College Student Health Facts

Busy college students can't afford to get sick.

Many health issues present themselves to students newly introduced to college life or under the stress of classes and work. With a hectic schedule, students can get caught up in unhealthy behaviors. According to the website for "Science Daily," the 2007 College Student Health Survey Report tracked a series of health problems, ranging from those that affect the body and the mind, like meningitis, obesity and sleep deprivation. There are things students can do to keep healthy and mind the risks. The 2007 College Student Health Survey Report was released by University of Minnesota Boynton Health Services after they surveyed 10,000 students across 14 different Minnesota campuses. According to "Science Daily," the findings reflect national trends among college students.

Obesity

Working out helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Due to poor eating and decreased activity, many students fall into the overweight category. According to the 2007 College Student Health Survey Report, 38.5 percent of the students surveyed were overweight. Students should take care not to fall into sedentary behavior. Most colleges contain a gymnasium that is open to students before and after their classes. Students should ask their gym coordinators or campus health specialists about information on working out, as workouts vary from individual to individual. Some students might prefer cardio work and weightlifting, while others might enjoy yoga or Pilates. "Science Daily" also notes that many students also suffer from poor diets. Some campuses do not provide healthy food for their students, while some students prefer to eat at local fast-food establishments. Making smart food choices is important for students who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Drinking & Drugs

Drinking on campus can become a problem.

Alcohol abuse continues to be a problem for students. While experiencing freedom for the first time, many turn to excessive drinking in social situations. "Science Daily" reported that many students engage in high-risk drinking, which might lead to fatal accidents, health problems, addiction, lack of academic concentration and sexual misconduct. According to the 2007 College Student Health Survey Report, 70.5 percent of students reported using alcohol within the 30 days of taking the survey, while 37.1 percent reported taking part in high-risk drinking within two weeks of taking the survey.

Students can turn to their campus counselor or health practitioner for more information on how to avoid problems, peer pressure and how to get help with drug and alcohol abuse.

Lack of Health Insurance

Students might have trouble finding a doctor.

The 2007 College Student Health Survey Report found that there are some students in both graduate and undergraduate programs who do not have insurance. The report found that 9.4 percent of undergraduate students in the Minnesota system did not have health insurance, though the percentage is higher for graduate students. Without health insurance, they have limited places to turn for help when sick. According to Aetna Health Care, students make up a large percentage of the 48.5 million Americans without health insurance. This is either due to the student's parents' insurance plans implementing cutoffs (some as early as 19) while other students have parents who cannot afford to insure them or don't have insurance altogether. Inside Higher Ed says that groups of students who might be uninsured include "part-time students, older college students (ages 22 or 23), students with lower family incomes, and Hispanic, black and Asian students."

Students who are not insured have trouble paying for prescriptions and doctor visits. Without familial help, they might have to work more or stay sick, increasing the risk for missing courses. This can lead to excessive stress, exhaustion and general unhealthiness. Students should investigate their state's low-cost health insurance programs if they cannot afford student health insurance through their schools. Many hospitals also offer charity care programs. The website Collegiate Risk Management is developing programs that advocate for students' coverage through their colleges.

Germs

Touching and sharing items can pass germs on campus.

Students on college campuses are at risk for getting sick due to the passing of germs in dorms and classes. In addition to bacterial, viral or parasitic infections (like colds, the flu and chicken pox), Meningococcal disease (meningitis) is often found on college campuses, according to the American College Health Association. This potentially fatal bacterial infection results in meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcal septicemia, a blood infection. Students are at higher risk for this because so many people live in one area, possibly spreading more germs through communal living spaces, like bathrooms, kitchens and classrooms.

According to the American College Health Association, an estimated 100 to 125 cases of the disease are reported on campuses each year, and some students will die as a result. The American College Health Association recommends that all first-year students living in college dormitories receive the meningococcal vaccine. It is available through a doctor and through some school nurse offices. Students also should wash their hands regularly, keep their living spaces sanitized and avoid physical contacts with sick friends.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can occur when students become too busy.

Many students experience some sort of sleep deprivation. Due to the pressure of classes, jobs and studying, students often lose a certain amount of the sleep they should be getting each night. This can result in poor attention span, missing courses, lower grades and increased stress. Seeing a college counselor about how to balance a student schedule can be helpful.

References

• Science Daily: "Report on Health And Habits Of College Students Released;" November 2007
• American College Health Association: "Meningitis on Campus"
• Aetna: "The Uninsured: College Students"
• College At Risk
• Inside Higher Ed: "Among the Uninsured: 1.7 Million College Students"

Resources

• National Resource Center for Respite and Crisis Care Services