5 Women’s Health Risks You Must Know in College and How to Avoid Them

College can be a challenging time in many respects and women should know some valuable information to stay healthy.

Here are some important health issues and how you can best prevent falling victim to them.

1. Risks of STI increases in college

In college, many women become more sexually active. According to the Center for Disease Control, out of the 19 million cases of STDs each year, half of them are in people ages 15-24.

Solutions

• Always practicing safe sex.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using other drugs to the point that you engage in risky behavior.
• Get tested if you think you might be at risk. Most tests can be done without a pelvic exam.

2. College can influence poor eating choices.

Body image is amplified in college as you near the end of your teens and enter your twenties. It’s common in college for some young women to focus on calories and their weight in an effort to avoid other problems.

Solutions:

If you think that you’ve fallen into the trap of anorexia, bulimia, or any other eating disorder, get counseling. Most college and university campuses have a health center, which can get a student connected to the appropriate health professionals. Eating disorders sometimes require some form of counseling in most cases and should be taken seriously.

3. Increasing stress in college can cause health problems.

Being a college student comes with lots of responsibility. Stress invariably takes hold and you feel out of control.

Solutions:

Try sorting through your schedule and organize a plan that will help reduce stress. Sometimes just categorizing everything and allotting a certain amount of time to accomplish your goals will help. If you’re feeling especially anxious and uncertain about anything, reach out to a campus counseling center.

4. Restful sleep can sometimes be tough to find.

Sleep deprivation can increase irritability, anxiety, and even weight gain.

Solutions:

• Devise an exercise program in which you get some physical activity at least three hours before bedtime a good three-to-five times a week.
• Eat healthy and don’t turn to junk food.
• Make an effort to have “make up” sleep time a few times a week to rejuvenate your system if you’re unable to get a regular schedule of sleep.

5. Why you should watch out for Low Self-Esteem/Depression

Depression among college-aged women can be a health risk factor. College women can be at high risk for depression.

Solutions:

Seek help through your campus counseling office or confide in someone you trust so that you don’t feel so alone. Remember, a lot of other students are probably battling the very same emotions you are. These feelings can be overwhelming and sometimes require a little help.

Pacific Women’s Center is here to help you with your health concerns during your college years. Call one of their doctors who can help you decrease these health risks.