How To Prepare Your College Student For Health Emergencies

Episode 138 of The On-Air Advocate

Host: Tammy Flynn. Connect with Tammy on Facebook @theonairadvocate.

Guest: Dr. Nicole Rochester, Pediatrician, health advocate, Founder/CEO Of Your GPS, and author of Health Navigation 101: A guide for college students and parents (available on amazon.com in paperback and e-book format. She is also one of the hosts of the Podcast: The Real RX.which is available on Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, and Spotify.

Original Airdate: 8.16.19

Show Topic: How To Prepare Your College Student For Health Emergencies

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Guest Background:  
Dr. Nicole Rochester, Pediatrician, health advocate, Founder/CEO Of Your GPS, and author of Health Navigation 101: A guide for college students and parents (available on amazon.com in paperback and e-book format.) She is also one of the hosts of the Podcast: The Real RX. Available on: Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, and Spotify 
 
The Objective: 
Educating parents on the healthcare transition period from high school to college. Making sure as their young adult heads off to college that they are fully prepared for any health emergencies that may arise.

What the parent and young adult should do together 

• Have a conversation with your young adult about their healthcare plan
• For chronic conditions in need of long term (refillable) medications make sure to talk doctor about refilling a few months supply as it may take a bit to transition to a new doctor
• Be aware of symptoms & when to seek help
• Be aware of resources & supporting services on/off school campus
• Make a copy of your young adults insurance card (have them take a photo of it with their cellphone)
• DIY a first aid kit for your young adults dorm room with things they may need like aspirin, cough me

What parents should do before a young adult goes off to college 

• Be proactive-look over/review your insurance policy 
• Be aware that copayments could be higher if out of network
• Check with your young adults College/University for Out-of-State requirements for non-emergency/emergency coverage. Follow the same protocol for prescriptions. In addition, if there is the option to purchase insurance through the school.
• For minor health emergencies, the college may offer student health centers-services vary depending on the school.
• Check to see if there is a student health fee for on-site school health clinic. Parents usually pay annually for these services.

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Dr. Rochester encourages both college-bound students and their parents to read her book together. She goes on to say, “Your child’s health is absolutely priceless.” 

And that, as parents, “You should empower them with the tools they need.” 

The following list are the titles of chapters covered in Dr, Rochester’s book

• Packing lists
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Communication with your physician
• Navigate acute illness
• Navigating chronic illness
• Health insurance 
• Mental health
• Sexual health 

For additional information you can download a free PDF at

The things that no college student should ever leave behind”

 
Additional things to note:

• Check on Mental Health Support Services at your young adults college/university.

 
Tammy’s Final Thoughts:
Tammy advised her audience to plan and prepare for good outcomes. Encouraging all of her listeners to start the planning process early. Whether your young adult is staying home for college or going out of state the process of transitioning from pediatrician to adult physician can be a lengthy.

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