formerly University of Missouri-Rolla

 

As parents, sending your son or daughter off to college for the first time provokes mixed feelings. You want to continue your caring and support, but at the same time promote independence. Your child will be faced with so many new choices, many dealing with health and lifestyle. Now is the time to talk, talk, talk about anything and everything, so that your new student will have the background necessary to make responsible choices about topics such as alcohol, health and self care, nutrition, stress, and sexual responsibility.

Alcohol

In recent academic years, several deaths of college students due to alcohol poisoning made headlines. These incidents were reported nationally for the first time, but tragically, students die from alcohol-related accidents every year. According to the Century Council, an anti-alcohol-abuse organization funded by alcohol distillers, the first six weeks of college are a high-risk time for alcohol-related problems. Excessive drinking puts kids a risk for possible unsafe sex, violence, falls, car crashes, and potentially fatal alcohol poisoning.

Young adults will be making their own decisions once they are away from home, so here are some tips on how to help your child make her own choices responsibly:

  • Remember that alcohol is a drug. It can be extremely dangerous when used improperly, so do not discount the dangers of drinking alcohol compared to the use of other drugs. Talk about "alcohol and other drugs", staying open and calm, but reinforcing this fact.
  • Explore your own attitudes regarding alcohol. Your values and beliefs affect your childrens' decisions (believe it or not!). Discuss your reasons for using or not using alcohol. For instance, In what situations do you drink? Why? What are your goals when drinking? Warning: avoid a trip down memory lane with tales of your own alcohol-fueled college exploits, if you have such stories! Doing so may only serve to normalize abnormal behavior, while also appearing to give approval for dangerous alcohol consumption.
  • In today's society, the media also influences young people's decisions. When drinking is the topic of a TV program, commercial, movie, or news article, ask those watching with you, "What do you think about that?"
  • Peer pressure is also a very large influence for college students. A huge myth among college students is that most of their peers binge drink, when in fact only about 33% actually do. Remind your son or daughter that most college students, 67%, don't binge drink!
  • Set clear and realistic expectations regarding your child's academic performance. If your child knows you expect sound academic work he may be more devoted to his studies and have less time to get in trouble with alcohol.
  • Encourage your child to become involved with campus organizations and activities. The idea behind this is not just to keep your student busy. Besides looking excellent on a resume, many university sponsored student organizations build character and add purpose to the college experience. Socializing in a structured, purposeful setting can help build strong morals and decision-making skills.
  • Learn more about the alcohol climate at the college your child will be attending. The departments to contact at Missouri S&T are: Student Affairs (341-4292), The Center for Personal and Professional Development (341-4211), or the Health Education Office at Student Health Services (341-4225).
  • Brush up on your knowledge of alcohol!
 

Sexual Health

Again, with newfound independence comes greater opportunities for increased sexual activity. This is the stage in life when most young adults are beginning to explore and understand their sexuality. In this day and age, however, it is extremely important that students are aware of the risks of pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and know how to protect themselves against both. All STIs are potentially very dangerous, and some, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, are life threatening. Information is available in this website and excellent printed literature is available at SHS, Planned Parenthood and most county health departments.

If you are comfortable talking with your son or daughter about sexual health, you should. Approaching the subject with a calm, matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental attitude, help them explore their own values and morals. It is important that they be allowed to form their own opinions and ideas about what is right for them. Students should be aware of the risks of STIs and pregnancy before they are confronted with a decision.

Your student can get more information about sexual health and sexuality at Student Health Services or at the Center for Personal and Professional Development. Free condoms and STI testing are available at student health.

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Keeping Your Student body Healthy

Without Mom and Dad around on a daily basis, students at college sometimes forget good health habits. But healthful living is crucial to a happy and successful college experience. Good personal health habits are built during the early adult years, and will set a pattern for life. Here are some ways to help your student stay happy and healthy at school:

Nutrition
Good nutrition is the key to staying healthy at school. Many students haven't made their own dietary choices before, and find this difficult to do. Good nutrition starts with the following basic ideas:

  • Remember the basic four food groups: bread and grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and meats. Sometimes your student will tell you the 4 food groups are alcohol, caffeine, sugar and chocolate-don't fall for that old line!
  • Picture these groups as a food pyramid, and concentrate on getting more servings of the groups which are closer to the bottom and less of the fats and sweets, which are on top.
  • Be very mindful of daily fat consumption. Added fat in the diet is unhealthy for the heart and is the biggest cause of extra weight gain.
  • Water is essential for proper digestion, good metabolism, and urinary tract health. Your body needs eight to ten 8oz glasses a day.
  • Vitamin supplements are not usually necessary along with a healthy, balanced diet. But if certain nutrients are lacking in your diet, some vitamins may help make up for the difference. Vitamin C and multi-vitamin supplements are available at SHS.

How to help out

There are several things parents can do to help their college students with good health practices. Encourage students to make use of campus health resources. They are available and free! You can also stay informed about Missouri S&T through the internet by accessing the student health website or any other Missouri S&T site. Your child probably won't appreciate it, but will at some point make use of a health care package of medications and health supplies including:

  • antacids
  • antibacterial cream
  • antidiarrheal medications
  • cortisone cream
  • cough syrup and cough drops
  • hydrogen peroxide or alcohol and cotton balls
  • acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • miscellaneous supplies such as adhesive bandages, elastic wraps, etc.
    Don't go overboard because they won't need everything, but they do need the basics-clean a wound with soap and water; if something hurts, ice usually helps until they can get to help; if something is bleeding, place a clean cloth over it and hold tight until you get to help.

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Check out Student Health Services
Encourage your student to come to student health services if he or she is injured or becomes ill. Most students at Missouri S&T, about 75%, will use student health sometime during their college careers. Students can get not only excellent health care for illness or injuries, but will be given information about how to care for themselves at home. We are available in person or by phone (341-4284) for any questions which may arise.

Besides providing health care, student health can save students and their parents time and money. A visit to the doctor alone can cost upwards of $100, not including lab fees, immunizations, medications, x-rays, and medical equipment. A bill for an emergency room visit could run into the hundreds of dollars. You pay a flat fee for unlimited usage of our facility and resources.

Remember that student health cannot cover all expenses, such as visits to a specialist, after-hours x-rays, specialized testing such as MRIs and CAT scans, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. The importance of private health insurance cannot be overemphasized! Students are sometimes covered under their parent's insurance, but check with your insurance company for details.
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