Summer is nearly over, and it’s time to start getting your back-to-school checklist together.
For some of you readers, you are gearing up to send your child off to college. This guide is tailored toward kids who are going to college, but it is a great checklist even if your kids are still in gradeschool.
Regardless of what year of school your child is beginning, now is the perfect time to get your “integrative student shopping list” together. This is tailored toward kids who are going to college, but it is a great checklist even if your kids are still in gradeschool.
Part 1: Deb’s College Send-Off and Back-to-school Checklist
External Environment
As parents, we spend years preparing our children to leave the nest—academically, emotionally, and logistically. But one piece that’s often overlooked is the physical environment they’re stepping into.
Most dorms and first apartments are… let’s just say, less than ideal. (Maybe you remember your first living situation away from your parents. 🤣)
- Poor ventilation
- Musty AC units
- Hand-me-down mattresses
- And in some cases… mold 😬
Yep, that “college apartment or dorm smell” is often a mix of dust, mildew, and mystery.
Environmental toxins are one of the five main triggers I discuss extensively in my book and can contribute to flare-ups of eczema, allergies, and asthma, among other issues.
Our integrative pharmacist, Deb, is the mom of collegiate triplets (yes, you read that right… and yes, she’s incredible!).
She sends them off with these essentials and is passing along her curated back-to-school checklist just for you! 🙏
Air Quality
✅ Austin Air Filter – HealthMate Junior Plus Unit
This Junior Plus Unit is the perfect size for dorm rooms, bedrooms, or small apartments. It helps remove dust, mold spores, VOCs, and airborne particles, including those as small as 0.1 microns and larger, such as COVID-19.
We breathe in about 10,000 liters of air daily. Clean air is crucial to our overall health and such an important item on the back-to-school checklist.
Austin Air has outperformed more than 100 other purifiers in government tests.
Their filters use activated carbon combined with the medical-grade HEPA technology recommended by the CDC, EPA, and WHO.
Water Quality
✅ Clearly Filtered – Pitcher + Water Bottle
Clearly Filtered products target 365+ contaminants so your child can fill up from any tap (looking at you, nasty dorm and apartment pipes, or water fountains in old school buildings) and filter out fluoride, chlorine, lead, PFAS, arsenic and hundreds of other chemicals.
For comparison, most other water pitchers target as few as five contaminants.
Cleaning Quality
✅ Botanical Mold Wipes
These are great for wiping down vents, windowsills, mini fridges, and any other mystery spots.
They kill 99.9% of bacteria in just 30 seconds… just “wipe and walk away,” making it super easy even for college kids who have no interest in cleaning their space.
These wipes are also formulated with botanical ingredients and contain no harsh or synthetic chemicals.
Sleep Quality
✅ Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad
Let’s just assume that dorm mattresses or those hand-me-down mattresses have seen some things.
The Naturepedic mattress pads are completely non-toxic and free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, latex, and eliminates potential allergenic concerns.
💥 BONUS: I highly encourage your child to wash their sheets weekly using hot water (140°F+) and the highest heat settings.
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to kill mold spores and manage dust and environmental allergens.
Part 2: Deb’s College Send-Off and Back-to-school Checklist
(Internal Environment)
I subsisted on pizza and beer in college (not proud of it—just being honest!).
The reality is college can be filled with microwaves, mystery meat, and 2 a.m. ramen cravings… which makes it even more important to send your child off with tools that support their internal environment.
Just like we talked about prepping their external environment in my last email (bedding, air filters, etc.). We also want to give their gut, immune system, and nervous system the same level of TLC.
Nutrition → Simple Swaps
I have an Approved Packaged Foods Guide I recommend printing off and giving to your child to hang in their room.
Convenience is King (or Queen💁♀️) in college, but there are some simple swaps for healthier alternatives!
Buy a few options during your next grocery store run, so your child can try them out and get accustomed before they leave for school. Good habits start at home!
And if you’re feeling extra generous, stock up their pantry during move-in day so they can start the year off strong!
Medicine Cabinent Makeover: College Edition
As you will notice, several of our supplements provide support for a variety of different ailments and needs.
If you’re child has these handy, they’ll be prepared for any “I feel ____” moment throughout the school year.
Foundations
To help your child adjust to college stress and meals, I suggest:
✅ HKHM MultiVite+ – Covers baseline nutrient needs
✅ HKHM SporeBiotic IG – For gut balance + immune support
✅ HKHM Digestive Enzymes – Helps ease bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion when the body is adjusting to dining hall food
Targeted Support
🤢 Stomach Trouble
HKHM SporeBiotic IG – Helps reset the gut after a stomach bug, or a round of antibiotics
HKHM Digestive Enzymes – For bloating and food-related discomfort
HKHM Advanced Magnesium – Supports digestion and regularity (constipation)
😴 Can’t Sleep
HKHM Advanced Magnesium + GABA – Calms the nervous system and supports rest
Austin Air Filter – Bonus: white noise machine + allergen remover
🤧 Congestion, Allergies, or Runny Nose
XLear or saline spray
HKHM PureZyme or HKHM ProZyme – Natural enzymes to break down mucus (ProZyme for “Extra Strength”)
HKHM Hist-Assist Capsules or Chewable
😷 Cough or Sore Throat
Delsym or generic dextromethorphan syrup (plain cough syrup, not combo!)
Warm lemon + honey (😉)Briotech SOS spray for gargling
By preparing now, you can help your child thrive both physically and mentally this year ahead! 💗
