7. Wear sunscreen
You’re in college – you’re smart. So you know that sun
exposure can cause cancer. However, a study showed that only half of the
university students surveyed felt that they should protect themselves from the
sun, even when they thought that people in general should do so. This is
illogical at best, and hypocritical at worst; it’s time to put those smarts to
use, folks! Most skin cancers occur after years of accumulating sun damage, but
melanoma can even happen in young people – see the second link below. If you think
tanning makes you look better, just think about how many wrinkles you’re
setting yourself up for later. Consider airbrushing or other artificial tanning
techniques if you absolutely must have that sun-kissed look – today’s methods
have improved leaps and bounds over the orange streaky stuff. For tips about
how to protect yourself from those dreaded UV rays, check out the third link in
this section.
8. Listen up – turn it down!
Music is an integral part of our lives, and we can now
listen anywhere. However, we may also be setting ourselves up for hearing
impairment in the future if the volume is too loud. Noise-induced hearing loss
occurs gradually, and you won’t notice until it is severe and permanent. No one
wants to be the 30-year-old who has to ask everyone to speak up, so now is the
time to work on prevention!
The two variables in this equation are the intensity of the
noise and the duration – you can reduce your risk of hearing loss by turning
down the volume or listening for a shorter period of time. In general, you
should limit your iPod’s volume to 80% of maximum if you listen for less than
90 minutes a day, or 60% if you listen longer. If you experience a ringing sound
in your ears, it’s a warning sign that you need to turn down the volume.
Consider using noise-canceling headphones if you’re studying in a loud place.
Insert earphones block more ambient noise than standard earbuds. And don’t
forget to bring your earplugs when you go to a live music venue – the speakers
are usually turned up so loud that you’ll still be able to hear the music and you’ll still be able to hear
yourself talk when the concert is over.
9. When you feel blue
College is a fun adventure, but it’s also a tough transition
into adulthood, so feelings of stress and sadness are only natural. In one
survey, 17% of university students had a positive screening test for
depression, and 10% tested positive for an anxiety disorder. If you have
feelings of sadness or guilt, are less interested in activities you used to
enjoy, have difficulty concentrating, or experience changes in your sleep
patterns, appetite, or energy level, you may be depressed. Find someone to talk
to! Your RA or Hall Director is a good starting point – they will know how to
get in touch with others who can help.
If you notice a friend who isn’t acting like themselves,
take time to ask how they’re doing and probe beyond a simple “fine.” If you are
concerned that someone is depressed, don’t be afraid to ask if they are
considering suicide – even if they say no, you won’t be planting a new idea in
their head, and you may just give someone the permission they need to really
open up. Encourage them to seek help, and offer to go with them. You cannot be
your friend’s psychologist – you need an expert!
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK
(8255), and is open 24/7.
10. Be your own advocate
Expect to get sick in college – living in tight quarters
with lots of people, feeling stressed, and being chronically sleep-deprived
create a perfect storm. It’s OK to tough out minor symptoms for a little while,
but if your cold isn’t improving after 7-10 days, it may be time to see a
doctor. The university health center is convenient and a great starting point.
However, with any illness, if you feel that you are not being listened to or
receiving the proper care, don’t be afraid to ask for a referral for a second
opinion or find a different doctor on your own. You have to take responsibility
for your health and look for a physician that you can best partner with. Ask
around to see if your friends have a doctor they recommend, and call your
insurance company to see who is in your network. When you see a new physician,
be honest about all the symptoms you’re experiencing and the treatments you’ve
tried. No fancy lab or imaging test can make up for your complete story when
the doctor is making a diagnosis.
11. But don’t be your own doctor
A quick Google search will convince you that your seemingly
insignificant symptoms are actually signs of a terminal illness. Message boards
will say that a doctor in the remote jungles of South America has found a cure
for what ails you. While being well informed about your health and medical
conditions is desirable, take what you read on the Internet with a grain of
salt. There’s a balance between being your own advocate and being a
“cyberchondriac.”
12. Spiritual health
Your relationship with God impacts your health. Even secular
sources recognize the positive effects of spirituality on physical wellbeing,
from blood pressure to cancer. Conversely, our bodily health also impacts our
spiritual fitness – there’s a reason why Jesus’ most common miracle was
healing. Practices such as meditation or yoga can help you to integrate the
physical, mental, and spiritual parts of yourself. However, you must also be
wary of those who would relegate Christ to being just one path to peace among
many. We know that only He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
---
Although who we are in the deepest sense cannot be contained
within our physical bodies, these conglomerations of muscle, bone, and nerves
are the means by which we interact with the created world and the eternal
beings that are our classmates, professors, friends, and family members. So
guard your health and be a good steward of the body that the Lord has given
you.
Kim Lehecka, MD, UBC & TCU Graduate, Class of 2007
Disclaimer #1: This blog should be used for informational
purposes only. It does not serve as professional, personalized medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor when making health-related
decisions. Reading this blog does not create a physician-patient relationship.
Also, the views expressed in this blog belong solely to the author and do not
represent those of University Baptist Church, UBC staff, or the author’s past,
present, or future university and employer affiliations.
Disclaimer #2: With each passing year of education, Kim
has remained just as wonderful as she was as a young freshman, but apparently
gotten wordier. Therefore, please accept these amazing tips and related links
in installments. Kim doesn’t mention this, but too much screen time is
reportedly also a hazard to your health.
No comments:
Post a Comment