Search Results for: insomnia

Fall Frenzy: How to Help Your Panicking College Student

BRACE YOURSELF, my fellow parents of college students, because with Halloween in the rearview mirror, we are now officially in what I often call the “FALL FRENZY” season. The realities of college are setting in- from suboptimal (sometimes shocking) midterm grades and academic scrambling to social extremes (either too many friends/parties or sitting alone in dorm rooms)- especially for freshmen and anyone new to campus life (which includes not only transfer students but also everyone who did off-campus pandemic learning last year.) As they struggle with classes or relationships, many students begin to question if they need to change their … Read more

Top Ten 2020 Holiday Gifts for College Students

Dr. Grimes Top 10 College Gifts 2020

What can you purchase for the college student who has “everything” this year? As both a doctor who works with college students and a parent of two collegiate students (one undergrad, one grad school), here’s what made my TOP TEN HOLIDAY GIFTS for COLLEGE STUDENTS in 2020:

1. Restaurant Gift Cards– What?? During a pandemic? YES- for TAKE OUT. Let’s especially support our local businesses! #KeepAustinWeird Taco Shack Gift Cards

2. Weighted Blanket– These can be pricey, but for anyone dealing with anxiety and/or insomnia, they are worth their WEIGHT in gold. What weight? 15-20 lbs. (Bigger adult, … Read more

Overwhelmed with Stress & Anxiety in College? Try These Tips!

On and off campus, it’s official: the Mid-September College Student PANIC and ANXIETY have set in, completely freaking out already exhausted, pandemic-weary students and parents. Please know that EVERY fall, students-especially freshmen and transfer students- question if they chose the wrong school or even the wrong path all together. Should they change majors, drop out, take a belated gap year, transfer schools, or pursue a trade job? Trust me, these feelings are NORMAL and very common, especially during this first month. Most students, however, find that as the weeks roll by, they find a rhythm in and out of the … Read more

The Best 2020 College First Aid Kit

Ten years ago, I blended my craft-loving, Girl Scout leader “always be prepared” skills with my family medicine physician experience to create a practical high school graduation gift- a college first aid kit. That first kit had basic  essentials for cuts and colds, a thermometer, an ACE wrap, and a few assorted remedies for seasonal allergies, migraines, and heartburn.  I stuck a little index card inside that had a few tips about when to use what (like Tylenol vs Advil). Each year, I added more items and instructions, as our friends’ kids began using these kits and texting me for … Read more

5 Tips for Student Survival & SUCCESS During COVID Quarantine

Online classes have begun, and the learning curve is steep for students, teachers and families as we ALL adjust to our re-nested COVID lifestyle.

PARENTS: Being a student should STILL be your kid’s number one priority. Yes, this is a pandemic, and each family has different needs, but globally we need to adapt to living a bit in tandem with our young adult children, respecting their typically shifted, later sleep/wake cycles and understanding that our family meal times may conflict with their classes, study groups or virtual hangouts. Time zone changes from out-of-state schools double this challenge.

 STUDENTS: Be … Read more

Healthy Holiday Gifts (Peleton Not Included*)

Last week the now infamous Peleton ad went viral, infuriating many who felt this commercial portrayed a sexist jerk of a husband who wanted his already thin wife to lose weight. Ironically, I am the proud (& almost immediately obsessed) recipient of a shiny new Peleton that was a birthday gift from my husband last month. Truth be told, this bike was on my wish list for BOTH of us, and not to transform EITHER of us into supermodels. I’m all about gifts that enhance exercise, nutrition or emotional/spiritual health, because these are truly the “gift(s) that give … Read more

Freaking Out Over FINALS? You’re Not Alone!

Intense test anxiety affects up to 20% of college students, and this time of year is the WORST. Finals are approaching, projects and papers are due, and added pressure from mistakes earlier in the semester can push students over the edge. Students (and their parents) often question whether they feel different than everyone else- is this “normal” or should they seek help?

With a typical student, test day adrenaline might cause extra bathroom trips up until the test starts, a racing heart and anxious anticipation, but once she starts answering questions, the physical symptoms subside enough for the … Read more

Top Five Best Gifts for College Students

In the final stretch of holiday season, what can you purchase for the college student who has “everything”? From the perspective of a COLLEGE CAMPUS DOC and mom of two college students, here are my top five gift choices:   (Disclaimer: NO financial ties to any products mentioned)

  1. Weighted blanket: Expensive ($100+)? Yes, relatively, but for anyone dealing with anxiety or insomnia, these are worth their weight (pun intended) in gold. These blankets feel like a massively prolonged hug, and have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Any brand works, but if your student is particular about
… Read more

Media

In the News

Dr. Grimes appears on the Scripps News Morning Rush program to talk about the cures for hangovers.

Natalie Tysdal Podcast

Dr. Grimes appears on The Natalie Tysdal Podcast to speak about returning to school and the issues students face.

Follow this link to see Dr. Grimes speak about students returning to college on WGN-TV’s Midday Fix program in Chicago and click here to see her speak on the same topic on the Good Morning Arizona program.

Click here to watch Dr. Grimes speak about students returning home for the holidays on the QC Morning program on WBTV in Charlotte, N.C.… Read more

Fear of Flying

Yesterday’s tragic accident has no doubt magnified the fear of flying for many people (and let me add prayers of sympathy for those directly affected, as well as kudos to the brave pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, and flight attendants who helped save the rest of the passengers.) Despite the fact that this type of accident has not happened before, and is very unlikely to happen again, hearing and reading the horrific details add fuel to any anxiety surrounding flying. If you suffer from this fear, know that you are not alone- and that your family physician can offer you a … Read more