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Health issues are more common than you may think among college students. Here are some of the most common health concerns your student may experience in college and what your student can do about them.Ìý

1. Stress, anxiety and depressionÌý

Many students experience mental health challenges in college, whether it’s related to stress, anxiety or depression. Increased responsibilities, time management, changes in routine, self-care and other personal circumstances can all impact mental health in different ways.Ìý

If your student is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to let them know that there are resources available to help them cope and feel better. Here are a few to encourage your student to check out:Ìý

2. SleepÌý

Getting enough sleep can be tricky in college. Work, classes, extracurriculars, exams and social engagements can all impact how much or how little rest students get. With everything going on, it’s important to remind your student that sleep plays a critical role in their overall health and well-being. In fact, getting enough sleep can help keep your student’s immune system running smoothly, improve their mood, help them retain information from classes and more. That’s why it’s best for students to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel their best.Ìý

If your student is struggling to get into a good sleep routine, here are some tips you can share:Ìý

• Reduce caffeine consumption during the day, especially in the late afternoon and evenings.Ìý
• Avoid taking long naps during the day and instead, opt for taking naps that are only 20 to 30 minutes long.Ìý
• Reduce screen time at night. This includes time on phones, laptops, gaming devices and TVs.Ìý
• Get more natural light during the day by spending time outside.Ìý
• Go to the gym earlier in the day to avoid excess adrenaline that may keep them up at night.Ìý
• Make a nightly routine to feel more relaxed and prepared for bed. For instance, they can try reading a book, stretching, meditating or sipping sleepy time tea.Ìý
• Pick up free sleep supplies like sleep masks, tea, ear plugs, aromatherapy rollers and more from the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.Ìý
• Consider making an acupuncture appointment to help treat insomnia. Acupuncture can help increase melatonin, reduce stress and improve the overall quality of sleep.Ìý

Ìý Learn more about ways student can improve their sleep

3. Sexually transmitted infectionsÌý

Did you know that about one in five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? These types of infections are common in young adults and can pass from person to person through sexual activities like oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen.ÌýÌý

Common STIs include human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV), among others.ÌýÌý

If your student plans to be sexually active, here are some reminders you can give them:Ìý

• Use protection, like dental dams, condoms and finger caps. Free supplies are available at Wardenburg Health Center and in Buff Boxes.Ìý
• Get tested with their partner before hooking up. Remind them that the most common symptom of an STI is no symptoms at all.Ìý
• Talk openly with partners about their status or test results.Ìý
• Get vaccinated for human papilloma virus (HPV) and Hepatitis B.Ìý
• If your student is at an increased risk of contractive HIV, Medical Services offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).Ìý

If your student informs you that they have contracted an STI, don’t worry. Let them know that most types of STIs are treatable, and Medical Services offers a variety of testing and treatment options.Ìý

Ìý Learn more about STIs

4. Seasonal illnessesÌý

With students living in close quarters, attending social events and classes, they are more likely to be exposed to germs and viruses. This is because students often live in close quarters, attend more social events and may have many others in their classes. Some of the most common seasonal illnesses to watch out for include the common cold, flu and COVID.Ìý

Help your student avoid getting sick by reminding them to:Ìý

• Get a free flu and/or COVID vaccine.Ìý
• Wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.Ìý
• Stay hydrated and get seven to nine hours of quality sleep.Ìý
• Cover their coughs and sneezes.Ìý
• Reduce their contact with others if they're feeling under the weather.Ìý
• Disinfect common surfaces in their home regularly.Ìý

If your student does get sick, encourage them to monitor their symptoms, stay home and opt to wear a mask. It’s important to know that viral infections like the common cold can’t be treated by a doctor. In these cases, your student can use at-home remedies like cough drops, herbal tea, honey sticks for a sore throat and other self-care tactics. They can also pick up free wellness supplies at the Wellness Suite in Wardenburg Health Center or get them delivered to their residence hall for free through Buff Boxes.ÌýÌý

If your student is experiencing more severe symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing, it’s probably best for them to make an appointment with Medical Services. Â鶹ÒùÔº can also access care after-hours, on the weekends and during breaks through AcademicLiveCare.Ìý

5. MeningitisÌý

Close proximity and exposure to a lot of other people can lead to more than just seasonal illnesses. This is especially true for students living in residence halls or high-occupancy housing units. In fact, college students are at increased risk of contracting meningitis.Ìý

Meningitis is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infection of the brain and spinal cord.Ìý

The best way to help your student prevent the spread of meningitis is to encourage them to get the Meningitis (Men-ACWY) vaccine. If your student is not already vaccinated, they can schedule a vaccine appointment with Medical Services.Ìý

Symptoms of meningitis include:Ìý

• ConfusionÌý
• FeverÌý
• HeadacheÌý
• Sensitivity to lightÌý
• Stiff neckÌý

If your student or someone they know are experiencing any of these symptoms, encourage them to make an appointment at Medical Services to be evaluated. It’s important to catch meningitis infections early to reduce the chances of spreading it to others and prevent serious nerve or brain damage.Ìý

6. Substance use and misuseÌý

College can come with unspoken expectations around partying, drinking and substance use.Ìý

Â鶹ÒùÔº may choose to use substances in an attempt to cope with mental health issues, manage stress, improve their energy to catch up on assignments, ease social anxiety and more. However, substances can also cause students to have unwanted experiences, such as worsening mental health issues, poor grades, reduced learning or performance, legal challenges, risky decisions or behaviors, accidents and reliance on unhealthy coping methods, among others. In some cases, substance use may result in increased emergency room visits, accidents, alcohol poisoning, overdoses, addiction and long-term health effects.Ìý

If your student is interested in exploring or changing their relationship with substances, encourage them to schedule a Buffs Discuss Substance Use session. These sessions are run by trained undergraduate peer facilitators who can empower students to gain deeper understanding and be intentional about substance use. If they would prefer to work with a professional staff member, encourage them to attend a free and non-judgmental Exploring Substance Use Workshop.Ìý

CU Boulder also has programs to help students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from a variety of unhealthy behaviors, including substance use. Health Promotion offers free support for quitting nicotine, including quit kits, coaching and more. Additionally, the Collegiate Recovery Community offers peer support, weekly meetings and social events for students in recovery or interested in recovery from a variety of substances and other unwanted behaviors.Ìý

Student can pick up free naloxone or fentanyl test strips on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or by ordering a Safer Night Out Buff Box.Ìý

Need help starting the conversation about alcohol and other drugs with your student? Check out our free substance use handbook for parents and families.Ìý

7. Eating changesÌý

There are a variety of things that can trigger changes in your student’s eating patterns. In some cases, these changes are temporary, for instance forgetting to eat lunch while studying for an exam. However, significant changes can lead to more serious or long-term eating concerns, such as disordered eating behaviors or eating disorders.Ìý

For many students, college may be the first time that they have had the freedom or responsibility over deciding when, what and how to eat. This, on top of other common stressors, can sometimes cause anxiety, especially for those who aren’t sure what food choices to make. Anxiety around food can also be compounded by things like cultural beauty standards, body image and comparing their body with those around them.Ìý

Here are some factors to be aware of that can lead to unhealthy eating patterns:Ìý

• Change or loss of control: Experiencing a lot of new things at once can be exciting, but it can also lead to stress or anxiety for many students. As a result, your student may compensate by exerting more control over what they eat.Ìý
• Academics: It’s normal to feel worried about grades, workload and studying every once in a while. However, if classes become too stressful, some students may use food as a coping method or a way to create control and stability.Ìý
• Social groups: Friendships play a critical role in your student’s college experience. However, it can also come with unspoken rules or peer pressure related to food, body image and exercise.Ìý
• Food availability: Previous food experiences and current circumstances can impact how your student views or accesses food. If your student is experiencing food insecurity, it can affect their eating habits because they lack proper access to food.Ìý

If your student feels lost when it comes to food, needs help getting enough food or wants to improve their relationship with food, there are resources that can help.Ìý

8. Unhealthy relationships, abuse or sexual assaultÌý

Exploring sexuality and relationships is a normal part of college life and young adulthood. When it comes to hooking up, dating or forming long-term relationships, it’s important for students to practice healthy relationship behaviors like setting boundaries, communicating desires, building trust and finding support outside of a relationship when they need it.Ìý

The Office of Victim Assistance has a number of great resources to help students recognize and seek support for:Ìý

• Healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship behaviorsÌý
• StalkingÌý
• Sexual harassmentÌý
• Intimate partner abuse, dating and domestic violence, and familial abuseÌý
• Rights, reporting options and advocacyÌý
• Short-term trauma counseling servicesÌý
• Community referral optionsÌý

They also provide support for family members to support their students through a traumatic experience.Ìý

The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) also offers free sexual health workshops to help students explore boundary-setting, consent, sexual decision-making, sexual assault and the impact of alcohol on sex.Ìý

Need help starting the conversation with your student? Check out these tips for talking about sexual assault and healthy relationships boundaries.Ìý

9. Physical injuriesÌý

Accidents happen, especially in college. That’s why it’s important to remind your student to take precautions to avoid serious injuries on and off campus. Here are some tips you can share with them to stay safe:Ìý

Biking, skateboarding, walking and scooteringÌý

• Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding or riding a scooter.Ìý
• Stay in designated bike lanes or walking lanes.Ìý
• Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when biking in the road, using crosswalks or going through intersections.Ìý
• Be mindful of dismount zones on campus, and follow the rules, especially during high traffic times.Ìý
• Never bike, skateboard or use scooters when under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances.Ìý

Outdoor recreationÌý

• Always wear a helmet when rock climbing, bouldering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or tubing.Ìý
• Stay on designated trails and be mindful of avalanche or flood conditions in the backcountry.Ìý
• Always pack adequate water and food, wear sunscreen and bring first aid supplies when adventuring outside.Ìý
• Let someone know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. Be sure they can call for help if they don’t hear from you.Ìý

DrivingÌý

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances. If your student chooses to use substances, have them designate a sober person to drive or leave their car behind and use CU NightRide, public transit or a rideshare service instead.Ìý
• Minimize distractions by putting their cell phone on drive mode and not texting while driving.Ìý
• Leave adequate space between themselves and other cars, especially during rush hour or in congested areas.Ìý
• Use hazard lights if they need to come to a stop quickly. This will alert the person behind them that they need to brake sooner than they might expect to avoid a collision.Ìý
• If involved in an accident, move their vehicle to the shoulder or out of traffic.Ìý
• Watch for pedestrians and bikes, even if they are not in a designated crosswalk or bike lane.Ìý

If your student gets injured or is involved in an accident, there are a variety of support services they can use on campus.Ìý