name change to Wellness Services clearly communicates the department’s focus on overall well-being, encompassing more than just physical fitness.

Our wellness team has gone through a process of updating our goals, mission and vision for the work that we do. The name change allows for more alignment with our mission, vision, and goals as a department. 

Wellness Services is working towards creating America’s healthiest learning environment through all aspects of well-being and the 8 dimensions of wellness. Wellness Services encourages the campus community to Be Well through support, education, programming, events, and outreach.

We hire both undergraduate and graduate students at Wellness Services! Our positions open each Spring, so keep an eye out on Handshake or email us at wellness@boisestate.edu

Healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (that’s about 4 cups of coffee).

Caffeine is also found in teas, energy drinks, chocolate, and other foods and beverages. Learn more about caffeine consumption from the FDA .

7-9 hours! For more on sleep health, visit the National Sleep Foundation 

In general, you should be tested at least once a year for STDs. Depending on your sexual activity (like how many sexual partners you have or what type of sex you are having) your healthcare provider may suggest being tested more frequently. You should ask your provider to find out how often getting tested makes sense for you!

It is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual activity. Your provider will first ask you questions about what type of sex you are having, how many partners you are sexually active with, and if you have any particular questions or concerns you would like to ask them about. 

Depending on what STDs your provider may ask you for any of the following: 

• a blood sample (from either a blood draw or a finger prick)
• a urine sample
• a swab of the inside of the mouth
• a swab from the genitals, such as the urethra (penis) or the cervix (vagina) 
• A swab from the rectum
• a swab of any discharge or sores

Depending on what you have been tested for, some samples can provide immediate results, however, it is likely that your provider will have to contact you at a later date with test results.

• All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
• All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
• All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B starting early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Testing should be repeated as needed to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
• All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
• Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
• Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.

You can get tested and find other sexual health resources through our on-campus clinic, Health Services. 

Want to get tested somewhere else or are looking for a location out of state? Enter your zip code and find an STD testing center near you! 

If you and your partner both take preventative steps, yes, you can still safely have sex! Prevention efforts should include:

• The person who is HIV positive should take their prescribed medication.
• The person who is NOT HIV positive may consider taking “PrEP” (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medicine that significantly reduces your chances of contracting HIV.
• If the person who is NOT HIV positive may have been exposed, they may consider taking “PEP” (post-exposure prophylaxis), a medicine that could help prevent HIV after exposure.
• Use condoms correctly, every time you have sex.

Learn more from the CDC 

Having an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider is important to identify which birth control option is right for you! 

For a general idea, you can also take the quiz from Teen Health Source.

Yes, though it is less likely than when you are not on your period. 

Yes! Ejaculated sperm can also remain alive for up to 5 days after sex. Fertilization is still possible as long as the sperm remains alive.

If you are having vaginal sex:

• Immediately stop, the condom is no longer acting as a barrier method to protect against STIs or pregnancy. If you would like to continue having sex, replace the condom with a brand new one.
• If unwanted pregnancy is a concern, consider taking emergency contraception (often called “the morning after pill”) within 72 hours (even if the partner with a penis hasn’t ejaculated, the partner with a vagina could still have been exposed to sperm).
• If you or your partner has a known STD, consider discussing the situation with your healthcare provider.
• If you or your partner are HIV positive, consider going to an emergency service clinic to begin a 28-day antiviral medication, “PEP” (post-exposure prophylaxis), which must be started within 72 hours.

If you are having anal sex:

• Immediately stop, the condom is no longer acting as a barrier method to protect against STIs. If you would like to continue having sex, replace the condom with a brand new one.
• If you or your partner has a known STD, consider discussing the situation with your healthcare provider.
• If you or your partner are HIV positive, consider going to an emergency service clinic to begin a 28-day antiviral medication, “PEP” (post-exposure prophylaxis), which must be started within 72 hours
• Consider getting tested for HIV 18-90 days after this incident occurs. Due to the sensitivity of anal tissue, HIV transmission is more likely to occur through this type of sex. HIV tests can only provide accurate results once your body has had enough time to potentially build enough antibodies to show up on a test. The type of test you get will determine the accuracy and how quickly you can be tested. For more information on HIV testing, go to hiv.gov 

If you are having oral sex:

• Immediately stop, the condom is no longer acting as a barrier method to protect against STIs. If you would like to continue having sex, replace the condom with a brand new one.
• If you or your partner has a known STD, consider discussing the situation with your healthcare provider.

Nope! We do accept most insurances, but also offer payment plans for those without insurance, or without accepted insurance!

Yes! Virtual sessions are called “tele-health” and it means you can see your provider virtually!

You can text “home” to 741-741 to speak to a counselor 24/7! This is a national service that you can access from anywhere!

Move. Eat. Sleep. Move at least 30 minutes a day in ways that make you feel good. Eat a variety of foods that are nutritious and enjoyable! Sleep should be a priority! Aim for 7-9 hours a night and take naps (in addition to 7-9 hrs)

If you are worried for the well-being or safety of someone you know at Boise State, Submit a CARE report and university staff will reach out to them. Go to CARE.boisestate.edu

The transition to resident hall dining is difficult for many reasons; new found freedom, lack of structure, and new foods! While it is important to enjoy a variety of foods, remember that eating from each food group provides many health benefits. 

When you make your plate, aim to include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (salad bar, sliced fruit, berries, etc)
• Protein (grilled chicken, eggs, yogurt, etc)
• Unsaturated fats (avocado, olive oil, tuna fish, nuts)
• Whole grains (oatmeal, wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa) 

Have more questions? Speak with registered dietitian, Jessica Butler, for general nutrition questions or talk about your special dietary needs. Contact: jessica.butler@compass-usa.com or (208) 426-2349.

Protein needs vary depending on a person’s size, activity level, activity type, age, and pre-existing conditions. Generally, this is the recommended protein intake:

These recommendations for protein are provided in one-ounce equivalents:

• One ounce of cooked meat, poultry, or fish
• ¼ cup cooked beans
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ ounce nuts or seeds

Nut butters, nuts, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), soy (tofu, tempeh, edamame), eggs, dairy products, quinoa

Yes, ask Jess! Dining services registered dietitian, Jessica Butler, is your guide to healthy eating at Boise State. Ask general nutrition questions or talk about your special dietary needs. Contact: butler-jessica1@aramark.com or (208) 426-2349.

Remember that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins will likely provide you with your needed vitamins and minerals. If you feel your diet is well-rounded you likely do not need to take a supplement.

If you decide you are in need of additional nutrients, look for supplements that have been third-party certified. This means that an organization that is not the supplement company vouched for the quality, manufacturing, and ingredients listed. Third-party regulation certifications to look for: NSF, NSF Sport, and USP

Lastly, only take the supplement as recommended to avoid toxicity.

• Campus Food Pantry: The campus food pantry is available to all students who need access to food and hygiene products. Simply bring your student ID number to the Campus School building, and they will assist you in selecting whatever it is you need! Check out their website for more information
• Meal Assistance Program: Those eligible can redeem 10 meals at the Boise River Café. Check out their website for more information

Apple and nut butter, cheese and crackers, trail mix, fruit and yogurt, hard-boiled eggs with fruit, veggies, and hummus, lunch meat, and tortilla roll-up. 

For a filling snack, try to include protein, carbohydrates, and fat. We call these mini-meals!

We are all unique when it comes to what type and amount of food our body wants. Rather than following a trendy diet that tries to fit everyone into one group, listen to what your body needs. 

Mindful eating is the practice of listening to your hunger and fullness, enjoying a variety of foods without judgment, and noticing how different foods make you feel. So, rather than following a specific eating plan, listen to what your body is telling you!

Yes! Carbohydrates are important for brain function, energy level, vitamin and mineral consumption, digestion, and so much more. Carbohydrates are found in many foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.

Boise State benefit-eligible employees are allotted 60 minutes of Wellness Release Time per week with supervisor approval. On-campus activities will be approved as well as some off-campus activities in which the supervisor can request documentation. The 60 minutes can be used all at once or divided throughout the week (15 minutes for four days a week, 30 minutes for 2 days a week, etc.) To utilize this service, please fill out the Wellness Release Time Form

All eligible employees can access the employee assistance program (EAP), which covers five counseling sessions per year for you or anyone in your immediate family. Boise State’s Counseling Services is an approved EAP provider, so employees are able to utilize the on campus counselors. For more information on the EAP, visit the Human Resources website.

Wellness champions act as liaisons between Wellness Services and their teams. They receive information on upcoming programs and are asked to send it on to the employees in their department. They are also encouraged to participate in programs that interest them and ask coworkers to join them. Wellness Champions have a huge impact on our campus, helping employees be aware of what is available to them and increasing participation in all programs. Are you interested in this small time commitment that’s fun, engaging, and focused on well-being? Sign up for Wellness Release Time. For questions email kenziesorrells@boisestate.edu

Boise State employees have full access to our on campus health clinic! This includes medical, counseling, and wellness services. Employees can utilize our medical providers as primary care or urgent care. We accept the Blue Cross of Idaho plan through Boise State, and we also accept most other insurances. Please call (208) 426-1459 to schedule or for questions.

The employee page on the Wellness Services website will have the most updated information on all available programs. If you have an employee wellness champion within your department, they will have the latest updates as well!