Various topics related to your student's health can be difficult to bring up. You want your student to feel empowered with making their own decisions, but know it is important you are still there to help them. Don't know how to start the conversation? See below for some helpful tips, or reach out to the contacts listed as an additional resource.
Sexual Health
Educating a child about sex is an important part of his or her healthy development. Their early understanding of sex, love, intimacy and their own sexuality can help mold their values, behavior, and even their self-image, for a lifetime.
Sleep and Exercise
College is an exciting time for your student. They are experiencing many new things and adapting accordingly. With demands of college life, students' physical health and adequate nutrition, sleep, and physical activity may become difficult to manage.
Alcohol and College Life
Pay special attention to your student's experiences and activities during the crucial first 6 weeks on campus. With a great deal of free time, many students initiate heavy drinking during these early days of college, and the potential exists for excessive alcohol consumption to interfere with successful adaptation to campus life.
Power-based Personal Violence
The transition to college is a very impactful time in your student’s life. It is important to talk to your student about healthy relationships and power-based personal violence. Power-based personal violence refers to sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking.
Tobacco and Other Drugs
College life can be a stressful transition for students and the use of tobacco and other inhalants or substances can be used as easy coping mechanisms. Some college students may use tobacco, hookahs, vaping/e-cigarettes, and marijuana to cope with stress.
