Many new college students have their own ideas about what college is supposed to be like. Many see it is as a time to party, meet new people and make it to every “last call” at their favorite bar Tuesday to Sunday. Others feel it is a time to learn as much as they can in four years so they can move on to make the big bucks.
Many feel it is a time of self-exploration and self-discovery.
Whatever preconceptions entering freshmen have about college life, freshmen are especially prone to many health issues that can put a hold on everything.
A serious health concern for young college students is meningitis. According to the National Meningitis Association, it is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain.
Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, which can be spread by passing fluids from one person to another by eating, drinking or smoking after one another. It can also be contracted through coughing, sneezing, kissing and having sex.
NMA attributes 3,000 deaths in America annually to meningitis, with 30 percent affecting adolescents.
Kim Weber, University Health Services nurse, said all students must get the meningitis vaccine on campus unless they show proof of immunization or sign a waiver which states that they already received it. The University administers the vaccine at University Health Services for $89. Weber said the University does not make a profit from administering the vaccine.
University Health Services also plans to give five to 10 minute sessions in each dorm to explain the causes and effects of meningitis.
A more common concern facing students is the infamous “Freshman 15.” The term is used to describe the typical weight gained by students within their first year of college. Weber suggested substituting healthier options and smaller portions when faced with cafeteria-style meal plans and fast food.
“The healthier you eat, the healthier you’ll feel, the healthier you will be mentally,” she said.
Perhaps the most serious concern facing freshmen, depression, affects students both mentally and physically.
According to the American College Health Association, a 2004 survey revealed nearly half of all students were so depressed they had trouble functioning. At least 15 percent met the criteria for clinical depression.
Weber attributes the level of depression among young students to many factors, such the newfound responsibility of taking care of themselves for the first time, as well as financial reasons.
Weber said depression affects people mentally because they cannot focus and become stressed out often. Physically, depression can cause overeating or not eating enough and exhaustion. Weber said exercise can help ease depression.
Weber said students are most commonly treated at University Health Services for acute viruses caused by under-eating, stress and overall poor health maintenance. She said her best advice is to have healthy eating habits, drink plenty of water and get adequate sleep every night.
Hours for Nicholls
Departments and Services
Ellender Memorial Library: Sunday- 4 p.m. until midnight; Monday- 7:30 a.m. until midnight; Tuesday through Thursday- 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.; Friday- 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday-noon until 4 p.m.
Tutorial and Academic
Enhancement Center:
(located in Beauregard Hall)Scheduled appointments- 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening tutoring- 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Drop-in tutoring- Tuesday and Thursday from 9:45 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. until 3 p.m. Call 448-4100 for info.
University Counseling Center: (located in Elkins Hall) Monday through Friday- 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Writing Center: (located in 153 Beauregard Hall) Monday and Wednesday- 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday- 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday- 7:45 a.m. until 3 p.m.
