Campus Health 101: Your College Wellness Roadmap

Hey there, college-bound parents! As you’re helping your pride and joy pack up for their next big adventure, I bet there’s a mix of excitement and worry swirling around. Trust me, I get it. As a pharmacist and a mom who’s been through the college rodeo, I know that ensuring your child’s health and well-being is probably keeping you up at night. Especially if your soon-to-be college student relies on medications.

But here’s the good news: with a little planning and some mom-wisdom (or dad-wisdom!), you can help your child confidently manage their health away from home. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s walk through this together. Consider this your cheat sheet for navigating the world of college health!

Medication Management

Create a Medication Master List

First things first, let’s get organized. Sit down with your child and make a list of all their medications. Include:

• Medication names (both brand and generic)
• Dosages and how often they take them
• Why they’re taking each medication
• Any special instructions (like “take with food” or “avoid grapefruit”)

Keep digital and physical copies of this list for easy access. It’s like giving them a health roadmap – super helpful when they’re navigating campus health services or explaining their medical history to a new doctor.

Set Up a Foolproof Refill System & Master Rx Management

Nothing sends a parent into panic mode quite like a “Mom, I’m out of meds!” text at 11 PM. Let’s avoid that, shall we? Consider:

• Set up mail-order pharmacy services that deliver right to campus
• Transferring prescriptions to a campus-area pharmacy
• Setting up automatic refills and reminders
• Refill when there’s about a week’s supply left

Remember, this is a great chance for your child to learn the ropes of managing their own healthcare. Involve them in the process – it’ll boost their confidence and independence.

Insurance and Health Services

Decode the Insurance Maze

Insurance can be confusing even for us grown-ups, so help your child understand their coverage. Make sure to:

• Find in-network pharmacies near the college
• Understand pre-authorization requirements for out-of-state fills
• Get 90-day supplies whenever possible

It might seem like a headache now, but trust me, future you will be thankful.

Get the 411 on Campus Health Services

Knowledge is power, right? Help your child research the college’s health services:

• Where it’s located and when it’s open
• What services are offered and how to access them
• Where to get their flu shot on campus

Knowing this info can help ease both your worries and your child’s. It’s like giving them a health safety net.

Responsible Med Use

Have “The Talk” 

I know, I know. Another serious talk. But this one’s crucial. Approach it with openness and trust – your child is growing up, and this is their chance to show you they’re ready for this responsibility. 

Cover:

• The importance of taking medications as prescribed
• Safe storage to prevent theft or misuse
• The dangers of sharing prescription medications
• How medications can interact with alcohol (because let’s face it, college happens)

Be real about the risks of mixing meds with alcohol. Encourage your child to always check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if they’re unsure.

Mental Health and Chronic Conditions

Mental Health 

College can be an emotional rollercoaster. Keep mental health in the conversation:

• Discuss continuing any current treatments or therapies
• Research on-campus mental health resources together
• Talk about signs that might mean it’s time to seek extra support

It’s totally normal to worry about your child’s mental health as they face this big change. By talking about it openly, you’re showing them it’s important, they’re not the only one, and that they can always lean on you.

Chronic Conditions 

If your child has a chronic condition, make sure they’re set up for success:

• Create a management plan together
• Connect with campus health services about their condition
• Consider medical alert jewelry if appropriate

Your support here can help your child feel more confident about managing their condition independently.

Healthcare Communication

Empower your child to be their own health advocate. Teach them to:

• Clearly describe their medical history
• Ask questions about their health and medications
• Speak up for their healthcare needs

These skills will serve them well beyond college and into adulthood.

College Health Survival Essentials

College First Aid Kit 

We all know college life can be unpredictable. This kit is not just another pre-packaged first aid kit list – it’s includes a curated list of:

• Carefully selected medications for common college ailments
• Individual components to avoid dangerous interactions
• Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
• Essential first aid supplies for minor emergencies

College Survivor Cheat Sheet

The College Survivor Cheat Sheet complements the kit with:

• Practical advice on when to self-treat and when to seek help
• Expert guidance on staying healthy in the unique college environment

If you’re short on time and don’t feel like DIY, reach out to us directly and we can coordinate creating it for you with all the essentials your student needs, expertly assembled by healthcare professionals who understand the realities of college life.

CollegeCare+ Premium

We know the realities of college life – late nights, irregular meals, and stress can leave students run down and vulnerable to illness. For those wanting extra support, our CollegeCare+ Premium service offers:

• Customized Supplement Package:
• Tailored supplements to support immune health, energy, and overall well being
• Auto-shipping option to ensure your student never runs out

• Premium Concierge Service:
• Direct access to a pharmacist’s advice via text or email
• It’s like having mom’s wisdom and a health professional’s expertise right in their dorm room

CollegeCare+ Premium is perfect for those times when your student needs expert guidance but wants to maintain their independence. It’s peace of mind for you, and a health safety net for them.

Wrap-Up

Sending your child off to college is a big step, filled with a whole mix of emotions. It’s totally okay to feel nervous about how they’ll manage their health, but remember, you’ve been preparing them for years. They’re ready!

By planning and preparing, you’re not just looking after your child’s health – you’re showing them how much you care. This is their chance to take charge of their health, with you cheering them on from the sidelines. And remember, you’re still just a phone call or text away. 

Every family’s journey is unique, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers for personalized advice. With open communication and a lot of love, your college-bound child will be ready to tackle their health needs with confidence.

Remember, staying healthy in college is about creating good habits. Whether your student is pulling an all-nighter, grabbing a quick meal, or heading to a party, our kit and services are designed to support them every step of the way. You’re not just preparing them for college; you’re preparing them for life. 

Ready to set your college-bound student up for health success? Take the next step: 

• Explore our complimentary College First Aid Kit to ensure your student is prepared for common health issues. 
• Print out the free College Survivor Cheat Sheet for instant access to health tips.
• For personalized support, check out our CollegeCare+ Premium service.

Don’t let health worries keep you up at night. Visit Pharm to Table Consulting or reach out to me directly at donna@pharmtotableconsulting.com to learn more about our college health resources.

BLOG POST DISCLAIMER 

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be considered as a substitute for informed medical advice or care.  This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before initiating any new supplements or making alterations to your diet. Ensure you adhere to the instructions and recommended dosages as provided by the manufacturer of the supplements you select.