How can I help my child learn to take responsibility for his or her own healthcare needs?
 

• Suggest your son or daughter visit the health center and pick up a Student Health Center brochure which lists services and healthcare numbers to know.
   

• It is important for them to know their own health history:  allergies to medications and foods, significant family medical history, medication list (including doses, frequency, and purpose).
   

• Make sure they carry a copy of their health insurance card with them at all times, and that they know what coverage they have and how to contact the insurance company.
   

• Make sure they have turned in their Health Record form to  Student Health Services.  For pertinent medical history, attach copy of records from the treating physician.  Failure to turn in a completed Health Record form will result in your child being blocked from registration. 
   

• Supply them with basic first aid supplies:  digital thermometer, band-aids, cold and sinus medication, over the counter medications that have worked for them in the past, chemical cold pack, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.
   

• Share with them the basics of how to make an appointment - describe symptoms, duration and severity of symptoms, any medications taken, temperature, etc.  Remind them to have their class schedule available when scheduling an appointment. 
   

• Suggest that your son or daughter obtain a flu immunization.  We evaluate and teat numerous students with acute influenza during flu season which usually appears during the most academically intense and stressful periods of fall and/or spring semester. 
   

• Remind them that in order for information to be released to anyone about their healthcare, they must sign a release.  Once your son or daughter has signed a release, the Health Center welcomes the opportunity to talk with you.