Health tips for new college freshmen

In thousands of households across the U.S., teens who are about to become college freshmen are preparing for the transition from home to campus. They are calling their new roommates to figure out who?s bringing the futon or refrigerator, and hitting local stores with their shopping lists for bedding, sundries and supplies. It?s just as important to have a checklist for the college freshman?s health and safety needs. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

1. Recognize that this is a time of excitement and adventure for many young people, but also a time filled with uncertainty.? Planning ahead and offering support along the way can be helpful in making the transition easier for the student as well as for his family.

2. A trip to the pediatrician?s office should be on the checklist for college-bound adolescents. Your pediatrician can be a wonderful source of advice on helping your teen to transition successfully. In addition to making sure that the entering freshman has all of the vaccines and other preventive health care recommended for this stage of life, pediatricians also can help families prepare the way for their young adult?s continuing mental and emotional health.

3. Pediatricians and adolescent medicine specialists can talk with college-bound teens about the risky situations they may encounter once they are away from home?and how to avoid, prepare for and manage these situations.

4. Be sure that your college freshman knows where to go for emergency or urgent health care. Find the health center on campus with your teen on move-in day or sooner.

5. Make sure that your teen has health insurance and knows how to access and use it. Your teen?s college most likely requires him to have health insurance, and many colleges offer plans for students who are not already covered. Many young adults can also be covered under their parents? health insurance until they turn 26. Be sure to review the specifics of all health insurance plans available to your teen, since some may only provide limited coverage or benefits. Next semester, additional health insurance options may also be available in the new health insurance marketplace launching Oct. 1. Visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more.

6. Work with your pediatrician?s office to be sure that the college or university health center has all of the necessary information about your teen:?

o Health insurance information

o Up-to-date immunization records

o Information about chronic health conditions

o Medication information including dosage

o Contact information for the primary care provider back home

7. If your teen requires prescription refills, ask the college health center how best to arrange for this. See ?Staying Healthy at College.? If your teen has specific mental health needs, start working on developing a care plan with the college well before move-in day. Does your child have a mental health diagnosis, such as ADHD, depression, or an eating disorder?? Be sure to ask the college health center staff what kind of medical information they will need related to your teen, and how to set up prescription refills if needed.

8. In addition, work with your teen to communicate with college or university staff about their accommodations for teens with ADHD and other diagnoses.

9. Alcohol, drugs and sexual activity may become more accessible once teens are away from home. Be clear about your expectations regarding drug and alcohol use even though your child may not be living at home. Be sure your teen knows where to go?whether on campus or locally-- for reproductive health care. Continue to have conversations about peer pressure, good decisions, and consequences. See ?The Transition from High School to College.?

10. Once your teen is settled into the college routine, keep in close contact and try to get frequent readings about how he is doing academically and socially. This is especially important during the first month or so while teens are still trying to settle in and may not have made many friends yet.

11. It?s normal for young people starting at college to have days when they feel sad, homesick, or a bit lost. If these feelings persist or interfere with their ability to work, they should seek help and know that it is normal to do so. Watch for warning signs and be prepared to act. Students need to know that there are specially trained counselors on campus waiting to help and support them.

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Source: http://bedford.woio.com/news/news/130271-health-tips-new-college-freshmen

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