How to Be Healthy in College

For any student, moving away from home for the first time and attending college means independence and freedom; however, with that independence and freedom comes responsibility. Responsibility for maintaining good grades, evaluating your morals and values when put in new situations and taking care of yourself. Living in a dorm setting you are constantly in close contact with your peers and it can be difficult to prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy. There are several steps that you can take to stay healthy, so that you can fight for good grades instead of against germs. Here I will offer some ways.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. It is common sense, but simply washing your hands and practicing good hygiene can go a long way in keeping well. Being around so many people and sharing living quarters, bathrooms, bedrooms and classrooms makes it a breeding ground for all sorts of illnesses. Invest in a hand sanitizer; it is a good alternative to washing your hands if you cannot get to a sink and soap.

2. As a college student you are busy, plus you don’t have a nagging mom telling you to pick up your laundry--but cleaning your room can decrease the chances of getting sick.

3. Avoid the Freshman 15 (see my article: "How to Avoid the Freshman 15) and getting sick. Exercise can actually boost your immune system. By keeping in tip top shape you can prepare your body to fight off any possible infections.

4. Eat healthy with plenty of vegetables, fruits and lean meat. These types of foods also help to maintain a strong immune system.

5. Get vaccinated before you enter college. Certain diseases such as Meningococcal meningitis are extremely contagious and thrive in college dorm settings. So get your vaccines!

6. Drink lots of good ole plain water. Although energy drinks may seem ideal in providing you the extra boost to overcome that morning slump, give you extra energy to work out or the power to stay up late, so does water. By hydrating yourself it will not only keep you healthy, but also help you get through the day.

7. College students are the busiest people in the world (or at least they like to think so). Although it may be unavoidable to pull an all-nighter, sleep is crucial in staying healthy. At least eight hours of sleep per night will rejuvenate your body and help boost your immune system by releasing hormones while you sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your grocery shopping at healthy food stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes, also at farmers markets.
• Stay away from smoking, drugs and alcohol.
• Get immediate medical help or speak to a counselor if there are issues or problems that you cannot deal with yourself.
• This article should not be a substitute for seeking help from your own medical doctor or healthcare provider.

Resources

• Dr Susan Jewell
• Jewell TV
• Health is Wealth
• INSPIRE.com

[patysson]

on 8/9/2009 staying healthy is a good idea

[cadence]

on 7/18/2009 Good tips. I certainly was not healthy in college.