COMMON HEALTH MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE
By Omodele Goodness
As the new academic session begins, it brings excitement, fresh opportunities, and the drive to achieve new goals. Like every student, we eagerly prepare to settle in, setting our targets and strategies for success. However, in the rush to get started, it's easy to overlook common health mistakes that can impact our well-being. This article highlights some of the frequent health errors students whether freshers or returning make at the start of a new session and how to avoid them.
Skipping Breakfast
Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day because it replenishes the body's energy stores after an overnight fast. While students may skip breakfast for various reasons, such as lack of time, low appetite, or financial constraints, it is essential to recognize its benefits. A nutritious morning meal provides the necessary energy and nutrients to kickstart the day, supports cognitive function, and enhances concentration, both of which are crucial for academic success
Solution: Prioritize preparing breakfast earlier in the morning or the night before. You can also opt for quick, light and healthier foods such as oats, sandwiches and beverages , or fruits.
Poor Hydration
One common mistake students make is neglecting proper hydration. Many opt for cold, sugary drinks instead of water to quench their thirst on hot days, while others fail to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Both habits are detrimental to maintaining good health on campus.
Staying hydrated offers numerous benefits, including preventing dehydration and fatigue, regulating body temperature, enhancing focus and alertness, transporting nutrients throughout the body, and supporting organ function. It also aids in waste elimination and keeps the skin healthy and supple.
To maintain proper hydration, students should drink water immediately after waking up, before and after meals, throughout the day, and before bedtime. Carrying a water bottle at all times and consuming water-rich fruits like watermelon can also help ensure adequate hydration.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Unhealthy eating habits include eating too close to bedtime, consuming excessive processed foods and sugary drinks, overeating, stress eating, binge eating, and neglecting nutritious foods like legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
These habits are closely linked to the increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, they can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, even in a campus environment.
A recommended solution is to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed options and maintain a balanced diet to promote overall health and well-being.
Overuse of Energy Drinks and Caffeine
Many students rely on energy drinks to stay awake while studying for tests and exams.
According to the National Institutes of Health, energy drinks are a category of liquid products that contain high levels of caffeine, with or without added dietary supplements. While these beverages are marketed to enhance energy and alertness, research has linked them to various health issues, including elevated blood pressure, poor heart health, caffeine-induced anxiety, sleep disorders, and kidney or liver problems.
A healthier alternative is to opt for natural energy boosters such as fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, smoothies, and moderate amounts of coffee.
Other common mistakes students make include lack of exercise, especially after prolonged sitting, sleep deprivation, poor personal hygiene, and neglecting mental health.
Maintaining good health is essential for academic success and a productive lifestyle. Avoid these errors and make the most of your academic session.
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