It’s that time of the year when students are entering college or technical school for the first time. For many, this is an exciting time, a first opportunity to experience life as an adult. These “firsts” include everything from deciding how much sleep to get to maintaining a healthy diet. However, if a healthcare concern arises, a young adult may be unprepared. Here are some tips to help students feel ready when health issues arise.
Know the Healthcare Options Around You
If your student were to get sick, would they be able to get the healthcare they need at the student health services, or would they need to seek an option in the city where their school is located? While it is true that most higher education institutions have some sort of health services center, they may or may not be comprehensive enough in the case of a serious illness or injury.
Understand Your Healthcare Plan
Since young adults can remain covered by their parents until age 26, many choose that route, at least through their college years. As this is the first time many college students will be living on their own, it’s important for them to know what is offered and how to submit bills and other documentation. Parents may want to spend some time with their child beforehand walking through the various aspects of their healthcare to make sure they understand the terminology as well. If they are Solidarity Members, they should know when to call Solidarity.
Know Thyself: Learning Boundaries for Self-Preservation
The first year of college is full of many new opportunities, and it can be easy to over-commit, whether it is to extracurricular activities, trying to balance work and school, or maintaining a too-active social life. When this happens, overexertion can lead to a lack of self-care, which can cause illness or other health issues. It’s important to think about what the body needs and make sure those habits are being created. Students should ask themselves questions, such as:
- Am I getting enough sleep?
- What does my diet look like? Am I eating a balanced diet or am I relying on what’s easy, even if it’s unhealthy?
- Am I prioritizing my mental health and asking for help when I need it?
Mental Health Support:
It’s no secret that college will have moments of stress that a student has never faced on their own. At times, these challenges may feel overwhelming and it’s OK to acknowledge when extra help is needed. Students should learn their options for mental health support and how they can access them. While most colleges have some form of counseling services, the offerings can vary widely as can the accessibility. Here’s an overview of how Solidarity shares into mental health.
At Solidarity HealthShare, we want students to know that we are there for you. When questions arise about your healthcare needs, know that our team is ready to provide the answers that you need. Give us a call today at 737-SHARING to discuss our affordable healthcare options for college-aged students.
