As an academic advisor, you help many students prepare for graduation, whether it’s this spring, summer or beyond. Their checklist is full of to-do items such as applying for graduation, internships or jobs, returning their textbooks and more. But does it include a checkup with their doctor?
It’s vital that students schedule this health care appointment before they transition into the workforce or higher academics. They are about to enter an important time in their life where the demands may be far greater than what they experienced in college. Maintaining their health is critical if they want to succeed in their future endeavors, and a checkup is a great place to start.
Here are some of the benefits students can receive from scheduling a physical before graduation:
• The provider will evaluate a student’s health habits and make recommendations to help them live healthier in the next phase of their life
• The provider can detect possible health problems or risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and intervene before they get worse
• Students can check that their immunizations are up to date and receive any vaccinations they are missing
• Students can discuss their reproductive health and create a plan for the future. This could include birth control options, proper condom use, the importance of scheduling annual pelvic exams and pap smears, sexually transmitted infection testing and more
Many college students are on their parents’ health insurance plans and do not consider the importance of a checkup. For this reason, the University Health Center encourages academic advisors to be an advocate for their physical well-being by reminding students to schedule this appointment. Include it in your 1:1 conversations, emails and newsletters to students.
The health center provides physicals to students. Our convenient on-campus location makes it easy for students to schedule an appointment in and around their busy schedules. Our providers specialize in college health and can provide the best advice to help students care for their well-being during this transition. Students can schedule a physical by calling 402.472.5000. Although physicals are not covered by student fees and will incur a charge, we can submit the cost to private insurance. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
More details at: https://health.unl.edu