How to Save Your Kids From College Health Hazards

Aug. 11, 2008— -- A few years ago, an 18-year-old college freshman telephoned my radio show inquiring about the meningitis vaccine. He had heard that a former high school mate had died from complications of meningitis at college. He wondered whether the vaccine was right for him.

It was an intelligent question to ask. Just last year, a college freshman died at my alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, from meningococcal meningitis.

Knowledge can mean survival when it comes to our children knowing their medical histories and seeing that their tests and shots are up-to-date.

As so many young kids are now getting ready for college, I thought this would be a good time to remind parents and kids alike how important it is that you pack your medical knowledge along with your computer, new bedding and wardrobe. I have not forgotten that young caller to my show. He reminds me that teenagers today are taking health matters into their own hands -- as they should.

So as you are about to send your son or daughter away from home and your watchful eye this fall (perhaps for the first time), there are some important questions that you need to answer:

Whether your child is leaving home for school, for a new job or to get married, their medical information must go with them. You can no longer watch over their health as you have done since they were babies.

When your child gets sick, he or she will be seeing a new doctor, often in a student health setting, without your advice and support. Eighty percent of what a doctor relies on to make an accurate diagnosis comes from your child's medical history. Research has shown that even kids with serious childhood illnesses can't recall the specifics of their past medical histories -- and not knowing can be hazardous to their health and jeopardize their care.