The Ultimate Health and Wellness Rolodex

A comprehensive guide to health and wellness resources for starting college

Introduction

The transition from high school to college is a significant life change that can bring about various health and wellness challenges. Here, health and wellness encompass not only physical health but also emotional, mental and social health. As a college student, maintaining all aspects of health and wellness is critical. This article serves as a resource offering information on available health and wellness resources, their importance, and how to use them effectively.

Importance of Health and Health Resources

Challenges to health in college may encompass lack of sleep, heightened stress, and living in close quarters which can contribute to illness. To combat these challenges, institutions offer numerous resources:

Student Health Centers

Campuses typically house Student Health Centers that offer a plethora of services from treating common colds to offering health education programs.

Insurance coverage

Most colleges require students to have health insurance, either through the college’s student health insurance plans or a comparable one. Insurance coverage can help manage the costs of health care if illness or injury occurs.

Campus mental health resources

Colleges may offer counseling services to support mental health with trained professionals who understand the unique challenges students face.

Wellness apps

Technology provides students with access to digital tools - wellness apps that can manage sleep, nutrition, fitness, and stress, and provide mental health support.

Tips: Keep the health center’s contact information handy, know your insurance plan details, utilize wellness apps fitting your needs, and reach out for help if you're feeling down.

Importance of Wellness and Wellness Resources

Beyond physical health, wellness encompasses emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, and occupational wellness. Wellness challenges on campus can range from homesickness to overwhelming academic pressures.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Most colleges offer counseling services on campus at no cost, which can be an invaluable resource for managing stress or navigating personal issues.

Mindfulness and meditation centers

These centers provide students with a space to relax and refocus, which can be vital in maintaining emotional and mental wellness.

Fitness centers and clubs

A great way to reduce stress and maintain physical wellness is through regular exercise. Most campuses offer fitness centers, intramural sports, and clubs.

Nutrition and diet consultations

Students can meet with a dietitian to learn about healthy eating habits, food allergies, or managing a specific health condition.

Tips: Schedule regular self-care time, take advantage of counseling or meditation centers, participate in physical activities you enjoy, understand the importance of nutrition and avoid stress eating.

Healthy Eating and Nutrition In College

Proper nutrition is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of overall wellness.

Common dietary challenges

Common dietary issues include "the Freshman 15" weight gain, unhealthy eating habits, lack of knowledge about nutritional needs, and limited cooking skills.

College cafeterias and meal plans

Most colleges offer meal plans and have cafeterias that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

Nutritionist consultations

Many colleges have nutritionists who can guide students in making healthy food choices.

Cooking and nutrition workshops

Workshops can provide valuable skills in preparing simple, nutritious meals and understanding the basics of nutrition.

Tips: Learn to make nutritionally balanced meals, take advantage of available resources like cafeterias and nutritionists, and invest time in learning to cook.