College Health Tips
Because college can be so stressful (mentally, physically, and emotionally), college students are often more vulnerable to illness and injury. Even if you feel mostly good all the time, it's important to stay on top of your health in college--if you don't, your body will make you make time for your health! Take it from me, when your health is on point, your studies and well-being will be too.
Sanitation
- Wash your hands before every meal. (Tried and true technique to keep from getting sick!)
- Clean and sanitize your room/apartment regularly.
- Change underwear every day. (Lowers risk of urinary tract infections and yeast infections, both very painful)
- Keep from touching your face throughout the day.
- Before grabbing public doorknobs, cover your hand with your sleeve.
Overall Wellness
- Bring a first-aid kit.
- Don't ignore symptoms of illness--check WebMD or FamilyDoctor, and go to the doctor when needed.
- Learn how to self-treat for minor ailments.
- If you have a fever, severe/persistent headache, and a stiff/painful neck (it hurts so much you cannot touch your chin to your chest), GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY.
- Take a multivitamin every day, especially if you start feeling sick.
Better Eating
- Make sure to get protein and fiber in your diet every day.
- If you drink a lot of soda and/or coffee, start breaking the addiction with tea or flavored water.
- Try replacing one drink per day with unflavored water. Then try replacing two, and so on.
- Excess sugar in the diet contributes to the "freshman 15" (or 50) quicker than anything. (Take it from me, LOL)
- If avoiding excess sugar, also avoid excess bread, rice, and pasta--carbs also become sugar in the body.
Better Sleeping
- A leisurely walk in the evening can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply later.
- Naps are amazing--sleep at least 90 minutes for a full sleep cycle.
- Put away all electronic screens one hour before you need to fall asleep. (Yes, this means phones too! LOL)
- ASMR videos can often help you fall asleep--use headphones for best results.
- Put a towel-wrapped ice pack under your neck or take a quick shower to lower body temperature before bed.