Fall Health Tips for College Students

Although autumn in Tampa is not usually marked by crisp, cool mornings or brightly colored foliage, the start of a new school year brings its own sense of change and excitement. During this busy and eventful time, it is easy for college students to let their health take a backseat as they deal with other seemingly more pressing matters, such as juggling a full course schedule and learning to live with a roommate. What’s more, many young people are away from home for the first time and aren’t fully prepared to meet basic life challenges, such as scheduling doctor appointments, refilling prescriptions, and making healthcare decisions.

While it is always important for college students to prioritize their health, it is especially so during the fall. South Tampa Immediate Care offers the following fall health tips to help ensure a healthy and successful school year:

Be Active

College is not the time to bail on a workout routine. The movements, deep breathing, muscular exertion, and sweating that go along with exercise can enhance a college student’s life in many ways. Regular physical activity, whether in the form of cardio or strength training, can improve both rest and cognitive performance. It can also help strengthen the body’s immune system and help it ward off viruses and germs, which often come with the territory in college because it usually involves close contact and tight quarters.

Eat Healthily

The importance of nutrition for maintaining optimal health cannot be overstated. Much like sleep and exercise, dietary choices can significantly influence physical well-being, cognitive performance, and overall immunity—and, therefore, success in college.

At just about every meal, college students have the freedom to choose what they eat. Adopting healthy eating habits requires mindful decision-making, commitment, and creativity. After a long day of classes, a salad might not seem as appetizing as a pizza, but it offers more variety and opportunities to add flavor and color to a meal. Avoiding processed foods in favor of fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich snacks can help a college student feel more balanced and energized.

Drink Water

Many college students know that sleep, exercise, and diet can affect their energy levels. But so can hydration. In fact, dehydration can have severe physical effects, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, as well as cognitive effects that interfere with the ability to focus, concentrate, and solve problems.

It can be hard for college students to stay hydrated because they are constantly on the run. Many young people find it helpful to carry a reusable water bottle and take sips throughout the day. In recent years, many schools have evolved from relying on drinking fountains and vending machines to providing sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. For instance, some schools have invested in filtered water stations to make water more readily available.

By keeping these fall health tips in mind, a college student can help ensure a great semester. And if there is any way South Tampa Immediate Care can help, please let us know. We’re proud to offer non-emergency urgent care services to students attending college in the Tampa, FL, area.