The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Dec 2019-Jan2020

! " " ! # ! ALLYSON AGATHIS , MD FAAP 395 Main Street Bedminster, NJ 07921 908-719-2626 dragathispediatrics.com By: Allyson Agathis MD FAAP Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics NJ AAP Executive Committee Oh my gosh, my baby is at college!!! My teenager who can’t remember to take the garbage out or find their hockey stick is now responsible for tak- ing care of themselves. It’s hard to believe but at least we can try to pre- pare them for their first winter sick sea- son away from home. I can write for hours but here is the college top 10!! 1. Make sure they get a flu shot. Liv- ing in a dormitory setting breeds exposure to sick people. It’s their best defense. 2. Wash their hands or use hand san- itizer regularly before eating. 3. If they are sick seek out the health center!! All sore throats need a throat culture! There is no scientif- ic basis to “it doesn’t look like strep.” An untreated strep infec- tion can lead to heart complica- tions like Rheumatic fever. You don’t need an elevated tempera- ture to have strep. 4. Make sure they know to follow up if they get worse a few days into the illness or develop new symp- toms. This can be a sign of sec- ondary infection. Even things that start as viral infections like colds can develop into sinus or chest infections from a secondary bacte- rial infection. 5. Make sure they understand the value of a good night’s sleep. Among other things our body uses sleep to do its cell repair. Sleep is a valuable tool for their immune system. 6. Make sure they know to eat well! Food is fuel for our bodies. The amino acids in food are important building blocks for the proteins needed for healing when we are sick. We need more than just a cup of noodles to stay healthy. Have them add some protein to it, chicken, nuts or a piece of cheese! Encourage them to keep fresh fruit in their dorm room especially when it gets “too cold” or they get TOO LAZY to go to the dining hall! 7. Most importantly MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THEIR MEDICAL HIS- TORY! They need to know what medicine they take. “I use that blue inhaler” is NOT enough med- ical information for the doctor at the health center. Many compa- nies make blue inhalers. Colds or viral infections can trigger asthma symptoms even in teens that haven’t had symptoms for years. Make sure all their prescrip- tions are up to date and they have them. 8. Don’t leave wet towels hanging in their rooms! It breeds staph infections! 9. Make sure they sign that their health center can release informa- tion to their doctor. I have called many health centers to ask what finding little Suzy has after a fran- tic call from a mom! Often we can provide the health center with guidance 10. GET THEM A GOOD CHECK UP BEFORE THEY LEAVE!!!! It’s more important than just filling out the immunization form for the college. Have them see their doctor and discuss their personal medical his- tory, any medicines they need and suggestions for good nutrition and exercise. COLLEGE HEALTH IS THE REASON WE KEEP OUR PATIENTS UP TO AGE 25!!! PAGE 50 Health & Wellness theconnectionsnj.com