If you've ever seen a dorm shower floor you know the likelihood of becoming ill on campus is slightly higher than that of July following June. The top campus health issues include colds, flu, sports injuries, depression, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases and risky sports activities. Fortunately, common sense lifestyle adjustments and a few simple precautions can help minimize your risk of campus illness and injury.
AVOIDING ACCIDENTS
Accidents happen. But attention to the basics can keep you safe.
* Tie your shoes to prevent tripping.
* Avoid loose clothing near machinery - especially when working on cars.
* Carry only the day's books in your backpack to avoid back or shoulder strains.
* Don't blast your stereo when your 300-pound roomie is trying to study.
SMART SPORTS
Sports injuries are among the top three campus health problems. Proper prep and respect for sports can keep you in one piece.
* Wear helmets and other safety equipment when in-line skating, skateboarding or bicycling.
* Warm up prior to sports and exercise.
* Don't show off - even for that cutie across the field.
* Don't over do it - if your body says it's done, it's done.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND PREGNANCY
According to a recent National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRBS) more than 86 percent of college students have had sexual intercourse - 66 percent without condoms. Although no sex is the only real safe sex, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers ways to minimize risk of infection and pregnancy.
* Always use a condom.
* Avoid multiple partners.
* In addition to condoms, use protective foams or other birth control to prevent pregnancy.
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE
A 1995 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) survey reveals 29 percent of college students smoke cigarettes regularly; 25 percent drive after drinking, 35 percent binge drink; and 49 have used marijuana. However, you can steer clear of addictive behaviors.
* Relegate people who offer drugs to your "off-limits" people list. College peer pressure is intense, so avoidance is your best weapon.
* If you smoke, ask Health Ser-vices about programs to help you quit.
* Avoid groups that regularly smoke.
* Avoiding alcohol is best; but if you do drink, limit yourself to one or two and leave car keys in your room.
* If you suffer from substance abuse problems, ask Health Services for help.
PREPARE FOR YOUR CARE
Over-the-counter remedies may get you through some campus illness, but your doctor or Health Service staff should be your first stop before raiding drugstore shelves. Unfortunately, the cost of professional advice makes health insurance essential. Plan to meet medical costs and hassles.
* Confirm whether you're included on your family's policy.
* Ask whether your school offers inexpensive health coverage. Understand its limits.
* Keep your insurance card handy.
* Make sure family coverage includes professionals near campus.
* Bring your prescription medications and register them with a local pharmacy and Health Services.
* Bring your optical prescription and optometrist's contact information.
* Keep your regular doctor's name, address and phone number handy for emergencies and in case local professionals need info on your past history.
* If you wear contact lenses, bring spare glasses in case you lose contacts.
THE COMMON COLD
Colds are hitch-hiking viruses that cause sneezing, watery eyes, clogged ears, runny nose and sinus congestion. You can't cure colds, but you can reduce your risk.
* Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap - regularly.
* Avoid sharing the same drinks and foods.
* Clean and change bedding regularly.
INFLUENZA, FLU:
College's top winter health problem, the flu, strikes quickly with fever, headache, weakness and chills, the same feeling you get before exams, except the flu throws in a dry cough so you know the difference. Although no cure exists, there are a few precautions.
* Observe the same preventive measures you would for colds (see Common Colds).
* Get your seasonal flu shot.
* If flu strikes, do not use aspirin or aspirin products. Aspirin use during flu has been linked to Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious disease.
* Get plenty of rest, non-alcoholic liquids, and consult Health Services.
EXERCISE, DIET AND REST
Tuning your body is like tuning a car-Proper care gets you where you're going.
* The Center for Disease Control recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense activity each day - jogging, tennis, anything to get your blood pumping.
* Trade junk foods for fruit.
* Eat a balanced diet.
* Drink water instead of pop.
* Get plenty of rest.
SKIN PROBLEMS
Dr. Williams also ranks dermatological conditions high among campus health issues. Skin rashes, athletes foot, severe sunburn and other preventable skin problems are an every day issue.
* Practice proper hygiene.
* Do laundry regularly.
* Avoid borrowing clothes.
* Make sandals or shower slippers a 24/7 dorm essential - even in the shower.
* Slap on plenty of sun block and limit sun exposure.
* Avoid physical contact with others suffering from skin conditions.
DEPRESSION
Whether you're diagnosed as clinically depressed, or become depressed over academic and social stress, you can ease the agony.
* If you've been diagnosed with depression, take your medication religiously. Make sure you know when you're running low. Know how and when to schedule psychiatric visits.
* If you're feeling down and overwhelmed, visit Health Services immediately. Don't wait for the darkness to pass.
* Remain active. Participate in sports or club activities - something with a regular schedule.
* Surround yourself with responsible friends. Religious groups are a great source of support.
* Find time and a quiet place to relax.
Accidents, germs, stress, even your own spirit of adventure can attack your body and mind. A pinch of advance planning, a dash of common sense and a sprinkling of professional help is a recipe for better health. It's all up to you.
