Student health is important, and prevention is a powerful tool in keeping students in good health. This means making access to medical care and good lifestyle habits easy and educating students about how to take better care of themselves. Encouraging fitness can be a big part of this. The tips below are all ways that colleges and universities can make sure that students have access to the information and resources they need to maintain or improve their fitness throughout the college years.
The Value of Telehealth
While balancing work and academics can be challenging for students, especially those who are out on their own for the first time, adding good health and fitness habits into the mix can make their lives even more challenging. You can review a guide about the ways that higher education can better support college student health concerns. Telehealth is an excellent way to make it easy for students to contact medical professionals with their questions and concerns without having to go out of their way to make an appointment and visit a clinic. This can help them take preliminary steps in pursuing a new fitness program as well.
Education
Providing information to students on the benefits of fitness and how they can pursue a more active lifestyle as part of freshman orientation can be helpful. Universities should keep in mind that students may be coming from a variety of backgrounds, from those who might have been athletes in high school to those who have been largely sedentary for years, and think about how messages about the importance of regular activity could be conveyed to this diverse population. Another challenge is demonstrating that fitness is beneficial and will make them feel more energetic and productive rather than making it seem like yet another item on a to-do list. Students may also need more general assistance with skills like setting realistic goals for improvement. There might even be programs in place where students can connect with staff or peers who can help them be more active.
Outdoor and Indoor Environment
While all schools are constrained by cost and real estate, making an effort to have friendlier outdoor environments can make a big difference. For example, large grassy areas provide a place for students to play informal games. Attractive places for people to run and dedicated bike lanes may also encourage more activity. A pool or a gym on campus can make it easy for students to get some exercise in without having to go off campus to do so. Schools should also give some consideration to how they could provide fitness opportunities for disabled students.
Clubs and Organizations
Colleges and universities should encourage and fund organizations for sports and activities that promote fitness. This should include not just traditional college sports teams but support of groups for things such as hiking, cycling, yoga, kayaking or any other number of activities. Providing these groups with space to meet and a budget can make a big difference in whether or not they are able to thrive.
