Starting college is an exciting time in many young people's lives. It means more freedom from parents, a first chance to live on your own and learning to be responsible for yourself and your own choices. Part of personal responsibility is making sure you take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can. This is even more important, and more difficult, for students living in college dorms. These tips can help your college student maintain good health at school.
11. Avoid the Tanning Bed
Although you might like the way you look with a tan, it is just not good for you. Even tanning in the sun outdoors is dangerous. Just the fact that your skin is darker is a sign of damage. And just a few sunburns in a lifetime increase your risk for skin cancer. Tanning beds are not any safer, and in some cases, may be more dangerous. There is no such thing as a "safe" tanning bed or lights, since they all emit UV rays.
Sunless tanning lotions and sprays are certainly safer, but you should be careful not to get any in your eyes, ears, nose or mouth because they are harmful if ingested. And if you come across tanning pills, don't even think about it. They are dangerous and are illegal in the United States.
12. Quit Smoking, or Don't Start
College offers a lot of freedom and can lead to some poor choices. Smoking is common among college students, especially at parties. A lot of new students start smoking just so they can feel like they fit in. But you can get through college without ever touching a cigarette, and your body will be a lot better off. If you are already a smoker, quit now. You will be healthier and are more likely to live longer.
13. Party Smart
When it comes to large groups of people, there are going to be some germs around. But using common sense to avoid what you can will go a long way.
Be sure not to share drinks and utensils at parties. A lot of viruses and bacteria are spread through saliva, so sharing drinks is a very easy and common way to get sick. Get your own drink and if you misplace it, get another one.
Speaking of drinking, if you are going to do it, lay off the binge drinking. It is dangerous (it can kill you) and can lead to some really stupid decisions. Since most people who binge drink have very little inhibition, it often leads to things like unprotected sex and dangerous stunts, which of course can lead to STDs, unwanted pregnancies and serious injuries.
14. Sources
"Vaccines Needed by Teens & College Students." Vaccines & Immunizations 22 Mar 07. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 05 Sep 07.
"Healthy Weight." Nutrition for Everyone 22 May 07. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 05 Sep 07.
"Don't Be in the Dark About Tanning." FDA Consumer Magazine Nov - Dec 2003. US Food and Drug Admistration. 10 Sep 07.
