By Kim Anderson High school graduation is upon us. Students, parents, friends and families are ready to celebrate this rite of passage from childhood to young adulthood. After the final exams are passed and caps and tassels are packed away as keepsakes, attention turns to what’s next. Whether that’s college, trade school or a job, for many young people that will mean moving away from home and feeling the thrill—and the responsibility—of greater independence. Along with so many other things, that independence will include taking greater responsibility for their health and well-being. “When kids are leaving for college, there is a lot of focus on academic success,” said Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency physician and incoming behavioral health fellow Marlee Novak, M.D. “But there is so much change and growth happening during those first few years, parents really have an opportunity to be proactive and start the conversation about the kinds of things their child might encounter outside the classroom and how to handle them.” Ready to Launch Empower your teens and young adults to take charge of their health and well-being Where toget care In addition to finding the best place to find a cup of coffee or quick snack in their new location, it’s also a good idea to know the local health care resources. Student health services center: For students going on to a college or university, there are often student health services on campus. These may or may not be part of their new student orientation, but it’s easy to stop by and ask about hours, types of care they offer, what their fees are and whether they can bill your insurance. Urgent care: Many communities have at least one urgent care facility. These can be a great place to go for minor emergencies, like a sore throat that isn’t getting better, a bad cut or a sprained ankle. Patients often receive care more quickly than if they were to go to a hospital emergency department, and the cost is significantly less. Encourage your child to look up the hours of their local urgent care. That may help them decide to seek care earlier rather than waiting until late at night, when the only option is the hospital emergency room. Family medicine clinic: If your child is already established with a family physician or provider, you may want to keep that relationship and plan wellness visits for when your child is home on vacation. Ask the provider’s office if they offer telehealth visits. This may be a convenient option that allows your child to continue seeing that provider while they are away at school. Mental health resources: As we learn more about the importance of mental health, many schools now offer resources for students to talk with a trained professional. Spend some time learning about the resources available at your child’s school, and encourage him or her to reach out if they are feeling overwhelmed. Many campuses also have faith-based groups and social organizations for everything from intramural sports to academic interests. These can be a big help to those who may be struggling to find like-minded friends in a new town. Need a family physician? Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency is welcoming new patients. Call the Kootenai Clinic Appointment Center at (208) 625-6767 or visit appointmentcenter.kh.org. Marlee Novak, M.D., Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency 18
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