The thrill of heading off to college for the first time is an exciting transition for both parent and child. Independence is a wonderful thing, but freedom can lead to calamity if the newly liberated student is not mindful of how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle on campus. Many of the most common health risks are the result of careless or reckless behavior and can be avoided, even if Mom is not there to nag (ok, remind) the newly liberated student to watch for the common pitfalls of college life.
Fatigue and Insufficient Sleep
Lack of sleep is likely to occur as a result of “burning the candle at both ends”, or studying all day and partying all night. Campus life is exhilarating and exciting, but running on three or four hours of sleep a night will catch up with even the heartiest party animal. Sleep deprivation can be associated with a compromised immune system which may result in an inability to fight off common diseases such as colds, flu and other respiratory infections. It is linked to obesity and a craving for foods that are high in calories.
Anxiety levels are higher in students who are not getting adequate sleep. Also, increased instances of motor vehicle accidents among college students can be attributed to “drowsy driving” and fatigue.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Party is a word that is synonymous with college to more than a few aspiring adults who are away from home for the first time.
The Center for Disease Control reports that alcohol is being consumed by students at an alarming rate both on and off campus. Binge drinking has become a trend that many students admit to engaging in at least once a week and some even more frequently. Alcohol and substance abuse on the college campus is not only associated with health risks to the abuser, but also with high risk behavior such as engaging in unprotected sexual activity, injuries sustained due to physical altercations and fights, and driving while intoxicated.
Poor Nutrition
Hamburgers, French fries, pizza, tacos, wings smothered in high calorie sauces and sugary soft drinks can be found on the desks and in the dorm rooms of nearly every college student. When Mom was doing the cooking she made sure fruits and vegetables appeared on the plates she set on the dinner table. Those plates give way to Styrofoam boxes filled to the brim with greasy selections loaded with calories and salt on the college campus. Weight gain abounds during the first semester away from home and continues beyond the first year at school perhaps leading to lifelong health problems according to a recent study done by NBC news.
Mental Health Issues
Sometimes the freedom that goes hand in hand with college life can lead to high levels of stress or even depression. The pressure to fit in, make good grades, and succeed can be overwhelming to some students. Fear of seeking help is common on college campuses because of the stigma attached to admitting to a mental illness or discriminatory behavior displayed by fellow students.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health concern in the college community. According to a report issued by the CDC, www.cdc.gov/family/college, 1 in 4 individuals will contract a sexually transmitted disease during their lifetime and nearly 2/3 of all cases reported occur in people under the age of 25. Embarrassment leads to hesitation or reluctance to be treated, resulting in large numbers of untreated cases on the college campus.
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