Health and Wellness

A college student’s health and wellness are both important factors in the student’s academic success.  “Wellness must be a prerequisite to all else.  Students cannot be intellectually proficient if they are physically and psychologically unwell”. Ernest Boyer. Some issues that the staff at WSU’s Health Service would like to make you aware of are listed and discussed below.

• Confidentiality
• Medical exam prior to college
• Immunization records
• Health Insurance
• Prescriptions and Medical records
• Health Services at WSU
• Student first aid supplies
• Staying well

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and medical consent are issues that can cause concern for parents and health care providers.  WSU students have the right to select their medical treatment and the right to confidentiality about their medical information.  Healthcare providers on-campus or off-campus are responsible to maintain that confidentiality and may not release information without the written permission of the student.  Confidentiality allows the student to talk more openly with their healthcare provider and can be an important step toward becoming an adult.

Healthcare records in college are bound by state laws of confidentially as are all medical clinic records.  They may be released only with written consent of the patient.

If a student is considered to be under guardian supervision (generally less than 18 years old), the parent is advised to sign a generic “consent for treatment” form and send it to the health services office. (Dr. Lawrence Neinstein, leading specialist in adolescent healthcare).  Students who are unemancipated minors (under guardian supervision) may receive treatment without parental consent for the following medical conditions:  substance abuse, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health problems, and pregnancy.

Alcohol use:  WSU does not routinely report alcohol violations to parents.

Medical exam prior to college

Part of the preparation for students transitioning to college is to have their medical information reviewed by a professional.  Parents are often helpful in seeing that their student has up to date medical care.  This transition is also important as the responsibility for healthcare shifts from the parents to the student.  The healthcare professional should review medical conditions or concerns that may affect the student’s academic success such as drug use, eating disorders, sexual history, smoking, drinking and mental health issues.  Required health forms and immunizations should be brought up to date.  Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are needed at this time.

Immunizations

 Health and immunization forms are distributed during registration.  Generally, immunizations should be current or brought up to date before your student goes off to college.  To avoid delays in registration it is important to provide the appropriate documentation.  Most of these vaccines are available at WSU Health Services by appointment.

Minnesota law requires 4 immunizations for college and university students.  They are: 

For the complete WSU immunization form, please click on: http://www.winona.edu/healthservices/studentimunizationrequirementform.html

For other non-required but recommended immunizations, click on

http://www.winona.edu/healthservices/immunizations.htm

Student Health Insurance

Health insurance is another important part of preparing for college.  Unfortunately, approximately 25 – 30% of college students do not have any health insurance.  Students should have insurance to cover emergency room visits, specialty care and expensive diagnostic health services, as well as hospitalization.  Unexpected medical illness or expenses may impact a student’s academic career and possibly even terminate it.  WSU does not have any overnight medical facilities.  Families should check to see if their medical insurance will cover their student in the Winona area and what the specific coverage and co-pays will be.

There is an insurance policy endorsed by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for college students at all Minnesota State Colleges, community colleges and technical colleges.  To get more information about the policy look at their website: www.studentresources.net

WSU health service does not do 3rd party billing except for the Student Resources policy.

When your student uses the health service at WSU, they will receive an itemized bill in the mail in 4-5 days.  The charges for the visit will be put onto their student account and they can then pay at the cashier’s office.  If you would like to submit the charge to your insurance company, send the paid receipt from the cashier’s office and a copy of the bill from the health service that has the codes for reimbursement to your insurance company and they will reimburse you directly. 

Prescriptions and Medical Records

If your student has any chronic medical conditions, it is wise to ask the primary care provider to send a summary letter to the WSU Health Services.  This should include a summary of the student’s care, recommended interventions, and any restrictions or medications needed.  Students should be knowledgeable about their own medications, allergies, and significant family medical history.

If your student has a medical condition that significantly impacts their academic progress, it may be considered a disability.  Contact the Disability Resource Center with medical documentation and set up an appointment to meet with a staff member.  They will provide information about the academic accommodations available.  These might include extended time on exams, a low distraction room for testing, priority registration, a note taker, a sign language interpreter, or other appropriate accommodations based on the documentation.  Early contact with the DRC is encouraged at drc@winona.edu or www.winona.edu/disabilityservices .

WSU Health Services

WSU provides high-quality, low-cost primary medical care in addition to health education and health promotion activities.  Confidential mental health counseling services are available to WSU students at the Counseling Center.  The Health Services is open whenever classes are in session.  However it is not open on weekends.

New students and parents may want to research which services are available and what charges may be incurred at the health service at www.winona.edu/healthservices/

It is also helpful to be aware of after-hours care and emergency services:

Go to http://www.winona.edu/healthservices/What's%20New.htm

Students are responsible for any charges incurred at any other facility.

Student First Aid supplies

 All students should have some basic first aid supplies.  This may include:

*A digital thermometer

*First aid kit with band-aids, pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cold medications, antacids, medications for stomach upset or diarrhea and antibiotic ointment

*Refreezable or single use cold pack and/or heating pad for injuries.

Staying well…How parents can help 

Staying well can sometimes be difficult for busy college students.  Yet it is vital to their success.  So, some things parents can do to support their students are:

• Take emotional issues seriously and encourage your students to talk with someone like their RA, an advisor, someone at the counseling center or to a campus minister.
• Advocate for the benefits of sleep.  Preferably 7-8 hours every night, not just on weekends.
• Send and bring them healthy snacks
• Encourage them to get involved in the campus activities by joining clubs of interest, signing up for intramurals, doing volunteer work, etc.
• Suggest ways to increase physical activity into their schedule.

Campus professionals at WSU are there because they truly want to work with college students.  Encourage your student to seek help rather than “toughing it out” alone.  Asking for help is a sign of strength; make sure your student knows that.