ATTN: Parents of College Students 

"Be Like A Scout, Be Prepared"

 College life is a wonderful experience for many students - yet being prepared is key to a healthy experience.  Here are some helpful tips!

• If you look at their College Packet your teen received at their 18 yo check up you can use  
• A self administered depression screen  
• A checklist for students going off to college
• And make sure to discuss alcohol

Here are some Recommendations: 

1. There are 1500 alcohol related deaths each year on college campuses.
1. Also 50% of unwanted teen pregnancies and STD's occur while someones is drunk or high. While we do not advocate being sexually active or drinking, we do advise college students if they do choose to drink to carry a condom in their wallet or purse
2. Check to see if your college offers a online Alcohol Education Program - such as alcoholedu.com and encourage your student to take it!  
3. If there is a family history of alcoholism - talk directly about it and who in the family had issues.  
4. In addition for young women - there is an excellent book called Smashed which is about a collegiate young woman's struggle with alcohol.
2. Prevent the Freshmen 15-lbs.   
1. Colleges often have an array of unhealthy choices in their unions.
2. Encourage you college student to eat fruits and veggies at BOTH lunch and dinner as well as keeping some in their fridges.  
3. Look for farmer's markets or Whole Foods near the school.
3. If you student takes ADHD meds, make sure that they lock them in a small safe and warn them to NEVER sell their medication - it is illegal and they are liable if another student gets injured or dies form using it.
1.  Adderall is the modern day caffeine that kids will buy to stay up at night to study or in frightening situations to extend a drunk.
4.  If your student has asthma, make sure they have:
1. ALL their medications
2. A night time Asthma Attack Plan
3. And prednisone in case of an attack.
5. Finally, a second dose of Menactra (against Meningococcal Meningitis) is suggested, though not required by most colleges. Please call to inquire when your student can come in before college.