College Prep 101: Healthcare
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Source: Northwestern Medicine
College is where many Wyoming students first experience newfound independence – from navigating classes and meeting new people to handling their own meals and laundry. It's also a time when they start taking charge of their own health and wellness. Approaching health confidently is essential in helping them feel well-prepared.
The best way to help children prepare to take on the many challenges of their new home away from home is to make sure they have the right tools and resources from the start.
First, schedule a visit with your family physician before your kid leaves for school. At the appointment, come prepared to discuss a game plan to get your young adult ready.
Here’s a checklist of things you may want to do:
Check vaccinations are up-to-date. You’ll also want to get a copy of your child’s vaccination history in case a healthcare provider needs to know his or her medical history while away at school or if the school needs one for its record.
Encourage your child to talk about sex. Both sons and daughters can benefit from a frank discussion with their physicians about safe sex, STDs and the HPV vaccine. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so you may also want to discuss condom use and long-term birth control options.
Get any needed prescriptions filled. In addition, have them bring along hard-copy prescriptions – or have their physician phone or fax them – to college, so that your kids can make arrangements to have future prescriptions filled at a pharmacy nearby.
Stock up on any needed vitamins or supplements. Discuss with your physician which vitamins or supplements could benefit your child. College is often associated with poor nutrition, poor sleep and hit-or-miss exercise. Your physician might recommend certain vitamins or supplements to keep your kid’s health on track.
Pack a first aid kit. Consider packing these items in a plastic, waterproof container to store in a college dorm room: tweezers, adhesive bandages, non-stick gauze, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, ice pack, heating pad (or a warm pack), acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, antihistamine, throat lozenges, thermometer and eye wash
Also include inside the kit your family physician’s phone number, the campus clinic’s phone number and copies of any pertinent health insurance information. Personal information to include are your kid’s blood type, any medical or food allergies, any medical conditions and an emergency contact. Your family physician can also give recommendations on other items your kid should consider bringing to school.
Campus Life
Participate in activities to promote your overall health. Eating right, getting enough sleep (at least 8 or 9 hours a night), and being active will keep you feeling energized and can reduce stress.
Take advantage of nutritious options in the college dining hall or other eateries. Be conscious of the right number of calories for you to consume to be healthy (about 1,800 per day for an 18-year-old female, and about 2,200 a day for an 18-year-old male, though active teens and athletes may require more). Be sure to get enough protein, veggies, and other nutritious foods to fuel your busy life. And keep an eye on fats, sugars, and sodium. Finally, be aware that late-night eating can add calories you didn’t plan on.
If you have a chronic health condition, make sure roommates or someone close to you knows about your health condition, signs of problems, and what to do in an emergency. If your problem is particularly complex or challenging, consider talking with or meeting with a health center staff member before the academic year starts.
Avoid excessive drinking and risky behaviors. Studies have shown that most students on campus don’t use drugs and either don’t drink, or do so in so moderation. And surveys of college students show that most have zero or one sexual partner in a year. So you don’t need to engage in these behaviors in order to fit in. Drinking excessively can open you up to significant health risks (accidents, fights, date rape/sexual assault).
Find out what resources are available to support you. Often there are support groups and student services available on campus to help address the transition to college. It’s normal for someone starting at college to have days when they feel sad, homesick, or a bit lost. If these feelings last for more than a week or so, or are interfering with your ability to work or enjoy your college experience, seek help. The health center or counseling center is a good place to start. You can also text or call the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
At Campbell County Health, your family is our number one priority! From birth to adulthood, our care and dedication is unwavering. Call our Family Medicine Clinic today to schedule your appointment. 307.688.6000.
