The BIG 10 Health Matters In Your College Health Survival

10. Tobacco Use
9. Unintentional Injuries
8. Exercise & Fitness
7. Nutrition, Weight and Food Issues
6. Pregnancy Prevention
5. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) & HIV Prevention
4. Violence & Sexual Assault
3. Depression & Suicide Prevention
2. Alcohol & Drugs
1. Stress

What MSU students say and do...

• 81% (up from 79%) of MSU students choose not to smoke
• 12% (down from 14%) are infrequent or social smokers
• Less than 3% of MSU students smoke daily, but MSU students misperceived that 31% of their fellow students smoke on a daily basis.

Why it matters...

Not smoking is one of the most beneficial choices you can make regarding your health. Students are increasingly concerned about the effects of smoking, and specifically cite the following as their biggest concerns:

• Bad breath
• Coughing
• The cost
• Smelly hair/clothes
• Yellow teeth/fingers
• Getting colds and upper respiratory infections more often
• Students also expressed concern about the long-term health risks from smoking - cancer, heart disease, premature aging, and emphysema

Your move...

• Join the 81% of your fellow students who chose not to smoke
• If you choose to smoke, please respect the choice of those around you who may not wish to breathe secondhand smoke.
• If you do smoke, but would like information on quitting, go to www.ucanquit.msu.edu or call 353-3903.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 96% of MSU students report wearing a seatbelt when riding in a car, but only 8% report wearing a bicycle helmet most or all of the time (NCHA 2008).
• As for injuries, 13% of MSU students reported sustaining an injury in the last year.

Why it matters...

• With 45,000 people walking, biking, rollerblading and driving on campus every day, it's easy to find yourself in a chaotic and hazardous situation - just like any big city. Accidents can and do happen.
• Common injuries treated at Olin involve bicycle accidents (e.g., with pedestrians, cars, and persons on roller blades).

Your move...

• Be cautious and look both ways when crossing sidewalks, entrances or streets.
• Wearing a helmet when biking or rollerblading is one way to prevent injuries.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 42% of MSU students report exercising vigorously at least 3 or more times a week (NCHA 2008).

Why it matters...

• It counters depression, anxiety and stress.
• It improves mood and self-esteem.
• It improves energy and decreases fatigue.
• It helps promote sound sleep.

Your move...

• You can choose to stay active and get involved. There are over 550 student groups and 50 sport clubs on campus. Check it all out at www.imsports.msu.edu.
• For info check out Olin's LIFE:Rx Fitness Testing at www.olin.msu.edu or call 353-4660 for an appointment.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 58% of MSU students report being at a satisfactory weight. Another 38% report being near their satisfactory weight.
• However, 46% of MSU students report dieting or exercising to lose weight even though they perceive themselves to be at the right weight (NCHA 2008).

Why it matters...

• The "freshman 15" is a myth. Research does not support that freshmen gain 15 pounds their first year of college. A recent study (Journal of American College Health, 2002) found:
• Of the 59% of the students who did gain weight, the average weight gain was only 4.6 pounds.
• Moreover, 36% of the students actually LOST WEIGHT their freshman year.

Your move...

So, how do you avoid getting caught up in negative eating patterns and weight fluctuations?

Keep eating. Restricting calories and/or certain foods is more likely to increase the chances to develop disordered eating and to gain weight.
• Keep active. Exercise increases your metabolism. Pick activities that you find enjoyable.
• Eat often, and eat enough. This will help keep your metabolism functioning at its best.
• Try not to worry. Worrying can lead people to eat more than they normally would because they then think about food all the time.
• Recognize that weight gain can be normal in college as you reach your adult growth. Trust your body to know.
• For more info, check out RUBI (Respecting and Understanding Body Image) at www.olin.msu.edu or call 353-4660 to schedule a free individual nutrition counseling appointment.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 75% of MSU students reported having one partner or no partners last year (51% reported having one partner and 24% reported having no partners) (NCHA 2008).

Why it matters...

• It is important to weigh the possible benefits and risks of being sexually active. To be healthy sexually is to maintain a balance with everything else in your life - your physical and emotional health, education and career goals, relationships with other people, and your feelings about oneself.
• When choosing to be sexually active, it is important to select the contraceptive method right for you based on cost, the method's effectiveness, how easy it is to use, and safety.

Your move...

• Be informed. Educate yourself about the contraceptive methods available! Olin Health Center offers a variety of contraceptive methods.
• For more info, stop by and talk with one of our staff members or visit our website!
• Learn what methods will work best for you to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Get FREE condoms and information on how to use them consistently and correctly on the 3rd floor of Olin in the Health Education Department.
• Olin Health Center pharmacy also offers Emergency Contraception and info (in case your method of contraception failed or you did not use a form of contraception).

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What MSU students say and do...

• 61% of MSU students used a condom at their last sexual encounter (up from 59% in 2006) (NCHA 2008).
• 27% of MSU students have ever been tested for HIV.

Why it matters...

• The only 100% way to protect yourself from an STI is through abstinence; but for those who are sexually active, condoms can prevent most STIs when they are used consistently and correctly.
• STI's can be passed between partners, whether symptoms are present or not.
• Many STI's are treatable with antibiotics. Those STI's that are not curable are manageable (such as Herpes, HPV, HIV and Hepatitis).

Your move...

• It is important to question, explore, and assess your sexual values. The decision to be abstinent or sexually active is your choice.
• Talk with your partner about safer sex, use a condom/barrier method, and get tested for STI's and HIV.
• Olin Health Center has complimentary condoms for MSU students. For more information, check out www.olin.msu.edu.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 7% of MSU students reported being in a physical fight during the last school year; 4% reported being physically assaulted (NCHA 2008).
• 9% of MSU women reported being sexually touched against their will.
• 12% of MSU women reported being in an emotionally abusive relationship.

Why it matters...

• Anger/rage or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an excuse to act in a violent or threatening manner against another.
• Ultimately, whether or not one commits violent behavior is a choice they make - sexual assault, including verbal harassment, is violent behavior.
• The #1 date rape drug is alcohol. Alcohol is not consent. When someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they cannot legally give consent.

Your move...

• Believe that you have the right to express your needs and desires, respectfully.
• Make a plan with your friends before going out to a social gathering.
• Make sure to get consent every step of the way when you are having any kind of sexual experience with someone.
• If you see someone experiencing violence (fighting, being attacked) call the MSU Police Department (dial 9-1-1 from any nearby phone). If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call 372-6666 (24 hours/day). You can also visit www.endrape.msu.edu.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 44% of MSU students said that they felt so depressed that it was difficult to function at least once during the school year.
• 16% of MSU students reported experiencing depression, but only 12% reported ever being diagnosed with depression.
• 7% said that they had seriously considered attempting suicide during the school year (NCHA 2008).

Why it matters...

• Untreated depression can lead to suicide. College students who have difficulty connecting to others or finding support can become withdrawn - also leading to depression. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death in college students.

Your move...

• Try to be aware of any prolonged feelings of depression that you or others around you may be experiencing, i.e., feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, guilty, and/or worthless or having a loss of interest in things, such as social activities and sex.
• Try to be aware of any obvious warning signs of suicide such as a suicide wish, suicidal threats, gestures, self-destructive behavior or making statements, such as "I want to be dead," "I can't go on anymore," "Everyone would be better off without me," etc. (Note: In some suicides, no warning signs are shown or noticed.)
• If you have real concerns about a friend, provide support, listen, take them seriously and encourage or seek help from a professional.
• Call 1-800-SUICIDE (734-2433) or The Listening Ear Crisis Hotline (337-1717) or on the web at www.thelisteningear.net.
• If you or your friend experience depression, contact the MSU Counseling Center at 355-8270, 8 am-12 pm and 1-5 pm Monday through Friday for consultation.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 91% of MSU students report they disapprove of drinking to the point of passing out (2005 MSU Fall Celebration Survey).
• The majority of MSU students consume 0-4 drinks when they party (NCHA 2008).
• 81% of MSU students report (mostly or always) using a designated driver when they party (NCHA 2008, up from 72% in 2004).
• 96% of MSU students have never used drugs such as Rohypnol, Ecstasy, cocaine, or amphetamines (NCHA 2008, up from 93% in 2006).

Why it matters...

When we asked MSU students in a randomized survey what they most worried about related to the potential consequences of high-risk alcohol use, here is what they told us: They were most worried about legal issues, unprotected sex, forced sex, and harming others. When we asked how best to avoid those consequences, students told us the very best way is to either not drink at all or to drink moderately - meaning limiting the amount and speed of consumption so that they still stayed in control and were able to enjoy themselves and make good choices through the night.

Your move...

• If you choose to consume alcohol, making informed, responsible decisions about its use will help protect your own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others.
• Know the circumstances under which you are more likely to overindulge (i.e., celebratory events, feelings of depression, being "stressed-out," hosting good friends from out of town, etc.) and then plan for moderation accordingly.
• Keep in mind that if you choose not to drink, you'll be in good company. On any Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening, at least 27,000 other MSU students will be making the same decision.
• If you have a concern about someone else's drug or alcohol use, and want more information, contact the Olin ATOD Specialist at 353-3903, or the MSU Counseling Center at 355-8270.

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What MSU students say and do...

• 34% (up from 33% in 2006) of MSU students (39% women) report that stress seriously affected their academic performance (NCHA 2008).
• 80% (up from 77% in 2006) said they experienced stress last year.

Why it matters...

• Besides affecting academics, stress is a major factor contributing to sleep disorders reported by 27% (up from 26% in 2006) of MSU students last year.
• Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, and a weakened immune system making one more susceptible to colds and flu - the #1 reason MSU students gave for missing class.

Your move...

• To avoid being overwhelmed, plan ahead. Use a planner to schedule deadlines and appointments. Try not to fall behind in assignments and tasks.
• Schedule regular activities to help manage stress - exercise, laughing with friends, massage, meditation, even shopping...whatever works for you. Don't wait until you are stressed out - do the things you need to do to help you remain in sync.
• Seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed. The MSU Counseling Center is an option. Call 355-8270.

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And the I-Touch (3 awarded) goes to...

Thank you to all who filled out and submitted the Survival 101 Quiz! The winners have been selected.