For many young adults, college is the first step towards becoming independent. The freedom that comes with living on your own is wonderful! However, there is more to being an adult than buying groceries. College students are notorious for forgetting to plan for health and maintenance concerns previously handled by their parents. Here are five of the most important (and overlooked) appointments that you will need to regularly schedule as an adult.
Dental Visits
No one likes going to the dentist, but keeping your teeth healthy needs to be a priority. If you brush your teeth as recommend, a routine cleaning every six months is often enough to keep your teeth in top shape. If you have any lingering concerns, you should speak to your dentist about scheduling additional appointments. Also, remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months.
Oil Changes
If you own a car you will need to have the oil changed on a regular basis. The old rule of thumb was every 3,000 miles, but now most manufacturers recommend referring to your owners manual for guidance. Many dealerships and automotive repair shops offer an oil change package that includes an oil change, tire rotation, and point inspections on the most commonly worn out areas of the car (wipers, tires, battery, etc.). Some shops even offer special discounts to college students.
Doctor Visits
If you take any type of prescription medication, it may be necessary to visit the doctor at regular intervals to renew your prescription. The interval at which you visit your doctor is determined by the type of medicine you’re prescribed. Always make sure you have your next appointment scheduled before you run out of medicine. You don’t want to risk going without it for a few days, especially if the medication takes time to build up in your bloodstream.
Hair Cuts
This might seem a little more trivial than the other items on the list, but it is still something you need to do. Long lengths of time without a haircut can damage your hair and give you an unprofessional appearance. There are many places that offer student discounts for basic hair cuts. Also, some places allow you to walk in and receive service without an appointment. Therefore, you should be able to take care of this quickly and without spending too much money.
EyeExams
Its hard to see what the professor is writing when your glasses aren’t strong enough. Wearing glasses or contacts with an outdated prescription can cause more problems than simply a blurry view. Headaches, vertigo, and brow pain are other common side effects. If you need prescription lenses to see, make sure you get your eyes checked about once a year. Your eyesight changes over time and it is important that you have your prescription adjusted.
Independence is a wonderful thing, but you need to make sure you are fully taking care of yourself. Have any more necessary appointments to add to the list? Leave them in the comment section below!