Tips for College Students with Chronic Illnesses
College is an exciting time in a young person’s life. It can also be a stressful time, as students struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and responsibilities.
This added stress can be of great concern for students who are living with a chronic disease. Whether they are coping with asthma, Chron’s disease, psoriasis, lupus, or ulcerative colitis, an illness can severely impact the life of a college student.
Having a chronic illness can make campus life more challenging. However, there are ways for these students to prepare themselves and effectively manage their conditions. Living with a chronic disease should not stop anyone from enjoying their college years.
The following tips can aid college students living with a chronic illness to adjust to life on campus and manage their disease.
Tips for College Students Living With a Chronic Illness
1. Connect with the Student Disability Center
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, most universities are required to provide disability services.
It is advisable to meet with the disability center counselor before the start of the academic year. Before the first meeting, students should inquire about which medical records and documentation is needed.
These documents will help counselors determine what accommodations the student requires. Even if students have no intention of using these accommodations, they should register in case anything unexpected comes up.
2. Find a Specialty Doctor and Biologic Infusion Center Near Campus
Any patient who will be living away from home should research practices specializing in their condition near campus to maintain their regular doctor visits and continue their biologic infusion treatments.
Students should request a copy of their medical records. Additionally, they should schedule an appointment to build a relationship with the new physician.
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3. Medical Alert Systems
Some patients with severe conditions can benefit from the use of a medical alert system. These systems can provide life-saving help for students with chronic illnesses during disease flareups.
There are many options to choose from. Patients can select a system that best fulfills their needs by reviewing a medical alert system guide.
4. Support Systems
Many students might be embarrassed by their condition, and because of this, may try to conceal it. However, they should find a support system within the campus.
Students should inform their roommate, resident advisors, professors, and close friends what to do in case of an emergency.
Ideally, the campus support system will know which medications the student takes and where they keep them. Students should also update the school with current emergency contact information, and the name and contact information of the their physician.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
Most medications don’t mix well with alcohol. Moreover, alcohol consumption is known to exacerbate some chronic illnesses. Therefore, students living with chronic diseases are advised to limit their alcohol intake.
6. Manage Stress
College can be very demanding. Learning how to control stress levels will prove beneficial for students with chronic diseases, as stress is a known trigger for many of these illnesses.
Most universities offer stress management programs and resources for their students. Chronic disease patients who are attending college should investigate these resources before the start of the academic year.
Altus Infusion manages in-office biologic infusion centers across the nation, and our extensive database could be of great help for physicians who are looking to refer their college-age students to another trusted colleague in another city or state.
For more information on how we can assist you, please contact us at 855.692.5887.
