Nutrition

Top health concerns for college students (and what to do about them)

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Top health concerns for college students (and what to do about them) Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/25/2024 - 00:00

Health issues are more common than you may think among college students. Here are some of the most common health concerns you may experience in college and what you can do about them.

1. Stress, anxiety and depression

Many students experience mental health challenges in college, whether it’s related to stress, anxiety or depression. Increased responsibilities, busy schedules, changes in routine and other personal circumstances can all impact mental health in different ways.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to know that resources are available to help you cope and feel better.

Here are a few to check out:

Mental health workshops: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers free weekly workshops to help students address anxiety, depression, stress, mindfulness and more.
Peer Wellness Coaching: Sometimes the best advice comes from other Buffs. That’s where peer wellness coaches come in. You can meet with a trained student to talk through things and get advice about time management, academics, test prep, relationships and more.
Let’s Talk: Talking through challenges can be a great way to gain insight, come up with a game plan and connect with resources. CAPS offers free drop-in hours as part of their Let’s Talk program where you can meet informally with a counselor for free to chat through a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression.
AcademicLiveCare: Students can access free, virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments online through AcademicLiveCare. This service is available to all students, regardless of your insurance plan.
Acupuncture and ear seeding: Did you know acupuncture can be used to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression? The Collegiate Recovery Community offers free ear seeding events every other Wednesday throughout the semester.
WellTrack: WellTrack is a free interactive and self-guided app that can help you identify, understand and address issues like stress, anxiety and/or depression.

2. Sleep

Getting enough sleep can be tricky in college. Work, classes, extracurriculars, exams and social events can all impact how much (or how little) rest we get. With everything going on, it’s important to remind yourself that sleep plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. In fact, getting enough sleep can help keep your immune system running smoothly, improve your mood, help you retain information for exams and more.

If you’re struggling to get into a good sleep routine, here are some tips that can help:

Reduce your caffeine consumption during the day, especially in the late afternoon and evenings.
Avoid taking long naps during the day. Instead, focus on taking power naps that are only 20 to 30 minutes long. Campus has a variety of nap pod locations at The Rec, Wardenburg and Norlin Library.
Reduce your screen time at night. This includes your phone, laptop, gaming devices and televisions.
Get more natural light during the day by spending time outside.
Go to the gym earlier in the day to avoid releasing adrenaline into your system that may keep you up at night.
Make a nightly routine that helps you relax and prepare for bed. For instance, you can try brushing your teeth, reading a book, stretching, meditating or sipping sleepy time tea.
Pick up free sleep supplies like sleep masks, tea, ear plugs, aromatherapy rollers and more from the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or have them delivered to your residence hall through Buff Box.
Consider signing up for a group acupuncture session if you struggle with insomnia. Acupuncture can help increase your melatonin, reduce stress and improve the overall quality of your sleep.

Check out more tips to help you optimize your sleep schedule.

3. Sexually transmitted infections

Did you know that about one in five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? These types of infections are common in young adults and can pass from person to person through sexual activities like oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen.

Common STIs include human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV), among others.

If you plan to be sexually active, here are some tips to follow:

Use protection, like dental dams, condoms and finger caps. Free supplies are available at Wardenburg Health Center and in Buff Boxes.
Get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active. Remember that the most common symptom of an STI is no symptoms.
Talk openly with your partners about your status or test results.
Get vaccinated for human papilloma virus (HPV) and Hepatitis B.
If you’re at an increased risk of contracting HIV, Medical Services offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, doxyPEP can help prevent contraction after exposure.

If you or a partner ends up contracting an STI, it’s important to know that most types of STIs are treatable, and Medical Services offers a variety of testing and treatment options. Free at-home test kits are also available through a partnership through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Find more information about what to do after unprotected sex and how to keep yourself safe in the future.

4. Seasonal illnesses

College campuses are crawling with germs and viruses. This is because students often live in close quarters, attend social gatherings and may have larger classes. Some of the most common seasonal illnesses to watch out for include the common cold, flu and COVID.

Avoid getting sick this year by:

Getting a free flu and/or COVID vaccine.
Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Staying hydrated and getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep.
Reducing your contact with others if they're feeling under the weather.
Disinfecting common surfaces in your home regularly.

If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when possible and opt to wear a mask. It’s important to know that viral infections like the common cold can’t be treated by a doctor. In these cases, you can use at-home remedies like cough drops, herbal tea, honey sticks for a sore throat and other self-care tactics. Pick up free wellness supplies at the Wellness Suite in Wardenburg Health Center or get them delivered to your residence hall for free in a Buff Box.

If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing, it’s probably best to make an appointment with Medical Services. Students can also access care after-hours, on the weekends and during breaks through AcademicLiveCare.

5. Meningitis

Proximity with a lot of other people can lead to more than just seasonal illnesses. This is especially true for those living in residence halls or high-occupancy housing units. In fact, college students are at increased risk of contracting meningitis.

Meningitis is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infection of the brain and spinal cord.

The best way to prevent the spread of meningitis is to get the Meningitis (Men-ACWY) vaccine. If you’re not already vaccinated, you can schedule a vaccine appointment with Medical Services.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

Confusion
Fever
Headache
Sensitivity to light
Stiff neck

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Medical Services to be evaluated. It’s important to catch meningitis infections early to reduce the chances of spreading it to others and prevent serious nerve or brain damage. If you are experiencing symptoms after-hours, please go to an urgent care facility near you.

6. Substance use and misuse

Even though 93% of CU Students support choosing not to drink at parties, college can come with unspoken expectations around partying, drinking and substance use.

Students may choose to use substances to cope with mental health issues, manage stress, improve their energy, catch up on assignments, ease social anxiety and more. However, substances can also cause students to have unwanted experiences, such as worsening mental health issues, poor grades, reduced learning or performance, legal challenges, risky decisions or behaviors, accidents and reliance on unhealthy coping methods, among others. In some cases, substance use may result in increased emergency room visits, accidents, alcohol poisoning, overdoses, addiction and long-term health effects.

If you’re interested in exploring or changing your relationship with substances, you can schedule a Buffs Discuss Substance Use session. These sessions are run by trained undergraduate peer facilitators who can empower students to gain deeper understanding and be intentional about substance use. If you prefer to work with a professional staff member, check out the free and non-judgmental Exploring Substance Use Workshop.

CU ��ý�� also has programs to help students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from a variety of unhealthy behaviors, including substance use. Health Promotion offers free support for quitting nicotine, including quit kits, coaching and more. Additionally, the Collegiate Recovery Community offers free peer support, weekly meetings and social events for students in recovery or interested in recovery from a variety of substances and other unwanted behaviors.

Students can pick up free naloxone or fentanyl test strips on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or by ordering a Safer Night Out Buff Box.

7. Eating changes

There are a variety of things that can trigger changes in our eating patterns. In some cases, these changes are temporary, for instance forgetting to eat lunch while studying for an exam. However, significant changes can lead to more serious or long-term eating concerns, such as disordered eating behaviors or eating disorders.

For many students, college may be the first time that you have had the freedom or responsibility for deciding when, what and how to eat. This, on top of other stressors in college, can sometimes cause anxiety, especially for those who aren’t sure what food choices to make. Anxiety around food can also be compounded by things like cultural beauty standards, body image and comparing your body with those around you.

Here are some factors that can lead to unhealthy eating patterns:

Change or loss of control: Experiencing a lot of new things at once can be exciting, but it can also lead to stress or anxiety. As a result, people may compensate by exerting more control over what they eat.
��ý��: It’s normal to feel worried about grades, workload and studying every once in a while. However, if classes become too stressful, some may use food as a coping method or a way to create control and stability.
Social groups: Friendships play a critical role in your college experience. However, it can also come with unspoken rules or peer pressure related to food, body image and exercise.
Food availability: Previous food experiences and current circumstances can impact how we view or access food. If someone is food insecure, it can affect their eating habits because they lack proper access to food.

If you feel lost when it comes to food or want to improve your relationship with food or exercise, there are resources on campus that can help.

Nutrition Services

Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to learn about intuitive eating, adequate food intake and ways to overcome food rules or restrictions. Appointment options range from free screenings to ongoing sessions.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides a free Food and Body Image support meeting every week. This drop-in meeting is a great place to build community and work with others who are in recovery from unhealthy relationships with food and body image.

Buff Pantry

The Basic Needs Center has an on-campus food pantry that supports all undergraduate and graduate students experiencing food insecurity. Simply complete a client intake form online and schedule an appointment to stop by once per week to select grocery items.

Explore your relationship with physical activity

Participating in regular movement (i.e., physical activity or exercise) has proven benefits for both our minds and bodies. Here are some tools to help you move your body in a safe and healthy way.

SNAP enrollment

The Basic Needs Center is available to help students enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides supplementary funds to help qualifying individuals and families access nutritious food.

Dietary Accommodations

Campus Dining Services strives to meet the dietary needs of our community through access to food options that are allergen-free, halal, kosher, vegan and vegetarian. If you need support navigating food options on campus, you can work one-on-one with our registered dietitian nutritionist.

8. Relationships

Exploring your sexuality and relationships is a normal part of college life and young adulthood. Making new friends, forming and maintaining long-term relationships, dating and hooking up require us to set boundaries, communicate openly, build trust and find support when we need it.

It's also important to recognize when a relationship that feels uncomfortable, unhealthy or downright harmful. These characteristics can show up in a variety of ways, including when our boundaries are not respected, issues with trust or breakdowns in connection or communication.

If you notice a friend seems more unhappy than not in their relationship or they express feeling unsafe with a partner, this is a good opportunity to offer care and support.

The Office of Victim Assistance is a great resource that can help students recognize and seek support for:

Healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship behaviors
Stalking
Sexual harassment
Intimate partner abuse, dating and domestic violence, and familial abuse
Rights, reporting options and advocacy
Short-term trauma counseling services
Community referral options
Ways to support friends or family members who have been through a traumatic experience

The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) also offers free sexual relationships and consent workshops to help students explore boundary-setting, sexual decision-making, consent and the impact of alcohol on sex.

9. Physical injuries

Accidents happen, especially in college. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to avoid serious injuries on and off campus. Here are some tips you can use to stay safe.

Biking, skateboarding, walking and scootering

Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding or riding a scooter.
Stay in designated bike lanes or walking lanes.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when biking in the road, using crosswalks or going through intersections.
Be mindful of dismount zones on campus, and follow the rules, especially during high traffic times.
Never bike, skateboard or use scooters when under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances.

Outdoor recreation

Always wear a helmet when rock climbing, bouldering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or tubing.
Stay on designated trails and be mindful of avalanche or flood conditions in the backcountry.
Always pack adequate water and food, wear sunscreen and bring first aid supplies when adventuring outside.
Let someone know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. Be sure they can call for help if they don’t hear from you.

Driving

Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other substances. If you’re intoxicated, designate a sober person to drive or leave your car behind and use CU NightRide, public transit or a rideshare service instead.
Minimize distractions by putting your cell phone on drive mode and not texting while driving.
Leave adequate space between yourself and other cars, especially during rush hour or in congested areas.
Use your hazard lights if you need to come to a stop quickly. This will alert the person behind you that they need to brake sooner than they might expect to avoid a collision.
If you are involved in an accident, move your vehicle to the shoulder or out of traffic.
Watch for pedestrians and bikes, even if they are not in a designated crosswalk or bike lane.

If you get injured or are involved in an accident, there are a variety of support services you can use on campus.

Medical Services

Medical Services provides injury care services, including x-rays. They can also help refer you to community services if you need more intense rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC)

The PTIC office provides a variety of services to students, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage to help address injuries, pain and other concerns.

Recreation Injury Care Center (RICC)

RICC provides free services to patrons and guests of the Rec Center including first aid, baseline concussion testing, injury prevention services and athletic training services.

AcademicLiveCare

If you need after-hours support for medical or urgent care needs, AcademicLiveCare offers free, on-demand virtual appointments for all students.

Health issues are more common than you may think, especially among college students. Here are some you may experience in college and what you can do about them.

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4 ways to fight inflation at the grocery store

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:31:26 +0000

4 ways to fight inflation at the grocery store Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 02/13/2023 - 11:31

Feeling the squeeze of inflation at the grocery store? Check out these budget-friendly tips from Sydney McAvoy and Stephanie Snell, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) at Wardenburg Health Center.

1. Make a plan (and stick to it)

Having a plan in place before you head to the store can help you stay organized, save money and make better choices. It’s also a great way to cut back on food waste because you’ll only buy the items you need.

To get started, think through the meals you’d like to eat this week. Be sure to include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options. If you’re new to meal planning it can be helpful to keep your weekly menu fairly simple until you get more comfortable with the process. For instance, you may want to cook a few dinner options and plan to use the leftovers for your lunch.

After you’ve planned out your meals for the week, start to identify which ingredients you already have on hand and which ones you’ll need to purchase. Make a commitment to stick to your list: avoid buying items just because they're on sale, and don't go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. This will help ensure that you stick to your meal plan and your budget.

If you’re worried about items that may or may not be available, consider alternatives. For instance, if you are planning to make mashed potatoes, you may want to consider getting a boxed variety if the produce variety is sold out.

Bonus tip: Order online

Many grocers offer online ordering and pickup. This can be a great option if you’re short on time or have trouble sticking to your pre-planned list. These types of services make it easier to only shop for what you need and pick them up at your convenience.

2. Check for coupons or discounts

Most major stores have apps where you can find weekly deals and coupons that can save you money. Some stores, like King Soopers and Target, will even personalize coupons based on what you’ve purchased most frequently in the past. Once you’ve made your list, check your store’s app (or website) to see if there are any coupons available. If you see foods on sale, you can try to adjust your meal plan based on items that are on sale that week.

Bonus tip: Browse the ‘final sale’ shelves

Some grocery stores, like King Soopers and Safeway, have special shelves designated for ‘final sale’ items. These shelves often include pantry staples like pasta, canned meats, grains, breads and over-the-counter medications. If you’re unsure if your store offers these types of deals or can’t find them in your store, be sure to ask an associate for help.

3. Swap items to save

There are a number of simple swaps you can make to help you save on a variety of items. Here are a few examples to consider…

Buy ‘whole’ foods: Some foods are cheaper in less processed forms. For example, blocks of cheese tend to be cheaper than bags of pre-shredded cheese.
Buy generic: Most stores carry generic brands for a variety of products. Oftentimes, these generic brands are cheaper than the name brand. For example, name brand whole wheat bread at Kroger costs $4.79, while the generic Kroger brand only costs $2.99. The best news is that they both have similar nutrient composition and ingredients.
Buy produce that’s in season: Local, in-season produce tends to be cheaper. You can find a full list of produce by season on the USDA website.
Buy frozen: When your favorite fresh produce isn’t in season or isn’t available, opt for frozen varieties. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and have good nutritional value, since they are picked and packaged at their peak quality.
Buy canned options: If you can’t find affordable fresh or frozen produce, consider buying canned options, like canned corn, pineapple or beans. You can also find canned meat options if fresh chicken or fish isn’t in your budget.
Buy in bulk: Most major grocers carry common pantry goods at a lower price in their bulk foods section, including rice, beans, nuts, oatmeal and more.
Opt for plant-based proteins: Plant-based proteins, like beans and tofu, can be more cost-effective than animal meats. They also tend to have a longer shelf life.

4. Pay attention to price per unit

Sometimes, the lowest price isn’t always the best price. Instead of relying on the total price of an item alone, look for the price per unit to compare prices across different sizes. For instance, consider buying Cheerios where a 9 oz box of Cheerios may cost $2.99 and a 20 oz box costs $4.99. While the 9 oz box is cheaper overall, it actually costs more per ounce. In this example the smaller box costs you about 35 cents per ounce while the larger box only costs about 25 cents per ounce. Most stores make this math easy by providing per unit pricing on the bottom of their price stickers.

5. Connect with resources

CU ��ý�� students, staff and faculty can access a variety of resources related to food insecurity and nutrition.

Resources for students

Buff Pantry
The Buff Pantry supports undergraduate and graduate students who are facing food insecurity. Clients are welcome to visit the Buff Pantry once per week to receive approximately 20 pounds of food per visit. Food options include fresh produce, pantry staples, refrigerated and frozen foods as well as personal care items.

Free nutrition consultations
Students can schedule a free appointment with the Nutrition Resource Clinic in the Fitness and Wellness Suite located at the Main Student Recreation Center. Appointments cover a variety of topics depending on your personal needs.

Nutrition counseling
Medical Services has two Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) on staff to help students address a variety of health and nutrition concerns, including healthy eating, cooking support, disordered eating, weight concerns and more. Check online to review pricing and insurance coverage.

Body Image Awareness Month
The Rec Center is hosting a number of Nutrition Talks as part of Body Image Awareness Month throughout February. Sessions include information ways to navigate conflicting nutrition advice, meal planning and the top 10 things you can do to improve your health and performance through nutrition.

Resources for staff and faculty

Mobile Food Pantries
Mobile Food Pantries take place throughout the semester and are free for CU ��ý�� students, faculty and staff, as well as community members of ��ý�� and Broomfield Counties. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Health insurance benefits
All CU employee health insurance plans allow you to meet with specialists, including Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Please review your specific plan benefits for information about co-pays and co-insurance.

Community Food Share
Community Food Share is a local food bank that provides aid to people throughout ��ý�� and Broomfield counties who are facing food insecurity. They offer a free on-site food pantry, emergency food assistance, senior food programs and mobile food pantries. Check out their website for a map of service locations.

Government-funded programs
SNAP and WIC are two different public health and nutrition programs funded by the federal government. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also commonly known as food stamps) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assist low-income families and their children in purchasing healthy foods through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a WIC check.

Follow @CUHealthyBuffs on social for more tips, events and activites.

Feeling the squeeze of inflation at the grocery store? Check out these budget-friendly tips from our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) at Wardenburg Health Center.

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5 ways to help your student improve their body image

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:39:24 +0000

5 ways to help your student improve their body image Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/24/2023 - 12:39

It’s common for students to feel uncomfortable with different aspects of their bodies. However, sometimes this dissatisfaction can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Here are some tips to help your student or someone you know with negative body image.

What is body image?

Body image refers to the way we view our physical appearance and how we imagine our bodies look to others. People with positive body image generally feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, while people with negative body image may feel anxious, awkward or ashamed about their bodies. It’s also important to keep in mind that we may view our bodies in a distorted or inaccurate way that may not always align with reality.

Someone who is struggling with negative body image may:

Make negative comments about their size, shape or appearance.
Weigh themselves often and/or get upset by small fluctuations in weight.
Obsess over their appearance or nitpick different aspects of their body.
Try to conceal their body with loose or baggy clothing.
Avoid social events or other activities that require a certain dress code (e.g. swimming).
Make ongoing efforts to lose weight, often through extreme dieting or intense exercise.

Keep in mind that negative body image can impact anyone, regardless of their identity, age, gender or body size.

How can I support my student with negative body image?

Depending on how intensely someone experiences negative body image, it can be a difficult issue to overcome. Here are some ways you can support a friend who may be experiencing negative body image.

Be open and honest about your concerns

If you’re concerned about your student’s behavior, let them know privately. Try to provide specific examples of times when you felt worried or concerned about them (e.g. they avoided an event or occasion because of food or body concerns, they were particularly critical of themselves, their eating or exercise habits changed, etc.). Be sure to use “I” statements when expressing your concerns. Here are a few examples you can use:

“I feel sad when I hear you speak critically about yourself and your body.”
“I feel concerned when I see you skip meals.”
“I feel worried when you weigh yourself repeatedly.”

Allow your student time to process and respond to conversations you have around body image, especially when sharing your concerns. Approaching your student with compassion can go a long way. It’s also important to avoid trying to diagnose or label your student’s habits or experiences.

Set an example

People may engage in negative self-talk without even realizing it. Commenting on our appearance, physical activity or eating habits can be commonplace in some relationships. If your student is struggling with negative body image, sometimes the best thing we can do is set a positive example. Practicing self-acceptance and self-compassion allows us to hold space not only for ourselves, but for our students as well.

Here are some examples of things to avoid when setting a positive example:

Making comments about your own body or others’.
Criticizing yourself or others’ based on appearance.
Attempting to convince someone to participate in dieting behaviors.
Openly counting calories or restricting different types of food.
Making comparisons between yourself (or your friend) and other people.

Build them up

Remind your student that you love them for who they are, not what they look like. While there is nothing wrong with complimenting your student on their appearance, keep compliments focused on something other than their body shape or size, as you may unintentionally cause harm. Instead, focus on things other than their body like how much you like their hair color, their new outfit or their new shoes. It can also be helpful to compliment your student on things that are completely unrelated to appearance. For instance, you may let your student know how funny they are, how brave they are, how smart they are or how great of a person they are. Focusing on inner qualities can help shift attention away from someone’s appearance and let them know they are valued as a person.

This can also be helpful if your student encounters a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable about their body. For instance, if someone in their class makes a negative comment about their appearance, remind them that the people who really matter in their life care about them regardless of their appearance.

Unfollow accounts on social media

Social media can impact our self-esteem, even if it’s not obvious. If your student follows accounts that impact their body image, self-esteem, self-worth or are negatively impacting their mental health: encourage them to unfollow those accounts. Encourage your student to take some time to seek out accounts that promote body positivity, body neutrality and self-love. For instance, it can be helpful to look for accounts that promote Health at Every Size (HAES).

Be proactive

If you’re concerned your student might be experiencing negative body image or is engaging in concerning or harmful behaviors, check out the resources below for additional information and support.

Support for students

Body Image Awareness at The Rec

Each year the Recreation Center hosts free events and activities throughout February in honor of Body Image Awareness Month. This year’s events will include nutrition talks, body image workshops, free fitness classes and more.

Let’s Talk

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services through Let’s Talk. Counselors are available in person and online to help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources related to anxiety, body image, relationships and more.

Mindful Monday

This monthly program allows students to participate in mindfulness exercises and activities that can help students become more in-tune with their bodies. This program also offers sessions specific to mindful eating and physical wellness.

Nutrition Services

Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Wardenburg to address food and/or body related concerns. Our RDNs can help answer questions and address concerns related to disordered eating, eating disorders, intuitive eating, nourishing your body and more.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides community, support and connection for students, faculty and staff in recovery or seeking recovery from a wide range of behaviors, including substance use, eating concerns, self-harm and more.

National Eating Disorders Association

For 24/7 support, information on treatment options and other services related to eating disorders, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website.

Check out tips to help your student or someone you know improve their body image.

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Nutrition

Top health concerns for college students (and what to do about them)

1. Stress, anxiety and depression

2. Sleep

3. Sexually transmitted infections

4. Seasonal illnesses

5. Meningitis

6. Substance use and misuse

7. Eating changes

8. Relationships

9. Physical injuries

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4 ways to fight inflation at the grocery store

1. Make a plan (and stick to it)

2. Check for coupons or discounts

3. Swap items to save

4. Pay attention to price per unit

5. Connect with resources

Resources for students

Resources for staff and faculty

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5 ways to help your student improve their body image

What is body image?

How can I support my student with negative body image?

Be open and honest about your concerns

​ Set an example

​ Build them up

​ Unfollow accounts on social media

​ Be proactive

Support for students

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Set an example

Build them up

Unfollow accounts on social media

Be proactive