When You're "Home Sick"

So I am home sick today. I've been sick all week. Which means I am missing the USC game tomorrow and seeing my daughter at school! So the Trojans will have to "fight on" without me! This stinks!

It reminded me of when my college age daughters have been sick when away at school. I would have loved to jump in the car or get on a plane to go take care of them, but their being away to take care of themselves also means they've got to figure out how to do it, even in the worst of circumstances, including when they're sick.

So kids (and us "helicoptor" parents), think about this the next time you're visiting a far off college:

How close is the cafeteria to your dorm? When it's 40 degrees and raining and you're sick... what is your food situation going to be like? Notice from a dorm how close is the food location, or at least find out if you can have a mini fridge in your room or is there a mini kitchen on the dorm floor for students to break bread together with on occasion.

What is the health center like? If you're so sick the on campus doctor can't help you... what should you do? Does your parents' health insurance cover you when your not in your own neighborhood... Find out before you leave for school, not after you're there!

Can you get health coverage from your university? Are you required to purchase extra coverage through the college? Is it cost efficient or not? These are some of the hidden costs you might not think about at first, so ask!

What are the school's precautions for something like the H1N1 bug? Do they quarantine students? Hilary got the swine flu at her college this year and it was a rough go of it.

Do you have underlying health issues (like asthma or allergies) that will be difficult to manage in a different climate than your own? Or do you need some other special care in some way? What can you do before you get sick that will help you when you do get something?

All said, just a little foresight before you're at your "far away" campus will help you out when you're down and out freshman year. So, there's lots of ways to be "home sick" I guess. Some things never change.

Blessings and Good Health!