At HowtoLearn.com we want the very best for every student at back to school time and all year long so we are grateful to Ohio State University for sending over their back to school health checklist for college students.
Health is something that students can forget during the busy back to school time as well as all year long.
This back to school health checklist is a different kind of checklist because it helps students remember to take care of their health as they are grabbing their text books and back to school supplies.
About 20 million students begin college each fall and, for many of them, it’s the first time they’re on their own.
They are taking sole responsibility for their academics, daily routine and, most importantly, their health.
Preparing to take the reins of their own healthcare can be overwhelming, but a few simple preparations can help them make this important transition a smooth one with this back to school health checklist.
“When students step on campus they really should find out where resources are that they might need – assistance with teaching and learning, the student health center and mental wellness resources,” said Bernadette Melnyk, chief wellness officer at The Ohio State University.
“Knowing when to ask for help is critical, whether you’re having trouble with your classes or are facing a physical or mental health issue.”
Melnyk urges all new students to check off a few simple but crucial tasks before moving to school and to revisit them throughout the school year to keep students happier and healthier when moving out on their own for the first time:
Back to School Health Checklist from Ohio State University
- Establish Healthy Habits – Just like you schedule your classes, schedule time for physical activity (at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week), healthy eating, stress relief and at least seven hours of sleep every night.
- When you map out where your classes are on campus, also find your way to the places that will help you keep those healthy habits like the gym, a dining facility with healthy options and the student health center.
- Find Local Health Care – Get connected with a primary care nurse practitioner or physician and the nearest pharmacy.
- This is especially important for students who come to school with a chronic health condition, but every student could inevitably face a health challenge and should be prepared.
- Be sure to understand your insurance coverage before accessing care.
- Make Your Mental Health a Priority – The pressures of school and new surroundings can be nerve-wracking for students. Stress, depression and anxiety are growing mental health challenges among college students.
- Getting involved in campus organizations helps you to start making friends right away and can go a long way toward reducing stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and it’s interfering with functioning, don’t wait to seek professional help.
- Find a System that Works for You – Whether it’s scheduling workouts and healthcare appointments in a planner or using apps on your phone to remind you to take medication, find a way to stay organized and proactive about your health and well-being.
Experts say new students should also establish healthy sleep habits and keep all-nighters to a minimum.
You can download the back to school health checklist for college students here
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