Student Health and Wellness

Students often face numerous health concerns, so it is crucial that they are aware of all of the resources that exist to assist them.

Your student should familiarize themselves with campus health services by visiting their website, and be sure to contact a health center should they become ill – be sure to stay tuned in for updates from them as well!

Getting a Physical

Physical examinations for student health involve a comprehensive examination of your head, eyes, ears, mouth and nose by a licensed healthcare provider. They will ask about any illnesses or injuries as well as medications you take; if it’s for sports physical or pre-employment purposes be sure to bring any paperwork from coaches or employers with you for this exam.

Traditional school health services have traditionally fallen within the purview of local districts. Much research on school-based nursing services exists, however new types of providers such as nurse practitioners, dentists, physician assistants, social workers and counselors are being studied as well.

Studies that examine services that go beyond basic health services and are delivered in partnership with community agencies and organizations are becoming an increasing focus of study. Examples include screening for sexually transmitted disease, crisis counseling and psychiatric evaluations. Research into this field could contribute to developing uniform data collection standards and protocols across school-based health providers for easier investigation of impacts and outcomes.

Getting a Checkup

When students feel sick, they can visit one of the campus clinics for help. Here, their blood pressure can be checked or they can receive treatment for an asthma attack; their vision can also be checked for problems that might hinder learning.

Student health centers typically offer more than screenings; they also offer wellness programs designed to prevent serious diseases and conditions, including vaccinations, x-rays, prescriptions and stress management/mental health services.

Many colleges provide free or reduced cost STI testing, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia screenings. While not equivalent to full sexual history exams, screenings may only take place at specific times and be billed directly to insurance.

Getting a Medication

College students are susceptible to numerous illnesses and injuries, including those stemming from stress, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune disorders and bacterial infections such as mononucleosis. A recent article by World Psychiatry indicates that mental health conditions often arise during this period and these issues can progress into physical ailments as well.

Students need health insurance so that they can access medical treatment when necessary. Many colleges require students to enroll in either a student health plan or provide proof of coverage from another source.

Once your student has been registered, they can access an online patient portal where they can communicate with staff members, request prescription refills and make non-urgent appointments. Furthermore, this portal includes helpful self-help information – for instance how to avoid unnecessary medication use; read prescription and over-the-counter drug labels correctly and reduce adverse reactions; download an app to aid them cope with anxiety, depression or any emotional difficulties; etc.

Getting Help

Health issues that impede student performance range from allergies or infections to more serious matters such as depression. Encourage your student to schedule an appointment with their school’s counseling services if they begin showing signs of mental illness.

Stanhope emphasizes sexual health as another major area of concern, encouraging students to practice safer sex and take advantage of their campus health center’s free or low-cost protection and birth control options. Some campuses also provide bystander training programs so that individuals know how to intervene if sexual assault or harassment occurs.

Many colleges require their students to enroll in either a student health plan or show evidence of having insurance from another source, such as parents’ policies or Medicaid. For more information, visit your college website and explore its student health resources; also discover information regarding the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace including how you can get financial help paying for it.

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Ken

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