Freshman year is a transitional period for both parents and teens.  Check out the tips below to help your teen have a smooth start on their first day.

Freshman health tips:

1. A trip to the pediatrician’s office. The pediatrician can make sure that all required vaccines are up-to-date and can also support the mental and emotional health for the teen and family.
2. Find the health center on campus.  Make sure your college freshman knows where to go for emergency or urgent health care.
3. Health insurance.  Make sure your teen has health insurance and knows how to access and use it. 
4. Coordinating health information. The college health center should have your teen’s health insurance information, up-to-date immunization records, information about chronic health conditions, medication information, and contact information for the primary care provider back home.
5. Stay in communication.  Alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity become more accessible once teens are away from home.  Freshman often times experience peer pressure to try new things and engage in risky behavior.  Continue to have conversations about expectations, good decisions, and consequences.
6. Consistent check-ins. Once your teen is settled in, reach out to get readings on how he/she is doing academically and socially.

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