7 Tips to Manage a Chronic Condition in College

• September 27, 2018
• Amber Specialty Pharmacy
• Health Tips

Managing a chronic illness in college can be an adjustment. For many young adults, it’s their first time living away from home and taking more responsibility for managing their chronic condition. Here are seven tips to manage a chronic condition in college to make your transition easier.

Manage Your Schedule

It’s easy to overbook your schedule in college with classes, volunteer opportunities, internships, social events and more. Managing your schedule is important to care for your chronic condition. Stay ahead in your classes. This way if you have a flare-up or have to miss class for a medical appointment, you don’t fall behind in school. Set your schedule to work best with treatment for your chronic condition. You may want to take online classes or schedule breaks for time to rest and eat lunch. Keep track of important dates, like exams and doctor’s appointments, in a detailed calendar. Don’t be afraid to cut back your schedule if you feel overwhelmed or overcommitted.

Be proactive and talk with your professors about your condition early in the semester. Professors may be more accommodating if you communicate your circumstances ahead of time before any conflicts occur.

Find the On-Campus Health Center

Find the on-campus health center at your college or university. Learn what services this office offers and introduce yourself. If you need regular medical checkups, find out if you can get them on campus or if they can recommend a local health care provider.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Review your insurance policy with your parents before you leave for college, especially if you are going out of state. You’ll want to make sure your medical coverage doesn’t change, so your treatment is not interrupted. Student insurance policies are available and may be a good option for you. Know what to look for in a health insurance policy to get the best coverage for your chronic condition.

Take Care of Your Health

Balancing school, work, extracurricular activities, social events and a chronic health condition can be a challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in a busy schedule and neglect your health. Take care of your health by sleeping, eating nutritious meals and making responsible choices. All-night study sessions and living in a dorm room environment can make it easier for you to get sick. Be sure to wash your hands and make your health a priority.

Be Consistent

Keep the treatment routine for your chronic condition consistent. Don’t let college interrupt your medication schedule, doctor’s visits or other important aspects of your care. Adjust your class schedule and work with your professors to stay on track managing your chronic condition. If you go to a college or university out of state, you may need to find a local health care provider to keep your care consistent. If you’re an Amber Specialty Pharmacy patient, ask about shipping your medication to your new address at college.

Get Help

Most colleges and universities have an office dedicated to helping students with disabilities. Be sure to work with this office to manage your chronic condition and your education. Ask about financial aid options for students with a chronic condition. There may be scholarships or other financial assistance available to help you afford your education. Look for support groups or student organizations to help you connect with other people managing a chronic illness.

Stay in Touch with Your Pharmacist

Amber Specialty Pharmacy serves patients all across the country. Wherever you go to college, treatment for your chronic condition can continue without interruption. It’s important for you to stay in touch with your Amber Specialty Pharmacy pharmacist. Amber Specialty Pharmacy can help you manage your treatment through all the life changes involved with going to college. A clinical expert is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, so we can adjust to your crazy college schedule. Be sure to tell your pharmacist if you’re home, at school or working at an internship in a different city. Amber Specialty Pharmacy will make sure your medication arrives where you need it, when you need it.