College success requires taking care of mind, body, and spirit. Encourage your student to make healthy choices and live a balanced life. Students trust the health information they receive from their parents. Sit down with your student and discuss your concerns and recommendations regarding a healthy lifestyle.
Recommend the basics
College students know what they need to do to stay healthy. It is still a good idea to periodically review some basic health tips and discuss the importance of the following:
- Eating a well balanced diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Washing hands often
- Getting regular exercise
- Practicing safe sex or abstinence. They've heard it before, but it's worth repeating: abstinence is the only 100% effective means of preventing STDs/STIs and pregnancy.
Drinking and drug use are also issues that should be discussed. Emphasize that drinking, drug use, and smoking increase the likelihood of illness and academic underachievment. The first year of college is sufficiently stressful! Students shouldn't add physical illness and risky behavior.
Source: College: What Parents Need to Know by Alan Farber, Ph.D
Parents! Check out UMD's LiveWell Newsletter specifically for parents: The Parent Perspective