Beating the Humboldt Crud
Desiree Perez
"My mom sends me tea, soup and food I usually can't afford to buy for myself when I'm sick," says Jessie Hagadorn. "Oh, and blankets."
As a student at HSU, Hagadorn is no stranger to the "Humboldt Crud" and the challenge of taking care of her health away from home. As a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), she and her peers are helping other students stay healthy on campus as well.
SHAC is a group of students and staff dedicated to keeping students informed when it comes to health. One way they're doing that is with the SHAC Attack column in The Lumberjack student newspaper.
Prior to students heading off for Spring Break, SHAC's column advised them never to drink and drive, and to stay protected—"from pepper spray to condoms."
Here are a few more tips, from SHAC, to keep your student happy and healthy at HSU.
Review the Basics
As many times as you may have gone over the basics with your student, it never hurts to remind her or him. Here's the general run-down: Cough into your elbow, not your hands; Wash your hands often; Get enough sleep; And, especially in Humboldt, keep your things dry to avoid mold. Opening the curtains to allow in sunlight before leaving for class or investing in a dehumidifier are good ways to do that.
Use the Student Health Center
Health Center services are part of your student's school fees, so encourage him or her to use it. It's also a great way for your student to learn to navigate the health care system. Staff will work with your student and your insurance company. "Even if you need a service we don't provide, they can refer you to a place that does," says SHAC student Ashleigh Nelson.
It's important, though, to keep your student covered under your health insurance, says Mira Friedman, Health Educator and SHAC staff advisor. Whether it's dental care, surgery or ongoing care, sometimes your student is going to need the extra coverage.
Comforts of Home
If your student does get sick, a few comforts from home can go a long way. Whether it's a fully stocked care pack of teas, over-the-counter medicines, blankets and comfort foods, or simply a get well soon card, knowing she or he isn't alone can help your student speed through recovery.
You can also use the Health Center to provide a little long-distance TLC. The campus pharmacy, located in the Health Center, carries cold and flu care packages, which your student can purchase using his or her student account. Because payment isn't due immediately, this gives you time to send a check or transfer money to cover the costs.
Your student can also keep track of his or her health whether sick in bed or on the go. By signing up for the Health Center's Secure Message Portal, your student can receive lab results, x-rays and more via secure emails.
Visit the Health Center website at humboldt.edu/health for more information.
If your student is interested in joining SHAC, meetings are held Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Student Health Center conference room. You can email the committee at shac@humboldt.edu to ask questions and suggest future SHAC Attack columns.
|
