By Sue Danielson, health services

Health and Wellness Tips for College

New college students face many exciting and challenging new responsibilities, from building a social life to tackling tough academics to managing their finances. It’s also a time when young adults have to start taking responsibility for their own health. Many quickly discover that college life is full of temptations to indulge in bad habits and set healthy ones aside.

Here are some tips for college students (many apply to employees as well) to start the year out right:

• Eat breakfast, start your day with some energy.
• Make healthy food choices, use the resources that the cafeteria offers to plan your meals.
• Drink lots of water throughout the day.
• Make time for exercise. Check out the Mathy Center.
• Avoid all-nighters. Not getting enough sleep can impair your ability to do your job or schoolwork.
• Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night to feel rested.
• Avoid caffeine, and eating and drinking right before bedtime.
• Wash your hands often. Simple hand washing can prevent a large number of illnesses.        
• Get a flu shot in the fall.
• Make time for yourself. Do something that is fun. It will help to keep stress levels down.
• Ask for help when you need it. Tap into campus resources to find help or tell a friend how you are feeling.
• Get involved on campus. Join a club, volunteer, etc.
• Keep backpacks from being too heavy.
• Learn time management skills; it will make life much easier.
• Spend time with friends and family.
• Don’t drink to excess.

For more information, contact health services at ext. 3806 or by email.