Mom…I’m sick?
When my kids were growing up, I always hated when they said: “I don’t feel well.” Having my daughter 4 hours away and hearing those words makes me hate them even more. No one wants their kids to be sick, especially when they aren’t at home near their doctor. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to help them to get through the illness.
I sent my kids to school with a plastic container that had as many things that I could think of to help them if they weren’t feeling well or just needed some first aid. From band-aids to allergy pills, the box was filled and I told them to wash their hands and change their sheets and toothbrush as often as possible.
Sometimes they need care beyond your box. In my experience, my kids and I have had great results taking Source Naturals Wellness Formula. It has been a strong herbal defense supplement in fighting an illness that was recommended to me by a local natural health food store. Two a day for prevention, but when you feel yourself coming down with something, you take 6 in the morning and 6 in the evening for two days. It has worked amazingly well for most everyone I have recommended it to. I’ve been known to send from Mouth that has a sick care package filled with tea, honey sticks, crackers, and a wellness care package filled with tea and snow honey, fruit jerky, relaxing digestive bitters, healing turmeric elixir, an antioxidant-rich dark chocolate bar, healthy granola, and a hand-made candle.
Sometimes these tips and recommendations are just not enough and they need to get into a doctor. There are options for your child regardless of what the medical issue is. UNF has a full medical department and health center on campus. The health center is open Monday – Friday from 8 am-5 pm and, although the center prefers you make an appointment, they will accept walk-ins. My daughter had flu-like symptoms last semester and did not make an appointment but, they did see her and administered a flu test; however, they advised her next time that she would need to make an appointment.
If their illness requires an emergency room, there are four emergency rooms within 15 minutes of campus, Baptist Beaches Medical Center, Baptist Emergency at Town Center, Mayo Clinic Hospital. Have your students fill out and drop off a medical release form when they begin college. It is up to them as to how much access they want to allow you. There is nothing worse than calling to find out how your sick or injured student is and being told the doctor is not authorized to talk with you.
More Flu Talk
Have a discussion before dropping them off at college with an emergency plan. This should include having your student’s roommate or friend’s phone number, especially if they are accompanying them to the ER. I had my daughter add a phone contact titled ICE (In Case of Emergency) in the event she was unable to communicate. You can add that info whether you have an iPhone or Android, instructions. Have them enter their Medical ID information. This information allows medical personnel to access even on a locked phone and includes allergies, emergency contact information, and other crucial information. Be sure your student has a copy of their insurance card
If the health center on campus is inconvenient due to the hours or long wait times, there are alternatives. CVS has Minute Clinics for minor illnesses. Be sure your student has a copy of their insurance card. Also, we recommend having your student get a flu shot. Read our blog to learn about the many places, including on-campus, that offer flu shots. Remind your students to notify their professor if they will be legitimately missing class and unable to complete coursework. Including a doctor’s note is encouraged. UNF students who are seen by a doctor at the Student Health Care Center and who will not be able to attend class or take an exam may be able to get an excuse note. Finally, please make sure your student has filled out the legal forms should an emergency arise and you need to know what is going on.
Just a little tidbit of info about Mouth which has a sick care package filled with tea, honey sticks, crackers, and a wellness care package filled with tea and snow honey, fruit jerky, relaxing digestive bitters, healing turmeric elixir, an antioxidant-rich dark chocolate bar, healthy granola, and a hand-made candle.
Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.
The Medical Release Form that you mention has the acknoweldgement at the bottom that says it is “for one time use”. This leads me to beliee it is a one-time request for records, not a form to leave on file so that a parent (if listed on the form) can request information. That makes it needed after an event, not in preparation for an event.
If I am understanding your question, it isn’t a one-time use form. You should have it notarized and left on file with the school and whoever else needs it (keep a copy for yourself). This is important to have when you have a student who is over the age of 18.