FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Students heading back to campus for the fall semester can incorporate a few habits into their daily routines to ensure they stay healthy throughout college and into the future.
Braden McKinley, a nurse practitioner with Lutheran Health Physicians at the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus Health Clinic, wants to remind students that making healthy choices during these formative college years will increase their chances of maintaining healthy lifestyles for years to come.
“The new freedom and added responsibilities college life offers is an exciting time,” she said “But campus life can also make it easy to slip into not-so-healthy habits. Luckily, there are many ways for returning students to incorporate routines to stay healthy, maintain a strong immunity and manage stress.”
Physicians suggest the following:
Make healthy choices.
Choose healthy foods – focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and incorporate healthy proteins and whole grains daily
Limit high-calorie beverages – lattes and mochas, energy drinks, sodas and alcoholic beverages all add a lot of empty calories; stick to water or choose unsweetened coffee or tea if you need a little caffeine
Quit vaping, smoking or better yet never start
Stay active.
Take advantage of walks to and from classes by making them it brisk, or if you have time take the long way to add steps
Use campus exercise facilities to get in regular cardio and strength training
Join a group exercise class or intramural sport with friends to make staying active fun
Get enough sleep.
Don’t make a habit of pulling all-nighters – get at least 7 hours of sleep most nights
Try to stick to a normal sleep routine of going to bed and waking up at the same times
Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed – this includes phones, computers and TVs
Learn more about PFW Campus Health Clinic services and hours here or call 260-481-5748 for information and to schedule an appointment.
