54 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2018 What’s a parent to do? We want so badly to make this a good experience for our child, but at this point there is much they have to do for themselves. Much like the Serenity Prayer, focus on the things you can do, and let go of the things you can’t. But in at least one area where it counts—your child’s health—there are things you can do in advance that will go a long way toward keeping your child healthy when they are out of your reach. Be prepared Most colleges and universities no longer require a pre-college health exam. Many simply want verification of immunization status. That doesn’t mean your child doesn’t need a full check-up prior to launch. The pre-college physical is a chance to make sure their immunization and health history information is up to date and to rule out any significant health problems before leaving for school. Do your homework and plan in advance Check out the student health center; most student health centers provide high-quality, low-cost, primary health care; ask questions about after-hours care and what’s included in the school fees. What to KnowBeforeYouGo The Healthy College Student: By Susan Sugerman, MD, MPH | Contributor