Health Tip: Start Healthy at College

For many young men and women, college is the first chance to assume responsibility for their own health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this advice for incoming freshmen:

• Practice healthy habits, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of regular exercise.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods, including proteins, fruits and veggies. Avoid salt, sugar and too much fat -- and late-night eating binges.
• Let roommates and others close to you at school know if you have a chronic health condition. Mention any symptoms to watch for, and what to do in an emergency.
• Don't engage in risky behavior -- including alcohol and drug use and sexual promiscuity -- just to fit in.
• Seek any support resources available at your school.