Many high school graduates are gearing up for the most exciting and challenging move of their lives. There is much to think about as you prepare to live on your own for the first time. Maybe your parents have always cooked, cleaned and cared for you. Juggling a schedule and taking care of yourself can be tough initially, but you’ll quickly pick up on how to make your own meals and do your own laundry.
But what about your health? This is something college students tend to take for granted, but being proactive about your wellness can make the transition to college an even better experience. Something as simple as locating a nearby urgent care clinic can be one of the most important ways to prepare yourself for living on your own.
Here are a few tips for managing your healthcare while away from home.
Understand your health insurance
If you are covered under your parent’s health insurance plan, it is important to have a copy of your insurance card on hand. Don’t wait until medical care is needed. If you are not sure about your coverage, this would be a good time to discuss your options with your parents.
Learn about health services at your school
Many universities provide a range of health services on campus. Take some time to learn about the different medical services your school offers, and take advantage of them when needed.
Do you have a primary doctor?
Do you have a doctor back home? Make sure that you have your primary healthcare physician’s name and phone number.
What medications do you take?
Know the names and dosages of all the medications that you take.
Know personal and family medical histories
This includes current health conditions, diseases or health conditions that run in your family, times that you have been hospitalized, broken bones, injuries, etc.
Handle your allergies
What are you allergic to, and how do you respond to different allergens? Knowing this information and having allergy medicine on hand can help prevent reactions and treat reactions.
Are your Immunizations up to date?
Immunizations must be up to date before you can start college. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your immunization records if you’re living away from home.
Find the nearest urgent care clinic
Urgent care clinics, or walk-in clinics, are a great choice when you need immediate medical attention, but you’re not faced with a life-threatening medical emergency. Maybe you suddenly feel ill, suffer a minor injury, or have a health concern after office hours. Knowing where to go can relieve your anxiety about these potential situations.
Make sure that you know where the nearest urgent care clinic is. MANA Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic has two convenient locations near the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. MANA Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic is staffed by board-certified physicians and offers urgent care 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.