For all college students, back-to-school prep means a whole lot more than notebooks, pencils and a tissue box for the classroom.
It means sending high school graduates out into the world to fend for themselves on multiple fronts. Setting up their dorm room, signing up for a meal plan and buying their first books are some standard first steps. But what about planning for health care needs while they’re away from home? What happens when they get a fever, their asthma flares up, or they need a prescription filled?
The time to answer those questions is before move-in day. Here are a few tips to help:
Where’s the doctor?
Most colleges and universities have health clinics on campus that provide multiple services, many of which are free to students. These clinics generally offer flu shots, over-the-counter medications or treatments for minor illnesses or injuries. Ask for information during orientation or search “health care” on the school’s website.
Schools should also provide information about the nearest off-campus facilities such as urgent care clinics, hospitals or primary care offices. Be sure to check your health insurance plan to see if these facilities are in your plan’s network. Out-of-network care can cost more money, even for many of the same in-network services.
Virtual visits
Check out your options for virtual doctor visits. A quick video visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner may be enough to manage an ongoing condition or confirm minor issues such as pinkeye or sinus infections.
This care option is expanding every year and many insurance companies, including Priority Health, work with area hospitals and other providers to offer it to their members. It’s an ideal option for students away at school because they can see an in-network doctor right from their dorm room or apartment using a laptop or phone.
Preventive care
Back to school check-ups aren’t just for elementary school students. When your child heads off to live in close quarters with hundreds of other students, it’s a good idea to make sure they’ve had a check-up to ensure all immunizations are up to date, including their annual flu shot.
Your primary care provider should have your child’s records and know what’s recommended. Many colleges and universities also have that information on their website, or you can check these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Mental health
The stress of a college workload, communal living and being away from home can spur students to seek counseling for the first time. Mental health counseling is another service readily offered at most colleges and universities. Check online or ask at orientation. And if your student is already seeing a counselor or therapist, make sure to investigate options on or near campus for a seamless transition.
Many health insurance companies, including Priority Health, offer a 24/7 behavioral health resource for members to address concerns ranging from stress to substance abuse. Not a Priority Health member? Check your insurance plan to see what’s available.
Self-care
Students living away from home won’t have the benefit of parents nagging them to eat right and exercise. Unless they’re a college athlete with a strict training and nutrition schedule, they’ll be on their own when it comes to managing their overall health and well-being.
Encourage your child to exercise. In the warmer months, suggest taking a bike to classes instead of driving or riding a bus. Remind them to check out nearby fitness centers—many of which are on campus and included in their room and board or tuition.
Pack for health
One of the easiest things you can do for your fledgling adult is send them off with a first aid kit. Include the basics: bandages in various sizes, gauze, tape, pain relievers, cold medicines, thermometers, ice packs, antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone. Follow this helpful CDC list for extras you may want to include in a traveling kit. Even if they never open it, a first aid kit can give you peace of mind when you’re wondering how they’re doing between their phone calls or texts.
Best of luck to you and your students this school year!
