The Biggest Health Risks for College Students
导读
本文是经Judith Marcin博士审核的一篇写给大学教育工作者的科普文章，文章总结了对学生健康构成威胁的几大风险，并且提出了应对措施。我们发现这些问题，也非常广泛的存在于国内大学校园，予以转载，并做相应的补充以及注释，以期促进校园健康。文章理解难度不大，不做全文翻译。
College is an exciting time for students. Yet, as their world opens up to new adventure and possibility, many health risks surround them. From illnesses to unhealthy lifestyle habits, learn about the biggest health concerns facing your college student and what you can do to help.
▌Anxiety and depression
Mental health takes a toll in college, increasing the risk for anxiety and depression. With the pressure of exams, grades, and financial aid requirements, your student has a lot on their plate. Your teen is also on their own for the first time and learning how to fit into a whole new environment.
What you can do: If your teen is experiencing anxiety or depression, have them seek help from their campus’s student health services. Therapy and other services are often included in their tuition and fees. Meditation classes and yoga can also help alleviate stress.
医生解读
大学生心理健康问题，越来越引人担忧，由此引发的一些社会热点事件，频频见诸媒体：马加爵，朱令，一个个悲剧令人痛心。学生个人在意识到自己问题比较严重的时候，应该第一时间寻求帮助，目前国内的高校大都设立相关心理咨询辅导机构。另外，冥想课（Meditation classes），瑜伽，以及其他形式的锻炼也都可以缓解压力。
▌Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, which is protective tissue surrounding the spinal cord and brain. It’s one of the most common serious illnesses among college students. The bacterial form is of particular concern because of its quick onset. It can also lead to serious complications, such as brain damage and physical disability.
College students are at a higher risk of meningitis because they share close quarters with others. Infectious diseases like meningitis can spread rapidly in dorms, apartments, dining halls, and classrooms.
What you can do: The best way to protect your student from meningitis is to make sure they’re vaccinated. Bacterial meningitis vaccines are usually first administered around the age of 11 or 12, but young adults as old as 23 may still get them. Booster shots may also be taken throughout adulthood if your doctor thinks your child is at risk.
医生解读
脑膜炎（Meningitis）在美国的发病率，要远高于国内，这得益于我们政府历年来大力推广的疫苗接种计划。
▌Other illnesses
Since most college activities deal with groups of people in close settings, a variety of other diseases can spread easily too.
These include (but aren’t limited to):
the flu
antibiotic-resistant staph infections
the common cold
mono
What you can do: Besides meningitis vaccinations, make sure your college student is up to date with other vaccines. This includes an annual flu shot. Also, teach your teen good hygiene techniques, like regular hand washing, and encourage them to carry hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
医生解读
在校园过集体生活，预防传染疾病是一个重要的课题。接种疫苗，是预防相关疾病的有效手段，因此要及时接种。同时要注意个人卫生，特别是勤洗手。这里特别提到了免洗洗手液（hand sanitizer），方便大家在没有肥皂和水的地方，保持卫生。
▌Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose risks for college students, as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to half of all STIs diagnosed each year occur in people ages 15 to 24. Some STIs can clear up with medications. Others, like HIV, HPV (human papilloma virus), and HSV (herpes simplex virus) can have lasting effects.
What you can do: Make sure you talk to your teen about safe sex before they head off to college. Encourage both the young women and young men in your life to get vaccinated against HPV to prevent cancer of the genitals, cervix, and throat, along with genital warts.
While oral contraceptives and other birth control methods help to prevent pregnancy, only barrier methods like condoms and dental dams can protect against STIs. If your teen is sexually active, they should be tested for STIs annually.
医生解读
性传播疾病已经开始在我们的校园中悄悄蔓延，特别是艾滋病，疫情发展迅猛。各类性传播疾病让人痛苦不堪，不光是身体上，更多还有精神上的压力。远离各种性传染疾病的方法和措施，倒也简单：做好保护措施（一定要使用安全套），注射HPV疫苗，定期的做筛查。
▌Poor sleeping, execise, and eating habits
College offers years of studying and bonding with others. With all this, your teen will likely experience lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also might not put aside enough time for a proper workout. While sleeping for four hours a night and eating ramen noodles may seem like part of the college experience, such habits can have long-term effects on your child’s health and ability to get through school.
What you can do: Encourage your teen to manage their time well. They should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night and engage in physical activity for at least two-and-a-half hours weekly. You can also help them learn how to eat healthy on a budget.
医生解读
熬夜，吃外卖，缺乏锻炼，美国同龄人做的，我们也一样。充足睡眠，健康饮食，增强锻炼，这些每个进入大学的学生都知道自己应该做的事情，但是又免不了进入反面的恶性循环。打破恶性循环，关乎身体健康，更多的是关于一个长远的，负责任的人生态度，是人生成长，进阶的必要的修行。
Summary：
随着我们的生活方式，越来越趋同，美国校园里的那些健康风险同样也在损害着我们大学生的健康。美国社会在行动方面要早于我们，已经形成了比较完善的校园健康指导体系，很多医务人员也致力这方面的工作。我们可以借鉴他们成熟的体系，以及先进的理念，从而更好的保护我们学生的健康。
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