Get to know the health center: many centers on college campuses have a variety of offerings which range from mental health services, eating disorder counselors and annual check-up appointments. Students should use the health center as a main resource, which is readily available whenever they need it.Maintain a regular exercise routine: all too often, students (who aren't involved in organized athletics) forgo exercise because they get too busy. Exercising several times a week is important to overall health and well-being.Try to maintain a balanced diet: when late night pizza breaks and beer take the place of home-cooked meals, students often suffer the consequences. Encouraging students to eat healthy, balanced, well-portioned meals is very important, and may prevent them from developing extreme dieting patterns or eating disorders. Many health centers have counselors on staff that can help manage and treat a variety of these conditions should they arise.Use the "buddy system": to prevent date rape or unwanted sexual encounters, women should use the "buddy system" when going out. Students should find a teammate, a sorority sister or friend to stick by their side as a "buddy," and they should return the favor. Know your limit: all students should learn their alcohol limit and know to cut themselves off when they've had too much to drink. This will ensure good decision-making and lower the chances of engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, female students should know that their tolerance will always be lower than their male counterparts. This is because women produce less of the stomach enzyme that breaks down ethanol; thus, after consuming the same amount of alcohol women have higher blood alcohol content than men, even after adjusting for size. Use protection: when sexual counters occur, students should always use at least one form of protection to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy.
Source: Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center