H E A L T H   M A T T E R S

WELL-BEING:
Eat & drink healthily

SLEEP: The Different Stages of Sleep

University / College Health

Been accepted for a uni/college course?  Can’t wait to experience campus life?  Got the chuddies, chutney, roti, dandias and chumpals packed!!??  Then the following info might come in useful.

Fresher's Week

Ohh the joys of the fresher fair, where you have time to get to know your way around the campus, enrol onto various student union societies, check out the clubs and pubs and socialise, vhgera vhgera…  Now for the important business of registering with a doctor.  Boring!

This is usually arranged for you when you first start.  You will be given an appointment to attend the uni’s own GP service.   If this is not done, then find out whom you should contact, from your course tutor.

One tip.  Ask for an exemption through your GP, so you don’t have to pay the £6.50 prescription charge for any medication.

Meningitis

If you are not already immunised against meningitis C, see your GP, before term starts.  The student population during the first year is at a slightly higher risk of infection.  The symptoms include:  severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, repeatedly throwing up, severe sleepiness or confusion and a rash which doesn’t disappear when you press a clear glass against it.

Not everyone gets all of these symptoms.  If in any doubt whatsoever, get straight to a hospital.

Drugs

No apologies for preaching.  Beware of dealers on campus!  Sounds far fetched, but it happens.  Remember that the side-effects of drugs include:  loss of memory, psychological distress, abnormal sperm, heart and breathing problems, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, paranoia, stress, dementia, fits, vomiting and drug dependent addiction….

Social side effects include: poverty, criminal behaviour, criminal record, relationship breakdowns…. In other words, permanent damage to your body and mind and to the lives of those supporting you.  Preaching over.

Emotional Health

If you experience withdrawal symptoms from such things as having the bills paid for you, eating home-cooked food and watching satellite telly, then fear not.  There are many others in the same gadi as you!  Often, it’s the practical details that cause most stress.  Such as stretching your budget and making sure there’s food to eat!  But with some common sense, a little forward thinking and support from family and friends, the transition can be painless.

Some people can even feel lonely and depressed.  If this is so, make sure you maintain contact with your nearest and dearest.  You’re not expected to cope with campus life on your own.  Again, seek student counselling if need be.  The uni should have a confidential counselling service.  Most of all, HAVE SOME FUN!!!!

If your personal issues predate university or college (e.g. relationship upsets, depression, eating disorders etc), then it can be tempting to ignore rather than confront them.  But remember, your emotional health is just as important as your physical health.  The support is there and it’s free, so use it while you can.

More Info:
www.studentsurvivalguide.co.uk
www.nusonline.co.uk