By Rebecca Gamache, FNP, PMHNP
Congrats, you’re off to college! Between making new friends, exploring your campus, and diving into classes, there’s a lot to be excited about. But before you go, let’s cover a few healthcare hacks to make sure you stay on top of your wellness game as a young adult.
Most colleges and universities have on-site health centers for their students, but today’s technology means you can also stay connected to your CHP Berkshires medical care providers and your important medical records. In some cases, you can use telehealth for appointments with your hometown care provider.
Adulting 101: Set Up Your CHP Patient Portal
Now that you’re flying solo, it’s time to set up your very own “adult” patient portal account with your CHP. This portal is your health dashboard, where you can communicate with your hometown physician or nurse practitioner, access medical records you might need, and even schedule tests or appointments during a school break back at home. Setting up your patient portal in advance is one less detail to handle once college life gets busy.
Insurance is Your Best Friend—Don’t Leave Home Without Your Card
Make sure to bring all your health insurance information with you to college, especially your health insurance card. Now is also a good time to learn the basics of your health insurance plan, such as co-pays and in-network and out-of-network details. Talk with your family about your plan and look at your insurance company’s coverage details online. You don’t want to be scrambling to figure out insurance coverage when you’re not feeling well or if you need specialty care off-campus.
Telehealth: Because Who Has Time to Sit in a Waiting Room?
If you are attending college in Massachusetts, your CHP clinician can ‘see’ you via telehealth. This may be convenient if you have a chronic health condition and your hometown provider is familiar with your health history. If you will be outside of Massachusetts, check with your insurance company to explore your telehealth options if your student health center can’t meet your needs.
Pharmacy Find: Get Your Meds in Order Before You Go
Before you head off to your new college town, do a little research on pharmacies near your college. If you use medication regularly, you can often set up or transfer your prescriptions with a new pharmacy before leaving home. Some pharmacies even offer delivery services, which is convenient when you’re juggling classes and social life.
Know Your On-Campus Health Services
Most colleges offer health services right on campus but find out what they can and can’t provide, particularly after-hours. Most can handle routine check-ups and minor sick visits, vaccinations, mental health support, STI testing, and other routine care. It’s also a good idea to know the hours and location of your campus health center. You don’t want to be wandering around campus when you’re not feeling your best.
Stay Active and Eat Smart
With all the excitement of college life, it can be easy to let your health slide. Make sure to carve out some time for regular exercise, whether it’s hitting the campus gym, joining an intramural team, or just taking a walk between classes. And as tempting as it is to live on pizza and energy drinks, try to mix in some fruits, veggies, and balanced meals to keep your energy up.
Mental Health Matters
College can be a whirlwind, and it’s totally normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help. Whether it’s talking to a counselor at the campus health center, calling a friend, or using a mental health app, there are resources to support you. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Sleep: Your Secret Weapon
Your sleep can suffer when college life gets busy, but pulling all-nighters can catch up with you fast. Aim for a solid 7-9 hours of sleep a night to keep your brain sharp and your body strong. Your bed might just become your favorite spot on campus.
Stock Up on Health Essentials
Before you head to campus, stock up on some health essentials. A basic first aid kit, over-the-counter meds for colds or headaches, hand sanitizer, and vitamins can all come in handy. It’s better to have them and not need them than the other way around.
Heading off to college is a big step, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way. Stay healthy, stay safe, and enjoy every minute of this new adventure!
Rebecca Gamache is a family nurse practitioner at CHP Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield.