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. ( )