You put your nose to the grindstone in high school and got accepted into a great school. Now you’re ready for a new chapter in life away from home and off at college. As you pack up your belongings and say goodbye to your hometown, it’s important that you also prepare to care for your body while on campus with these six health hacks.
Get Educated
For many women, going off to college is the first time they’ll ever be responsible for their own healthcare. You may have never made your own doctor’s appointments or even picked up a prescription for yourself, let alone advocated for yourself in a healthcare setting. Start now by doing these things for yourself before you’re all alone and wondering about where to find abortion pill reversal without knowing how to talk to a doctor. You’re on your way to adulthood, and this skill set is an important part of the journey there.
Visit Your Primary Care Doctor
Many institutions require some sort of healthcare screening, but a thorough checkup from your primary care physician is essential to your health while away at school, especially if you’re being treated for any acute or chronic conditions. Be sure to get adequate refills of any prescriptions you’ll need while away, and discuss ways to manage your condition while away from home.
Find a Local Doctor
While you can wait until Thanksgiving for some regular health screenings, it’s not unheard of for students to need a doctor during the semester. Before you leave home, make sure that you’ve found a healthcare provider near where you’ll be living. Many institutions have their own health centers, but if you have a complicated health history, it’s better to find a local professional before you ever need one. Ask for a referral from your school and check with your health insurance carrier for doctors in-network.
Join the Fitness Center
Weight gain in freshman year may seem like a given, but it doesn’t have to be. Many campuses have a fitness center you can use free of charge, so plan to take advantage of it once you get there. Before you leave for school, inquire about how to join so you’ll be ready to work out on day one. Don’t forget to pack your athletic wear so you’ll have no excuses to avoid the gym.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Late-night pizza runs are going to happen, but keep them at a minimum with plenty of healthy snacks on hand to get you through the afternoon slumps and late-night study sessions. Keeping a stash of your favorite snacks will also help you stave off hunger and resist a second trip to the buffet in the dining hall each day.
Know Your History
Even students who are healthy should be prepared for an unexpected trip to the hospital. While it’s rare, accidents, injuries, and illnesses sometimes do occur while away at school. It’s important to know your medical history and have it at your fingertips just in case. Create a file on your phone or a physical document you can keep on hand with any useful information in the event something suddenly occurs.
Going off to college is an exciting adventure. Make sure you’re ready for it by completing these six health tasks.
