Jackson College has partnered with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital to offer Jackson College students and employees medical care evaluation and treatment from the clinic’s caring staff. A licensed nurse practitioner and technical staff will be in the office to see patients, make diagnosis and assessment, prescribe medications or make referrals. |
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HEALTH CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual care only)
Call 517.990.1374 to make an appointment. |
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College life involves excitement, new challenges, independence, responsibilities and freedom. Meeting new people, learning new things and making your own decisions are all part of the college experience, but with this new lifestyle comes stress and new difficulties.
Most college age men and women often take good health for granted. When faced with freedom to structure their own lifestyles, some college students slip into bad habits that can chip away at their good health (Morris & Johnson, 2005).
The following information in this newsletter contains tips on adjusting to a healthy college lifestyle and avoiding stressors. |
Tips for College Wellness
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| • | | Establishing daily routines - If this is your first time living on your own, the freedom of moving away to college and establishing your own routines might feel freeing. However, patterns and cycles are needed in order to function normally (Morris & Johnson, 2005). For example, it is important for all college students to keep materials for each course in their own separate notebook or filed away in the computer in designated places. |
| • | | Getting enough sleep - Sleep is designed for repair and renewal of the body. Most individuals need about 7-8 hours of sleep a night (Morris & Johnson, 2005). When college students develop sleep deprivation, it can negatively affect their mental and physical health, as well as relationships and academics (Fox News, 2006). It is understandable to note that college students occasionally need to pull an “all nighter” to complete an assignment or study for a test. However, it is important to know that an adequate amount of sleep is needed for a happy functional lifestyle and these “all nighters” need to be few and far between. |
| • | | Eating properly - It is not uncommon for most students to eat more than they did when they lived at home. Weight is easily added from snacking late at night due to stress, or because your roommate ordered pizza. Studies show that students on average gain 3 to 10 pounds during their first year of college (Dowshen, 2011). To maintain a healthy weight, eat normally and at regular intervals, with 3 well balanced meals and 1 to 2 healthy snacks per day. Also, avoid drinks high in sugar, such as energy drinks or pop, and focus on drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day. |
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| • | | Exercising - Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health and fitness and reduces your risk for many chronic conditions. The CDC (2013) recommends that college age students be physically active for at least 2 1/2 hours a week. Physical activity can include anything from a jog to a walk, or a game of Frisbee with your roommates. Even if it is cold outside you can get your activity in at the new Jets Air Station. |
| • | | Know that homesickness is normal - Living away from home tends to be a tough adjustment for many college students. The first thing to know about home sickness is that it is very common. Try to identify feelings and fears and talk about what you are going through with a roommate, friend, or a professional counselor (at the Jackson College Oasis Center). The sooner you deal with the issues, the sooner you will feel better. If you are homesick, call, write or email your family or friends and let them know that you miss them. Understand that going through homesickness helps you grow stronger, builds coping skills and challenges yourself to try new things and meet new people (Dowshen, 2011). |
| • | | Campus safety - For any questions or concerns about your safety or the safety of others, contact security at 517.796.8620. You can also get further information regarding JC’s security policies and procedures on the JC’s security website. www.jccmi.edu/security/ |
| • | | If you decide to have sex, practice safe sex - One half of the 19 million new STD’s each year are among young people age 15 to 24 years old (CDC, 2013). Adult choices require adult responsibilities. Practicing safe sex will help avoid unintended STD’s and pregnancy. |
| • | | Making smart choices about alcohol and drugs - Some college students may experience pressure to use alcohol and drugs, especially when they are trying to make new friends or fit in with a group. Engaging in drug use and alcohol consumption increases high risk behaviors, including smoking, high risk sexual behavior and physical fighting (CDC, 2013). Work with campus leaders to increase availability of healthy activities that aren’t related to drugs or alcohol. Also, if you are concerned about your or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, seek assistant from a friend, parents, resident advisor or health care provider. Remember Jackson College has a no alcohol and no drugs policy on campus. |
| • | | Being prepared for school - College life is a wonderful and exciting time, but there are many academic hurdles to clear. Manage your academic life by always being prepared. Don’t procrastinate on assignments, don’t demand perfection of yourself and don’t overcommit your time and energy elsewhere. Being prepared will help you excel in your classes. If you are struggling with classes, contact your teachers or the Center for Student success for help at 517.796.8415. |
| • | | Having healthy relationships - Healthy relationships increases your self-esteem and improves a persons emotional and mental health. Signs that you are in an unhealthy relationship could include feeling pressured, controlled, scared or humiliated. In good relationships you should feel respected, free to be yourself and loved. Do not allow unhealthy relationships to run your life, instead surround yourself with those who are positive and support your goals. |
| • | | Maintaining your health check ups and vaccinations - It is very easy, especially in a dorm environment, to catch bugs like the flu. Other common ailments for college age students include, sore throats, sprained ankles, anxiety and fatigue. The best way to maintain your health is to wash your hands regularly and follow all of the college wellness tips listed in this newsletter. Stop by the Health Clinic, located in Justin Whiting Hall Room 111 for your health and wellness needs. |
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| • | | Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2013). College health and safety. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/family/college/ |
| • | | Dowshen, S. (2011). Going to college. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/college.html |
| • | | Fox News (2006, August, 18). Take the healthy road to college living. Fox News. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/08/18/take-healthy-road-to-college-living/ |
| • | | Morris, D., & Johnson, P. (2005). Healthy living on campus: how college students can stay fit. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/ff_collegehealth.aspx |
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