Don't Forget First Aid - Send Your Child to College Prepared

When your child leaves for college, you will want ensure that he or she has everything they need to be successful, healthy, and happy there. College life is not just about a new academic chapter, after all, it marks the first period of your child's adult life. This will, in all probability, be the first time that your child has lived alone and under his or her own care.

The college will provide oversight, but for the most part your child will be left to his or her own devices. Packing a comprehensive first aid kit is one way to protect your child from some of the unexpected rigors of campus life. It will help you to feel that he or she will have some of the tools the might need in times of stress, pain, and emergency. If you cannot be there with your child, your foresight will make sure that he or she has the tools to care for him or herself.

What Should You Be Packing?

Begin packing your child's first aid kit with a list of commonly necessary supplies. These may include the following.

For a cut, burn or scrape:

* Adhesive bandages in all shapes and sizes
* Non-stick gauze to cover larger wounds
* Antibiotic ointment to prevent infections
* Rubbing alcohol to sterilize wounds
* Arnica for bruises
* Aloe for burns

For sprains and strains:

* Elastic bandage for wrapping an supporting injuries
* Ice packs for initial injury treatment
* Hot packs for encouraging warmth and blood flow in an older injury

For common ailments:

* Acetaminophen for aches and pains
* Ibuprofen for pain caused by inflammation and swelling
* Antacids in case of indigestion
* Benadryl for allergies and bug bites
* Cough drops and sore throat lozenges for cold and flu season
* Basic cough medications

General tools:

* Tweezers
* Thermometer
* Eye wash

Most importantly of all, be sure to include the information that your child will want and need when he or she is sick. A book with basic information on first aid and self- care will be helpful. This will allow your student to access the information they need or want regarding their symptoms and health concerns. You should also include information on contacting your student's regular doctor with questions and requests for medical records.

Finally, your child will need the information on their campus health center including a phone number, list of services, and a schedule of walk in hours. Finally, your student will need access to their insurance information in order to be seen by doctors and receive proper coverage while in school.

Once you have gathered these tools together, you can put them in a durable, waterproof box. This is because most medical supplies need to be stored away from water so that they are not ruined. In addition, college student can be hard on their possessions from time to time. If you can find a see through box for storage, that can help as well, since your student will be able to see what supplies the kit contains without opening it.

You might also find the following helpful:

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