Health Tip: Stay Healthy at College

(HealthDay News) — College is an exciting time. For many students, it’s their first extended stint living away from mom and dad.

But the stress of maintaining good grades, living on a limited income, and getting along with roommates can take its toll, mentally and physically.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for staying healthy at college:

  • Get regular medical checkups and vaccinations.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to bad grades, depressed mood, and difficulty maintaining relationships. It also raises your risk of chronic problems including diabetes and heart disease.
  • Make time for regular exercise.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Don’t ignore symptoms of depression.
  • Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.
  • Take precautions to prevent sexually transmitted disease.