Shocker Family Programs

Healthy Behaviors

February typically brings to mind hearts and flowers. This time of year also brings with it cold and flu season. Maintaining healthy behaviors will help your student stay well and prevent them from missing out on classes and activities. For some students, college may be the first time they manage their health care needs on their own. Prepare your student for this new experience by making sure they have knowledge of — or access to — important personal medical information including any allergies, medications they take, immunization records and past medical history such as previous surgeries or serious injuries/illnesses.

How Can Families Help?

• Talk to your student about healthy choices and the impact of health on their lives.
• Learn about the resources and services available to your student on campus. One important resource is Student Health Services, which provides health education and services to all currently enrolled students. Another is Counseling and Psychological Services. Both of these can be found in the on-campus Wellness Center.
• Communicate with your student to find out how they are adjusting to college. Try to make time to have meaningful conversations.
• Let your student talk. Practice listening without giving advice unless requested. Be willing to talk about the tough topics like relationships, drinking and sex.