College students are young, lively and generally healthy
individuals, but just like any population, they are prone to certain health
problems. Not only do college students have some of the worst eating, exercising
and sleeping habits, they also have to deal with stress from school,
relationships and job hunting that takes a major toll on their health. Here are
the 6 most common college diseases:
Depression: Depression is a growing issue that even college campuses
are dealing with more and more. An alarming 44 percent of college students
reported feeling symptoms of depression during college and many do not seek
treatment for their mental illness. Depression can be brought on by a number of
factors, including anxiety from school or work, the loss of a loved one, a
troubled relationship and early childhood trauma. College students have a high
risk of being depressed because their hormones are often out of whack and
imbalanced at this age, and they face a great deal of pressures and obstacles
while in school and away from their parents.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Alcohol and drug abuse has, and
continues to be, a health problem among college students. College students have
higher rates of alcohol and drug addiction than the rest of the public, with
nearly 2.7 million full-time college students abusing drugs and alcohol at
least once a month. As students relish in their newfound freedom, they are more
likely to try drugs and alcohol with friends for the first time. Although
alcohol is still the preferred drug of choice by most college students, there
has also been an increase in marijuana and prescription drug abuse.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: With the increased amount of
sexual activity and unprotected sex happening in today’s colleges, it’s no
wonder why sexually transmitted diseases are rampant among college students. An
estimated 20 to 25 percent of college students have been infected or are
carriers of STDs. Sexually active young adults have high rates of STDs because
they do not use adequate protection and often do not seek medical attention.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) are some of the most
common STDs among college students.
Eating Disorders: Eating disorders continue to be a major
concern among college students today. In addition to the classic eating
disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, there are a number of
other eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) that have become more
rampant in college, such as caloric restriction, drastic weight loss, excessive
exercise, binging and purging. Disordered eating is commonplace in college,
when students are eating on their own and trying to avoid gaining weight.
Obesity: Eating disorders continue to garner attention in
college, but many students are troubled by the other end of the spectrum –
obesity. Today, more than 30 percent of college students are considered obese
or overweight by the American College Health Association’s standards. A
combination of unhealthy diets, limited physical activity and poor lifestyle
choices has caused many college students to become obese or overweight.
Insomnia: College students have a high rate of commonly
occurring insomnia. College students tend to pull all-nighters, have
inconsistent sleep patterns, party until the wee hours of the morning and drink
too much caffeine. All of these bad habits can lead to a lack of sleep and an
ongoing bout with insomnia. Insomnia may cause students to have trouble falling
asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia often accompanies other mental health
issues and could be the sign of something more serious. Students can improve
their condition by changing their lifestyle choices and daily habits in order
to get more and better sleep.
Source: www.mastersinhealthcare.com
