A Guide to Staying Healthy on Campus
Monday, December 15th, 2008
Most college students are young and incredibly healthy, so often, they don’t put a whole lot of thought into maintaining their health at school. You may be able to skate through college without being careful, but not everyone will be so fortunate, and there are certain special considerations that college students need to take. If you want to stay healthy in college, follow these tips to avoid pitfalls that can make you sick.
Get up to date on your shots. In college, you may be exposed to more people per capita than ever before. Dorms are often crowded with diseases, and they can spread easily. Be sure that you’re up to date on vaccinations for the most common diseases for college students, including Hepatitis, B, Tetanus, and Meningitis. You should also talk to you school’s health department to find which shots they recommend for your campus.
Pay attention to germs. Again, the college campus is crowded with people, and those people like to touch stuff, and not everyone is careful. Things like desks, doorknobs, and faucets may be teeming with bacteria and germs that can make you sick, especially when there’s something going around like the flu or a stomach bug. You should be diligent about washing your hands regularly, especially when eating or when you exit the bathroom. Take advantage of hand sanitizers that you may find on campus, and be careful about touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Don’t neglect your mental health. Depression is prevalent on the college campus, and even students who were happy in high school may find themselves facing depression in college. Take advantage of the campus therapist, talk to other students, and call home when you need to in order to keep things together at school.
Practice safe sex. If you’re taking part in sexual activities during college, be sure that you’re doing it safely. Keep protection on you at all times, and never have sexual contact of any kind without a condom. Safe sex is essential for avoiding an STD, pregnancy, or HIV in college.
Eat well and exercise. Although your late night study cravings may not be the healthiest, make an effort to eat well in the cafeteria and beyond. Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole foods over fats and sugar whenever possible, and always take time to fit in a little extra activity to burn some calories and stay active.
Staying healthy on campus doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right precautions and a strong commitment, you can go through your college years with good health.
