The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness

by Jill Grimes MD FAAFP, Nicole Grimes (Illustrator)

2022 Bookauthority: Best College Ebooks of All Time: Winner
2022 American Writing Awards Nonfiction Health Category: Winner
2022 IAN Book of the Year Outstanding Non-Fiction Health/Medicine: Winner 
2022 International Impact Book Award Winner 
2021 Gold Medal Florida Authors & Publishers Association Presidents Award: Health Category
2021 Gold Medal Winner of the International Book Award: Health Category
2021 Silver Medal Winner of the  Nautilus Award:   Health, Healing, Wellness & Vitality
2021 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite: Health & Fitness
2021 New York City Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite in the Health & Fitness category
2021 Firebird Speak Up Talk Radio Winner
2021 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal: Young Adult Nonfiction 
2020 Gold Medal Winner of the Literary Titan Award
2020 American Book Fest Best Book Awards Winner: College Guides

Consider this College Health 101—an award-winning guide to what students really want (or need) to know about their mental and physical health when they're away from home.

College students facing their first illness, accident, or anxiety away from home often flip-flop between wanting to handle it themselves and wishing their parents could swoop in and fix everything. Advice from peers and “Dr. Google” can be questionable. The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook  provides accurate, trustworthy, evidence-based medical information (served with a dose of humor) to reduce anxiety and stress and help set appropriate expectations for more than fifty common issues.
 
What if you can’t sleep well ( or can’t sleep at all ) in your dorm room?  What if a pill “gets stuck” in your throat? What if your roommate falls asleep (or passes out) wearing contacts, and wakes up with one painfully stuck? Your friend’s terrible sore throat isn’t Strep or Mono? What else could it be? What should you do for food poisoning? When do you really need X-rays for a sprained ankle or injured toe? What helps severe test anxiety or fear of public speaking?
 
Dr. Jill Grimes has the answer to these questions and many more. Her guidebook is designed to help you:   
Got questions about tattoos, smoking, vaping, pot, and piercings? No worries, Dr. Grimes has covered those topics, too, as well as a few things you might not know about the use and abuse of stimulant (ADD) prescription medications. 

Pair this book with the DIY First Aid Kit detailed in the bonus section to help you, your roommates, and your friends have a healthier, happier semester!
 

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Sara Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a kid graduating, or know of someone graduating, and they are heading to college (or not and just going right to the adult life) this is a GREAT resource for them. All of the chapters in here are relevant with tons of information kids are going to use. It isn't a book to sit down and read for fun, but more of a how-to when they are trying to figure out if they have pink eye or where the tampon went. :) It is full of great tips, gets right to the point, and your graduate will feel more equipped to handle college life on their own.

Full review on 5/12/20 on Stranded in Chaos

Thank you to PR by the Book for the copy for review.

[Hannah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you have a weird-feeling pain and could call your family "doctor friend" for advice on what it might be. That family doctor friend is Dr. Jill Grimes, and she wrote this guide just for you.

(Actually, that's how she began writing this guide: sharing her best answers to college health FAQs in a booklet for high school grads making their way to college. Perfect, right?)

I thought I had everything figured out when I scheduled my classes and matched to my roommate. What I didn't expect were the weird aches and pains ("Am I too young for this??") and feelings that go with being out on your own for the first time. All of a sudden, everything feels more real and scary. It's hard to take it all in, and it's extra-hard to figure out what the heck to do with it.

Dr. Grimes answers your weirdest, most pressing questions in a helpful, non-judgmental way. Why is your toenail mysteriously hurting? What are these new headaches all about? Why do you have a full-on freak out before every math test? And even more importantly, what do you do about it? Dr. Grimes will tell it to you straight.

Health probably isn't at the top of your mind when you're moving into your dorm, but it definitely will be a big deal sometime during the semester. Save yourself a headache and have this book on hand. You don't have time to not feel your absolute best in college. Take care of yourself and make the most of your time there.

This guide from Dr. Grimes is PERFECT for high school grads, college students, and even college grads. Weird things happen when you're out on your own, and Dr. Grimes is here to help. This is exactly the guide I needed when I moved away from home.

[Jill Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as a graduation gift for my youngest cousin and ended up buying another copy for myself because I was so impressed by the content. Historically, I've turned to Dr. Google when I've needed answers for something medical...and then consequently gone down the "well...I guess this means I'm dying" road. This book will be a safeguard against panic and anxiety related to all things health and wellness for the students who have a copy with them at college...or adults who bought a copy for themselves ;) Dr. Grimes is also super unpretentious and explains things in a warm, friendly, and nonjudgemental way. She's like the cool doctor aunt you wish you had so could call when you felt like crap and she could tell you with (no bull) what to do about it. Stop reading this review and buy a copy - this is an essential grad gift that's truly unlike any other book geared towards college students.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through down-to-earth explanations, this is a treasure chest of information on how to handle all sorts of problems and ailments college kids might experience.

Written by a medical professional who has experience dealing on a daily basis with all sorts of college student issues, this book addresses many 'usual' questions and concerns new college students might have. Covering everything from school related problems (such as test panic) to emotional problems (such as homesickness) to self-inflicted issues (such as alcohol poisoning) to pure health problems (such as ear infections), many problems students might run into are addressed. A few words of encouragement and calm are accompanied by easy to understand explanations. Often spread 'myths' are addressed as well as real solutions and suggestions. And it's clearly stated when a doctor needs to be sought out. At the end, the directions on creating a good first-aide kit are also included.

With two kids of my own already through those first college years and two more still to go (but not quite yet), I was curious how this book would match up with my own experience. It passed the test and then some. The range of issues addressed alone deserves kudos. While regular health problems are described, it also hits upon topics which especially plague college students...and ones they might not want to discuss with their parents.

The book is formatted to be used as a reference. Broken down into categories (ear, head, etc), the desired topics are easy to find. I appreciated the natural way the author opens each theme and offers settling words before diving into the explanations. Even these are written in an easy to understand format and directed toward a college student's view on life. It's clear that the author knows what goes around 'myth'-wise on a campus and addresses common spread theories. The facts are clear and the suggestions on how to treat the problems are logically supported, making sure its explained why certain things work and others don't (because trust me, college students won't just believe anyone).

Even more difficult themes are addressed, but these by no means take center stage. And to make it even more enjoyable, there are fun illustrations sprinkled in, which also help to make the points clear.

Reading through this made me smile as I remembered my own children calling (often panicked) when they experienced certain symptoms or were worried that they were coming down with a serious condition. Having this book at hand would have worked wonderfully for those times that I couldn't be immediately reached and, if nothing else, would have given them a chance to 'check up on me' and make sure what I told them was true or not.

I'm giving this one two huge thumbs up and recommending that it be stuffed into every first student's bag as they head out into the huge, new world known as college.

I received a complimentary copy, read these types of books usually with a smirk, but found it to be simply a well written book.

[Angela Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook Offers Real Life Advice for College Students. While I had to pause a bit when I encountered the section covering hangovers so early in the handbook--I had to quickly remind myself that this is why this book is so valuable for young college students! The doctor offers advice on topics ranging from headaches, coughs/colds, test-taking anxiety, sore throats, insomnia--to issues such as hangovers, sexual situations, piercing problems, smoking/vaping, etc. College students may not want to ask mom or dad about some of these topics--but that doesn't mean that questions, concerns, and issues about alcohol, sex, drugs, etc. aren't going to arise! This book is an excellent handbook that touches on most of the everyday health and wellness issues that may present themselves to college students--especially the ones that teens may want to "handle on their own" without talking it over with a parent!

Dr. Grimes Writing Style Creates the Perfect Health and Wellness Guide for College Students. The author has a very simplistic writing style that blends realistic advice with medical facts--and even addresses some common myths that college students encounter when seeking help from friends or the internet. The sections of this book are straightforward and written in a concise manner that will answer a young adult's questions credibly while being suited to those instant information-seeking teens!

Would I Recommend The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes, MD, FAAFP? As I read through the advice presented in this book--I felt comfortable suggesting that my daughter follow the advice! The book is presented in an authentic, no-nonsense fashion that gives the information honestly, matter-of-factly---and clearly enough that a young college student will be able to understand the risks/reasoning without panic and follow the advice without doubt or embarrassment. I recommend this handbook for any parent seeking a little peace of mind as they send high school graduates off to a college campus. I loved this handbook--and I have already put a copy onto my daughter's college packing list.

I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Vanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If: I don't know how to review this?
Medival name: brain freeze

What most likely happened:
You read a book about diseases for College Students. They are without there parents and checking their symptoms with webdoc pages. They think they will die even if they have only a headache.

Okay, I'm out of my creativity, but this book IS helpful though. There is so many useful information in the language of the students, and it's also funny but serious where it needs to be.

I recommend it to every hypochonder people - this book is way better than using the internet, and thinking that you have a fatal disease

[Dr. Claire Nicogossian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Grimes has compiled a thoughtful and comprehensive guide for college students! The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook is an essential resource for college students and their parents. Covering a wider range of physical symptoms, issues and situations, this book should be with every college student leaving home, whether the first year, or beyond. This book is the first go-to resource, followed up by reviewing recommendations and then self-treatment or consulting with a medical professional. No more googling, which can never be a substitute for a medical degree! But this guide by Dr. Grimes will give college students and parents alike the needed information from a trusted reliable medical expert and physician. Truly a must have resource! Thank you Dr. Grimes!

[Em (Diversify Your Shelf) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this out because while I am *well* past my first year of college, I was definitely a mess that first year and like to keep an eye on things that may help people who were like me. I do like a lot of this book-- I like the scientific explanations and the breakdowns on when an injury is concerning enough to require medical treatment.

However, I find a couple of the sections off-putting. The first section I was a little unimpressed by was the section on drugs. Now I am someone who has never done any illegal substances (or even ones that are now considered legal) and even I found the tone in this section to be unhelpful. Yes, there should be facts on how dangerous drugs are, but this section seemed needlessly fear-mongering. There are a lot of people that use some form of cannabis for pain relief etc and while I am not one of them (and certainly want to see more studies on it), that doesn't change that there are more reasons people use drugs than to just get high/focus on studying.

The section on the "Freshman Fifteen" however, upset me enough to dock a full star and reconsider if I would recommend it to a vulnerable college student (and frankly I'm not sure I would). I expected the chapter to detail why this happens, sure, but then all it does is list ways to lose the weight! There is not a single sentence about how weight gain is not necessarily a concern and to accept that it happens. Instead, there is a headline about accountability that says to step on a scale every week or get a personal trainer for the first semester of school. This is TERRIBLE ADVICE! Plus, what first year student can pay for a personal trainer and have time to see one? Ridiculous. This entire section is practically a step by step manual on how to give yourself an eating disorder.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro que repasa diferentes situaciones, dolencias, inconveniencias, etc. que puede sufrir cualquier persona. Está orientada a estudiantes universitarios y es verdad que los primeros capítulos hablan de situaciones sobre las que se pueden identificar más los universitarios, pero el resto de capítulos que hablan sobre enfermedades o dolores son muy útiles para todo tipo de personas.
Mi única pega es el capítulo en el que habla de abusos y violaciones, es verdad que da buenos consejos, pero se me quedan un poco cortos. Me hubiera gustado que recalcara un poco más que, aunque puedes hacer cosas para evitar ciertas situaciones, si eres víctima de un abuso o violación no es culpa tuya y que deberías acudir a la policía.
En general, el libro me parece muy útil, cumple su función y estaré revisándolo de vez en cuando si lo necesito.

[Michelle Icard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love about this book! The way Dr. Grimes gets right to the important takeaways without drawing out the lede, the reliability of her expertise on teen and young adult health, the range of topics and tips offered within…but most all, for me, the best thing about this handbook is the way she never sugar coats or condescends about adolescent behavior. Dr. Grimes writes to the reality of college life for students, not the parental fantasy. Your student will find reliable advice within for hangovers, sleep issues, stimulants, panic attacks, STDs and so much more. Sure, they can call you…But will they? And sure, they can Google…But can the results be trusted? Feel better handing them this guide researched and written by a brilliant and relatable physician and know that honest, smart, healthy answers are at their fingertips.

[Megan Kamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a college age student, and this book is an AMAZING resource for me and my friends. Why would I refer to this handbook over google? Because I trust the accuracy of the medical information Dr. Grimes provides. The DIY first aid kit (with guidance on what to use when) is something I’ve personally used, and is reason enough to buy the book. (Though I’m confident you’ll find the entire handbook invaluable!) From first dorm room to first apartment to first house, this handbook is a must!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pediatrician and mom, I wish I had this book 2 decades ago when I was in college. But I'm glad that college students these days can have this fantastic reference book with practical tips for:
- Common conditions like acne, colds, cold sores, stomach aches, back pain from heavy backpacks, and hangovers
- Worries like text anxiety, public speaking, depression, and homesickness
Highly recommend this as a graduation gift paired with a first aid kit and snacks!

[Baudshaw (Aadi Indradevi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very simple yet helpful guide to any disease, sickness, or ailment that college students regularly encounter. It’s organized very nicely, but my only criticism is that the “worst case scenario” section isn’t really needed for all the illnesses.

[Cynthia Muchnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother of four and a parenting book author of The Parent Compass, I cannot recommend this book enough. I would give it 10 stars if possible! This is THE book you need to own a dozen of ready to distribute for graduation gifts from high school AND college students! I am only sorry that I have already launched two of my own kids and didn't have this to hand them! (I will still mail them copies now!) If you have a child in college or new to the real world, this is the item you want to send with them in their (proverbial) back pockets. Dr. Grimes writes in an easily accessible, friendly style and covers topics from hangovers to asthma, tattoos to cold sore, and everything in between. Grimes has authored the medical "What to expect when you are a young adult" book that your young adult needs! Hurry up and pick up a copy!