As students head off to
college this week, I am reminded about a recent conversation I had with our
School Physician, Dr. Alan Stern, M.D., a local pediatrician and Needham
community member and parent who has attended to the needs of hundreds of the
community’s children and young adults.
Dr. Stern explained to me
that as college-bound students come in for their physicals before they head off
to freshman year, he offers them some simple but important advice around sleep,
diet, exercise, substance use, and relationships.
• Sleep Make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep if
you want to be alert and awake for class and college success. “If you want to earn A’s,” Dr. Stern tells
them, “You have to catch some Z’s!”
• Diet
and Nutrition Eat regularly and enjoy
healthy food. Fast food and late night
snacks are no substitute for balanced and nutritious meals. Use your meal card to stay fit and healthy.
• Exercise Stay healthy and fit with a good diet and
regular exercise. Get into the fitness
room, jog in the neighborhood, and workout with friends to shake off the day
and keep your body and mind strong.
• Alcohol
and Drugs Alcohol and illegal
substances are more easily and readily available and accessible in
college. Most college students do not
abuse alcohol or drugs, but binge drinking has become a serious health and
safety problem. Think about when, where,
and with whom you party and talk to your parents or older siblings about how
best to handle certain situations involving drugs and alcohol.
• Relationships Intimate relationships can develop in
college, and it’s important to be smart, safe, and prudent. This is especially true when it comes to
relationships that develop as the result of alcohol and drugs. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay
with friends when you venture out to parties or gatherings. If you are not comfortable with someone,
there is probably a reason for you not to get involved!
Thanks, Dr. Stern, for
the good advice. Undergraduates should also take advantage of on campus health and counseling services when questions or concerns arise. And to the College
Class of 2019: Best wishes and stay
healthy and safe!
