Teen Health and
Wellness

Student / Teen health and wellness... When you are so concerned about making friends, fitting in and getting the right instructors, it is easy to forget about your health. But, when health takes a back seat, it can have a negative impact on the other areas of your college experience.

Health Insurance

First things first. You might think it won’t happen to you, but students do get injured and they do get sick.

The big question is: Are you covered? With new changes to health care, students will be covered until age 26 by their parent’s insurance. But, until that goes into effect, the age is much younger.

Parents can check with their insurance companies to be sure that their children are covered at college. If your student/ teen health insurance only allows you to get service from an approved network of providers, you could run into a problem if the school is out of state.

In those cases, colleges offer student health insurance plans. They can be expensive, so choose the one that gives you the best coverage for the best price.

There is also the school infirmary. They can handle many student/ teen health issues that come up on campus. Don’t forget that it is a resource that your tuition and fees are paying for.

Weighty Issues

We have all heard of the Freshman 15. Most of the time it is more like the Freshman 20 or 30. When you are pressed for time, pulling all-night study sessions or partying all night, it is easy for your weight to sneak up on you. Learn how to combat that weight gain and the associated problems that come with it.

One of the easiest ways to fight your waistline expansion is by walking. Most campuses are big enough that you can get your exercise. If you have a class across campus, ride a bike. Freshmen aren’t always allowed cars anyway. Forgo the transportation system and take a refreshing ride (as long as the weather is good). Inside, avoid elevators and use the stairs.

Relationships

You are now on your own and with that come many temptations and challenges. One is the sexual component. For students with strict home lives, living in coed dorms, having access to alcohol and partying is a lethal combination. It can lead to all sorts of situations that you have heard about but didn’t experience firsthand.

Be careful about sexual relationships. It is not enough to just protect yourself during sex. Be wise about partners and the decision to take your relationship to that level. Recreational sex can not only lead to serious health issues (STDs, AIDS, and pregnancy) but also emotional issues (depression, physical abuse, substance abuse). Mixing alcohol or drugs and sex can lead to poor judgments that you will have to live with the rest of your life.

Emotional Health

College can be difficult on so many fronts. Being away from home for the first time, social pressures and academic pressures can come together in explosive ways. Many students deal with depression.

How will you know? If you have lost interest in friends, classes and increasingly spend time alone or entertain thoughts of suicide, get help. Campus counseling services can be of assistance in helping you learn to manage your stressful situations and get back to proper emotional health.

Who said that college was easy? It is an enriching experience but can also have a downside. Learn to use your head not only in class but also in other arenas to remain healthy.

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