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starting college with a chronic condition: tips for a healthy start

Teen talks with specialist and parent about mental health resources

Starting college is a big transition! New classes, potentially a new place to live and a lot more independence! If you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, epilepsy, a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder or a mental health condition, you might also be wondering how you’ll stay on top of your health while being away from home.  

The good news is that a little planning can help you feel more prepared and confident before move-in day. 

start planning before classes start

A few months before college starts, make a checklist of your health needs. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress once classes begin. Make a simple checklist that includes: 

  • Medications and prescriptions  
  • Doctor appointments  
  • Medical supplies  
  • Insurance coverage  
  • Emergency contacts  
  • School accommodations  

make sure you can get your prescriptions filled

One of the most important steps is figuring out how you’ll get your medications while at school. 

Before leaving for college: 

  • Ask your doctor for enough refills to last through the semester if possible  
  • Set reminders so you don’t run out of medication 
  • Find a pharmacy near campus and learn how to transfer prescriptions if needed 
  • Check if your insurance works in your college town  

This is especially important for students managing conditions like: 

  • Diabetes that requires insulin or glucose monitoring supplies  
  • Epilepsy medications that need to be taken consistently  
  • GI conditions that require daily medications  
  • Mental health medications that should not be stopped suddenly  

If you use specialty medications, ask your care team how deliveries will work at school.

know where to go for medical care

Before classes start, learn about the healthcare options near campus. 

Find out: 

  • Where the student health center is located  
  • Which urgent care or emergency room is closest  
  • Whether there are pediatric or adult specialists nearby  

Some students may continue seeing their pediatric specialist during college breaks or through virtual visits. Others may need help transitioning to an adult care provider closer to campus. 

Talk with your specialist before college about: 

  • How often you need follow-up visits  
  • What symptoms mean it’s time to schedule an appointment  
  • What to do if you have a flare-up or emergency 

take charge of your health

College is often the first time students manage healthcare on their own. Practice skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Calling in prescription refills  
  • Tracking symptoms  
  • Understanding your medications  

Keeping important medical information in your phone can also help in an emergency. Include your diagnosis, medications, allergies and emergency contacts. 

teen girl hydrates after playing soccer

don’t ignore mental health

Changes in sleep, routines and stress can affect both physical and mental health. If you already manage anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, stick to your treatment plan and know how to access counseling services on campus. 

Even students without a diagnosed mental health condition may struggle during the transition to college. Reaching out for support early can make a big difference. 

build healthy habits

Healthy routines can help you manage symptoms and feel your best. Try to: 

  • Get enough sleep  
  • Eat regular meals  
  • Stay hydrated  
  • Use reminders for medications and appointments  

Students with chronic conditions may also qualify for accommodations through their college’s disability services office. This could include things like flexible attendance or housing needs. Ask your doctor about any paperwork you may need before school starts. 

you don’t have to figure it out alone

Starting college with a chronic condition may take extra preparation, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Consider talking with your roommate and close friends about your health needs. Many chronic conditions are “invisible,” so others may not know when you need help unless you share it with them. Letting someone know what to watch for and how to help in an emergency can help you feel safer and more supported on campus.  

Starting college can feel overwhelming, especially with a chronic condition, but support is available. Your healthcare team, family and school resources are there to support you along the way. 

With preparation and the right support, you can spend less time worrying about your condition and more time enjoying your college experience. 

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Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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tips for transitioning from pediatric to adult care

teen poses with parent

Turning 18 comes with a lot of “firsts,” including taking more responsibility for your health. Along with more independence comes new responsibility, like managing appointments, understanding your insurance and speaking up about your care. For many teens and families, the move from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel overwhelming at first.  

The good news? Preparing early can make the transition much smoother. 

Whether your teen has a chronic condition or just visits the doctor once a year, learning how adult healthcare works is something they’ll use for the rest of their life. Here’s what families should know about transitioning to adult care and how to prepare now.

what changes when you turn 18?

At age 18, you become a legal adult. This means: 

  • You make your own medical decisions  
  • Healthcare providers will speak directly to you  
  • Your medical records become private  
  • Parents or caregivers can no longer access your information without permission  
  • Medical bills will be in your name 

Even if you stay on a parent’s insurance plan, these responsibilities will shift to you. 

why transitioning to adult healthcare matters

Learning how to manage your health helps build confidence over time. It also prepares teens for college, work, sports and everyday adult life.  

For teens with chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs, planning ahead is especially important. 

tips for teens preparing for adult care

The best time to prepare for adult healthcare is before turning 18. Small steps now can help teens feel more confident later. 

1. Start taking part in appointments

Practice answering questions during doctor visits instead of letting a parent answer everything. Try asking at least one question during each appointment. 

2. Learn about your health history

Teens should know: 

  • Current medications  
  • Allergies  
  • Past surgeries or medical conditions  
  • Family health history  
  • Vaccine history  

Keeping this information organized can make appointments much easier. 

3. Practice real-life healthcare tasks

Begin practicing skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Checking in at visits 
  • Refilling prescriptions  
  • Logging into MyChart  
  • Calling the doctor’s office with questions  

These are small steps that build confidence over time. 

4. Understand HIPAA and medical privacy

HIPAA is a law that protects private health information. Once a teen turns 18, healthcare providers can’t share medical information with parents or caregivers without permission. 

Teens can choose to share access by signing a release of information form. 

mother talks to teen son about mental health

tips for parents supporting the transition

For parents and caregivers, this transition can feel emotional. It may be hard stepping back after years of managing everything. The goal is to move from managing care to supporting independence.

Here are ways parents can help: 

  • Talking about medical forms like release of information or healthcare power of attorney if needed   
  • Encouraging teens to practice healthcare tasks  
  • Review insurance information together  
  • Talking about how involved they want to be after age 18  

transitioning to adult care for teens with chronic conditions

Teens with chronic illnesses, complex medical needs or disabilities may need extra support during this transition. 

Some conditions require ongoing care into adulthood. These conditions may include: 

  • Diabetes  
  • Epilepsy  
  • Asthma  
  • Heart conditions  
  • Gastrointestinal disorders  
  • Mental health conditions  

Families should start talking with their healthcare team early about transition planning, adult specialists and long-term care needs. 

a simple healthcare transition checklist 

Before turning 18, teens should try to: 

  • Know their medications and allergies  
  • Carry an insurance card  
  • Schedule an appointment on their own 
  • Refill a prescription  
  • Log into MyChart  
  • Ask questions during appointments  
  • Understand who has access to their health information  

growing into independence

Transitioning to adult care does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that takes practice, patience and support from both teens and caregivers. 

With preparation and guidance, teens can feel more confident taking charge of their health and future. 

If you have questions about transitioning to adult healthcare, talk with your child’s primary care provider for additional support and resources. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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schedule appointment
conditions we treat


the dos and don’ts of a gluten-free diet

how to navigate the dietary restrictions of a child with celiac disease

Chef holding wheat while holding stomach, signaling a gluten allergy

If your child has celiac disease, their doctor will guide you on which foods your child can eat and which to avoid. These changes will have a big impact on your family’s everyday life and your child’s diet. You may also benefit from meeting with a dietitian for more advice.  

Your child’s diet should have no wheat, barley, rye or related grains. No law requires food manufacturers to list gluten on food labels, so making sure your child avoids it can be hard. In the United States, all food must be clearly labeled if they contain any of the top eight food allergies, including wheat. But wheat-free doesn’t mean gluten-free. Some wheat-free products may have gluten-containing grains like barley and rye in them. 

Carefully read food labels on all items before you buy them or let your child have them. And help your child learn to do it too. According to The Celiac Disease Foundation, these are some of the common foods that contain gluten: 

  • Pastas: raviolis, dumplings, couscous and gnocchi 
  • Noodles: ramen, soba, chow mein and egg noodles 
  • Breads and pastries: croissants, pita, naan, bagels, flatbreads, cornbread, potato bread, muffins, donuts, rolls 
  • Crackers: pretzels, goldfish, graham crackers 
  • Baked goods: cakes, cookies, pie crusts, brownies 
  • Cereal and granola: corn flakes and rice puffs often contain malt extract/flavoring, granola is often made with regular oats, not gluten-free oats 
  • Breakfast foods: pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes and biscuits 
  • Breading and coating mixes: panko breadcrumbs 
  • Croutons: stuffings, dressings 
  • Sauces and gravies: many use wheat flour as a thickener 
  • Flour tortillas 

The good news is many of the food items listed above are now available in gluten-free options as well. Just be sure to read the label! 

other foods that may contain gluten 

These foods must be verified by reading the label or checking with the manufacturer/kitchen staff: 

  • Energy bars/granola bars 
  • French fries 
  • Potato chips 
  • Processed lunch meats 
  • Candy and candy bars 
  • Soup 
  • Multi-grain or “artisan” tortilla chips or tortillas 
  • Salad dressings and marinades 
  • Starch or dextrin 
  • Brown rice syrup 
  • Self-basting poultry 
  • Pre-seasoned meats 
  • Cheesecake filling 
  • Eggs served at restaurants 

finding safe options 

  • Start with the foods your child can eat. Safe foods and ingredients include foods made with flours of corn, rice, buckwheat, sorghum, arrowroot, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), quinoa, tapioca, teff and potato. All plain meats, fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables are also okay. 
  • Watch for cross-contamination. Sometimes, gluten-free foods can come into contact with foods that contain gluten. For example, crumbs from regular wheat bread can find their way into jams, spreads or condiments if people aren’t careful to use a fresh knife or utensil each time. Keeping condiments in squeezable bottles and using separate butter, jams and spreads for people with celiac disease is a great idea. You might also keep a separate toaster for gluten-free bread. 
  • Clean appliances, utensils and work surfaces before you make gluten-free products, especially after handling foods that contain gluten. Wash your hands well and often when you prepare food. 
  • In restaurants: Tell the server or the kitchen staff about your child’s condition so they know that your child’s food must be free of gluten and related ingredients. 
  • In grocery stores: Most carry some gluten-free bread, cereal, baking mixes, cookies, crackers and other products. Health food stores and natural food markets may have wider selections of these foods. Skip gluten-free products from bulk food bins because of the risk of cross-contamination. 

If your child is a patient in gastroenterology at Dayton Children’s and could benefit from more advice on nutrition, contact the clinic to arrange meeting with a licensed dietician at your next appointment.

If your child is not a patient in gastroenterology at Dayton Children’s but would benefit from advice from a licensed dietician, schedule an appointment in our nutrition clinic. 

Information adapted from KidsHealth. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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conditions we treat

do certain foods upset your child’s stomach?

girl drinks milk in a sunlit kitchen

Has your child ever eaten something and not felt great afterwards? Depending on the symptoms, this could be a sign of a food intolerance (also known as a sensitivity) or an allergy. And you might be wondering, what is the difference between a food allergy and intolerance? David Morris, MD, division chief of allergy and immunology at Dayton Children’s Hospital is here to help us identify the differences.

food allergy versus intolerance

A food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, can make someone feel ill with symptoms such as nausea, gas, cramping in the stomach, diarrhea and/or headaches.

A food allergy, such as a peanut allergy, can also make someone feel ill but with more serious symptoms such as hives, vomiting, throat tightness, difficulty breathing and more.

food intolerance broken down further

A food intolerance, means that our body can’t digest a certain food the right way. For instance, someone who is lactose intolerant has trouble digesting the type of sugar that is typically in milk and other dairy products. This does not mean that they are allergic to milk, it just means that they probably won’t feel good after eating something that contains milk.

If your child has an intolerance to a food, they will probably notice symptoms within two hours of eating or drinking. Everyone reacts differently and a food intolerance can start out of nowhere – even if they’ve never had trouble with a certain food before.

There are some at-home food sensitivity tests that you can buy over the counter that will measure the body’s response to foods that commonly cause an intolerance. Unfortunately, data has not consistently shown these tests as a valid way to evaluate triggers. I would recommend a food diary recording symptoms after consumption. 

food allergy broken down further

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system sees a type of food as an invader. This is what leads to an allergic reaction. According to KidsHealth, an allergic reaction is the immune systems response in which chemicals like histamine are released in the body. An allergic reaction can cause symptoms that can be life-threatening.

A person with a food allergy is always at risk for the next allergic reaction being a life-threatening one. Eating even a small amount of the food can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause many problems at the same time. People with a food allergy must always avoid the problem food and carry an emergency injectable epinephrine (also known as an epi-pen).

Some of the most common food allergies include:

  • Peanuts and other tree nuts
  • Seafood, such as shrimp
  • Fish
  • Milk (usually cow’s milk)
  • Eggs
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Sesame

If you think your child may have a food allergy, talk to their pediatrician. You will probably be referred to an allergist (a doctor who specializes in allergies). The allergist may want to do a skin test. A skin test will see how the body reacts to a small amount of the food that you think may be causing the problem.

Unfortunately, there is currently no medication available to make food allergies go away. Sometimes food allergies can be outgrown, and others may last forever. The best treatment is to avoid the food that is causing the problem – this is for allergies and sensitivities!

If you have more questions about allergies or think your child may need to see an allergist, click here.

last reviewed

related posts

 

 

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
schedule appointment
conditions we treat