{"id":22636,"date":"2025-08-26T15:30:40","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T19:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=22636"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:12:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:12:01","slug":"college-health-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/08\/26\/college-health-101\/","title":{"rendered":"College Health 101"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For some young adults, going off to college is an exciting time. Learning to take care of one\u2019s health is as important as required coursework.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;College is a time of growth and new experiences, including learning how to care for your health,\u201d said RHHD Population Health Manager Tamara Jones-Groves.\u00a0 \u201cWe want to equip these students with the tools they need to stay safe, make informed decisions and build healthy habits that last beyond the school year.&#8221;<br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are some tips for staying healthy at college:<\/b><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Support Immune Function<\/b><br \/>\nTwo of the most important things you can do to make sure your <u><a id=\"OWA5575e59d-e0a3-41be-dc73-780f5b424df1\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"1\">immune system<\/a><\/u> is functioning properly are <u><a id=\"OWA42ca66ac-3fc5-3542-9614-bc9d5b56bc73\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html#cdc_healthy_habits_facts-1-eat-well\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html#cdc_healthy_habits_facts-1-eat-well\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"2\">eating a healthy diet<\/a><\/u> and <u><a id=\"OWA70523841-f771-5728-e0df-c6e10e859c93\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html#cdc_healthy_habits_offering_support-4-get-enough-sleep\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/about\/enhancing-immunity.html#cdc_healthy_habits_offering_support-4-get-enough-sleep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"3\">getting enough sleep<\/a><\/u>. If your immune system is not working as well as it should, this might put you at risk of contracting diseases that are common at colleges, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gastrointestinal infections<\/li>\n<li>Respiratory illnesses<\/li>\n<li>Sinus infections<\/li>\n<li>Sexually transmitted infections<\/li>\n<li>Meningitis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Eat a Healthy Diet<\/b><br \/>\nThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) <u><a id=\"OWAd61aa9a0-bb4e-dad6-7457-3197d0b595f2\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-12\/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf#page=29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-12\/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf#page=29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"4\">Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020\u20132025<\/a><\/u> recommend the following tips for healthy eating:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.<\/li>\n<li>Include a variety of protein foods. Healthful options include seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts and seeds.<\/li>\n<li>Limit <u><a id=\"OWAd315e6cd-899a-e76a-f42a-3abba88eed48\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/be-sugar-smart\/index.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-weight-growth\/be-sugar-smart\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"5\">added sugars<\/a><\/u>, <u><a id=\"OWAb0a6814a-ca09-c167-4661-69fdf1f31efa\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/salt\/reduce-sodium-intake\/index.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/salt\/reduce-sodium-intake\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"6\">sodium (salt)<\/a><\/u>, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.<\/li>\n<li>Stay within your <u><a id=\"OWAfcb2ce0e-aa4b-c574-52c5-953329c39bf3\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.myplate.gov\/myplate-plan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.myplate.gov\/myplate-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"7\">daily calorie needs<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Energy drinks might seem like a good way to fuel long study sessions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends understanding the <u><a id=\"OWAd658a223-9984-0256-c480-f4cfd2b2440f\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/school-nutrition\/energy-drinks\/index.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/school-nutrition\/energy-drinks\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"8\">harmful effects of energy drinks<\/a><\/u>, which often include large amounts of caffeine. Some of the harmful effects of energy drinks include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dehydration (not enough water in your body)<\/li>\n<li>Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure)<\/li>\n<li>Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery)<\/li>\n<li>Insomnia (inability to sleep)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Sleep Well<\/b><br \/>\nGood sleep is essential for health and wellbeing and can help college students stay focused, improve concentration and improve academic performance. CDC recommends taking the following steps to improve sleep:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.<\/li>\n<li>Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing and at a cool temperature.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.<\/li>\n<li>Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Get Immunized\u00a0<\/b><br \/>\nCollege students should be up to date on all school-required <u><a id=\"OWA133eade7-d14e-4d08-9a9c-9653a7a3336b\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/immunization\/requirements\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/immunization\/requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"9\">immunizations<\/a><\/u>. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following vaccines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Meningococcal ACWY<\/li>\n<li>Meningococcal B<\/li>\n<li>Human Papillomavirus (HPV)<\/li>\n<li>Hepatitis A<\/li>\n<li>Influenza<\/li>\n<li>COVID-19<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Vaccines are available through your healthcare provider, pharmacies and at RHHD <b><u><a id=\"OWA2f463376-5292-d83b-0562-769c2aa2d626\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/clinical-services\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/clinical-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"10\">clinic locations<\/a><\/u><\/b><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Practice Healthy <\/b><b><u><a id=\"OWAfec658d9-0f86-ede6-8be3-4bfae507cac1\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/resp-hygiene\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/resp-hygiene\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"11\">Hygiene<\/a><\/u><\/b><b> Habits<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wash your hands frequently.<\/li>\n<li>Cover coughs and sneezes.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t share drinks.<\/li>\n<li>Stay home when you\u2019re sick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Prioritize Sexual Health<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take steps to reduce your likelihood of coming in contact with a <u><a id=\"OWA5023d958-eafa-eeaa-06b5-31a6a4205440\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/disease-prevention\/std\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/disease-prevention\/std\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"12\">Sexually Transmitted Infection<\/a><\/u> (STI).\n<ul>\n<li>Use <u><a id=\"OWAc0a007b2-75c5-d175-a31c-27b6e7fdd547\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/condom-use\/communication-resources\/index.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/condom-use\/communication-resources\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"13\">condoms<\/a><\/u> consistently and correctly every time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If you are sexually active:\n<ul>\n<li>Get tested for STIs, including HIV, at least once a year.\n<ul>\n<li>Testing is confidential and provided through most university\/college student health services. <u><a id=\"OWAff200bb9-b3f9-3a85-be6e-c2a0fdf85f35\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/stihiv-prevention-program\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/stihiv-prevention-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"14\">RHHD<\/a><\/u> offers testing on a sliding scale. Some community partners may offer free testing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Learn about free or low-cost medications that can prevent you from becoming infected with HIV (<u><a id=\"OWA943da64a-a778-992b-cf25-1f4dcfd02857\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/disease-prevention\/prep-and-npep\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/disease-prevention\/prep-and-npep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"15\">PrEP<\/a><\/u>) or STIs (<u><a id=\"OWAbac99bce-8e45-a440-acdf-2fbbd47e9d51\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sti\/prevention\/doxy-pep.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sti\/prevention\/doxy-pep.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"16\">DoxyPEP<\/a><\/u>) if you are exposed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Prioritize Mental Health<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Practice mindfulness and relaxation <u><a id=\"OWA63c5a84e-eb01-4b3a-2cbc-49bd32e2e591\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/health-information\/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits\/emotional-wellness-toolkit\/emotional-wellness-toolkit-more-resources\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/health-information\/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits\/emotional-wellness-toolkit\/emotional-wellness-toolkit-more-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"17\">techniques<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n<li>Know signs of <u><a id=\"OWA35a27be4-41a2-ca2e-5299-a9363016579c\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/anxiety-disorders\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/anxiety-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"18\">anxiety<\/a><\/u> and <u><a id=\"OWA2c34c216-bca7-97e9-cdb0-de66998a294d\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"19\">depression<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help from people you trust.<\/li>\n<li>If you are in crisis, call the <u><a id=\"OWA2e45bcfd-eeaf-90bd-9d66-a8b8a3f92dbb\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/988va.org\/\" href=\"https:\/\/988va.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"20\">988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Think Before You Drink<\/b><br \/>\nAlcohol consumption affects your body and mind. The <u><a id=\"OWAda99ad99-94e6-1a94-6032-61031a9939c9\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/college-drinking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/college-drinking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"21\">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism<\/a><\/u> (NIAAA) estimates that alcohol use is a factor in more than 1,500 deaths and nearly 700,000 assaults among emerging adults of college age (18 to 24). According to the <u><a id=\"OWA3ac2709f-58ca-8fca-8fc4-4c1c8c8bbd3b\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/data\/sites\/default\/files\/reports\/rpt47095\/National%20Report\/National%20Report\/2023-nsduh-annual-national.pdf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/data\/sites\/default\/files\/reports\/rpt47095\/National%20Report\/National%20Report\/2023-nsduh-annual-national.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"22\">2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health<\/a><\/u>, 15.1% of adults ages 18 to 25 met the criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD). Within this age group, 14.5% of full-time college students ages 18 to 25 and 15.3% of other persons of the same age met the criteria for AUD. If you choose to drink, do so legally and responsibly and understand the<u><a id=\"OWA4271573e-0fdf-a33a-cf0a-e551c441d801\" class=\"x_Hyperlink x_SCXW28516013 x_BCX0 x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov\/parents-students\/students#:~:text=Learn%20about%20the%20risks%20and%20consequences%20of%20college,on%20the%20College%20Drinking%20Prevention%20website%20for%20students.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov\/parents-students\/students#:~:text=Learn%20about%20the%20risks%20and%20consequences%20of%20college,on%20the%20College%20Drinking%20Prevention%20website%20for%20students.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"23\"> risks<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For some young adults, going off to college is an exciting time. Learning to take care of one\u2019s health is as important as required coursework. &#8220;College is a time of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":590,"featured_media":22639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"modified_by":"bryanhooten","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>College Health 101 - Richmond City Health Department<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/08\/26\/college-health-101\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"College Health 101 - Richmond City Health Department\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For some young adults, going off to college is an exciting time. 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