Getting a college education is one of the most stress-producing times in the lives of these young adults.
Just look at the numbers: according to an article in US News and World Report, “30% of college and university students drop out after their first year; half never graduate.
Why? Many reasons, the financial burden seems to be at the top of the list. However, parents sometimes overlook the critical medical needs of students. Emotional stress, fear of failure and peer pressure can damage the health and well-being of any student, especially if it goes unrecognized or untreated.
In addition to the stress of learning, students are prone to suffer from colds and flu, allergies, headaches, insomnia, mood-swings and sometimes even food poisoning. And there are more problems these young men and women face: the need for birth control, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, dealing with alcohol or drug consumption, and even weight control.
The Lions HealthFirst Foundation is working with Ching Kwong Ming (Dr. Peggy Ching) to introduce a special medical service for college or university students who are living far away from home.
Here’s something parents need to think about, "Should your daughter get HPV (Human Papaloma Virus) vaccination when she arrives in US to start College?" "Are you aware that HPV vaccinations are now offered to young men as well as young women?"
Other possible health issues parents should consider for their youngsters entering US universities.
"Are you aware that in the State of California, (Nevada too) marijuana can be available to students legally? What if your child is exposed to classmates smoking Marijuana on campus? What should be done to protect him or her and avoid trouble with the law?"
Another health issue is, "Many of the college students in US are taking "smart drugs" to enhance learning. Would your son or daughter benefit from these prescription medications to stay competitive in class?"
Who is Dr. Peggy Ching and what service are Lions HealthFirst offering to foreign students?
Dr. Ching (Ching Kwong Ming) was born in Hong Kong. She attended True Light Middle school in Hong Kong before she immigrated to America and set up her medical practice in the city of San Francisco. She belonged to a HMO called Chinese Community Health Plan in San Francisco. It was one of the first HMO in this country that target exclusively to Chinese. Dr. Ching now lives in Los Angeles and continues to serve clients in San Francisco as well as those in Los Angeles, California.
Under Dr. Ching’s supervision we call our service: "Lions Health First Foreign Students/(Visitors) Concierge Medical Service"
We cater to foreigners with a student or visitor visa.
A brief list of our services include;
1) 24 hour Hot Line, with Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses or Medical Doctors available to answer phone inquiries on health questions.
2) Emergency visits, provide medical escort to emergency room. (Hospital fees are not covered.) But one of us will be there to make sure the appropriate treatments are taking place.
3) Doctor office visits, we schedule the appointments with the physicians and or specialists and provide transportation as needed and escort to the appointments.
4) Pharmacy services. We sent a runner to get the prescriptions filled and deliver the drugs.
5) Laboratory test and X-rays etc. We provide transportation and a practical registered nurse to escort the student for tests.
6) Visiting nurses and home health services, when the student is out sick.
Since LA and SF are the two major ports of entry for Chinese students arriving in the U.S., we offer a meet and greet when they first arrive. This includes a thorough physical examination, a health education session. (Mental health as well as general health, diet advise, skin and hygiene, (e.g. acne is a common health concern for male and female young adults), sex education (birth control, STD), alcohol and drug issues, etc.
Dr. Ching will be available by email and telephone to answer questions from parents determined to maintain the highest standards for health of their children, even if they are thousands of miles from home.
More to come.
Lion James Bartel
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