Student Health

Your social life at university can be a lot of fun. However, do remember that you can enjoy yourself and still be responsible about your health. Whilst you will see this new-found freedom as a time to experiment and take risks without the beady eye of your parents casting their judgment upon you, do remember that your health should remain a top priority.

Register With Your College Doctor
A recent healthcare study by the NUS uncovered that only 1 in 10 students didn’t attend the doctors because they were worried about costs involved and over 9% of students just didn’t know how to go about finding a local doctor. Luckily for you, every university or college will have an on-campus doctor. There is nothing worse than trying to find a doctor when you are already ill so make sure you sign up during Fresher’s week. Contact your Welfare Officer at your NUS building if you don’t know where to go.

Drink
Drinking can play a huge part in a students’ social life. However, students who drink excessively can be prone to excess weight gain and depression. If continuous, regular high levels of drinking could lead to long-term liver damage and stomach complications. Remember that whilst drinking can be a huge amount of fun, alcohol still remains one of the biggest killers in the UK. The government has now put together a drinks aware campaign: www.drinkaware.co.uk

Drugs
Many students often experiment with drugs during their time at university. However, do understand that the law won’t be any less lenient on you just because you are student. Drugs are illegal and remain so for our long-term health benefits. For honest information about drugs Talk To FRANK at: www.talktofrank.com

STi
STi’s are on the increase amongst the student population in the UK, Chlamydia being the highest. All this can be avoided through the use of condoms during sex. Not only will this protect you from pregnancy scares it will also allow you to enjoy your sex life without the nagging STi worry. However, most STi’s can be treated very simply. So, if you do feel you are showing unusual symptoms then contact you local GUM clinic for a check up. Many campuses have a GUM clinic set up. Don’t be shy, they have seen it all and very little will shock them. For more advice on Sti’s log onto: www.condomessentialwear.co.uk

Smoking
Fuelled by an advanced social life, many students either start or increase their smoking habits at university. We all know that smoking is highly addictive and can kill you. However, each year thousands of students start to smoke. Quitting can be difficult. However the long-term health implications will speak for themselves. For advice on quitting contact the NHS at: www.smokefree.nhs.uk

The National Union of Students hold your mental and physical health as one of their top priorities. To gain some great health advice log onto: www.nus-online.co.uk