Packing a "Mini-Clinic" Box for Yur College Grandchild

Grandparents of college grandchildren sometimes don’t know what to do when their grandchild goes off to school. They still want to stay in touch, but the grands are so busy with homework and new activities. Sure you can send a gift card every so often, and they will truly appreciate it, but how can you stay connected? Well, there’s the obvious, text, facetime, message via Facebook, and email, as well as snail mail.

But as fall arrives and cooler weather sets in, packing a “Mini-Clinic” box can be blessing that they’ll be glad to receive. Money is always tight for a college student, so when the sniffles hit and the sinuses are begging for relief, think how happy they’ll be to go to their “personal” health care box.

Getting Ready for College: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go by Polly Berent (Random House) can be a useful guide in preparing such a health care box. Some items you will want to include in your “Mini-Clinic” box are:

-Vitamin C and Zinc Lozenges for sore throats

-Cough medicine such as Robitussin

-Cough drops

-Tissues

-Antihistamine sinus meds such as Benadryl

-Pain meds such as Tylenol

-Digital thermometer

-Ace bandage for sprains

-Safety pins—you know they’ll lose the clips

-Ice gel packs for bruises and swelling

-Heat gel packs—these can be warmed in the microwave

-Stick-on heat wraps (wonderful invention)

-Band-Aids (all sizes)

-Antibiotic cream

-Cortisone cream

-Insect repellent

-Antacid

-Something for nausea

-Azo for bladder infections—will do until you can get to the doctor

-Daily vitamins

-Extra toothbrushes

-Packets of chicken noodle soup with mug

-Bottle of 7-up or Sprite to be used only when ill

Your “Mini-Clinic”box is sure to tell your granchild how much you care. When the first illness away from home hits, they’ll appreciate it even more and be sending love your way. Happy grandparenting!