Your child is always a child for you no matter how old he/she is. So, no wonder that many parents get worried when their child starts his/her adult life away from home as a college student. And special concerns are about your child’s health. It’s understandable because college life is greatly different from the one a student has at home.  Firstly, it’s about the necessity to cook or eat out. That’s why some students acquire unhealthy eating habits.

Secondly, college life isn’t only about studying; it’s also about socializing a lot.  Participating in different activities, like volunteering, leaves little time for the necessary rest. And lack of sleep can be disastrous for health. Young adulthood is also the time when many try alcohol for the first time and start their sexual life.  This also contains certain risks for health. So, how to eliminate risks and ensure your child stays healthy at college?

There is no need to buy a philosophy paper or do scientific research to help your child. Frankly, the best way is to teach your child to have healthy habits and also to be reasonable and responsible. They say you should start a child’s upbringing when he/she is still a baby. But if your child is much older, just use some tips to help your child stay healthy in his/her adult life.

Ways of Establishing Healthy Life Habits

• If your child plans to go to college, try to help him /her establish healthy eating habits. This means avoiding junk food and fizzy sugary drinks while eating a lot of vegetables and fruit. Healthy eating also means eating regularly and having substantial breakfast and light supper. Doctors advise making a 12 hours break between the last evening and the first morning meals. Up to three liters of water boosts metabolism and is also a part of healthy eating. It will be just great if you teach your child to cook several simple healthy dishes. Consider some special financial support to help your child buy healthy food.
• Doctors recommend sleeping seven /eight hours per night as night sleep is especially necessary because in the night darkness some very necessary hormones are produced by our body. Furthermore, studying at night is unproductive and can cause problems with concentration the following day. At the same time in some critical situations, little day naps can make you feel refreshed.
• Sport makes an essential part of the healthy way of life. So, try to get your child involved in some sport activity. It shouldn’t be obligatory a professional sport. Some yoga or fitness or simply a habit of being active will work wonders. If it’s necessary, buy your child a gym membership.
• It’s important for everybody to have healthy hygienic habits. Keeping your surroundings clean, washing your hands regularly, and taking showers can help to stay healthy. Sharing brushes, clothes, and other personal items should be totally unacceptable. These habits will help to avoid infection.
• Regular examinations at the doctor’s as well as vaccinations are a must for every person who wants to stay healthy. You can help your child find a doctor not far from the campus or organize his/her examinations at your family doctor. Of course, your child should be added to your insurance or has his/her one.
• Many young adults start their sexual life when they are at college. So, your child needs to be informed about safe sex and the necessity of regular medical checks. Discuss these issues with your child, or, if you feel not prepared, find him/her a good book on the topic or organize his/ her meeting with a doctor to discuss this issue.
• There are a couple more things to remember. Firstly, it usually takes about 60 days to establish a habit. But if your child is already a teenager, there should be his/her will to change his/her life. And with teens and young adults, it’s necessary to persuade, not to order. So, discuss the issues with your child, and don’t forget to find facts to prove your point. But the most important thing is to let your child know that you are always there to support him/her in any possible way. Don’t forget to keep in touch with your child while he/she is away. Be ready to listen, but don’t demand daily reports. Remember, your child needs to learn to lead an independent adult life.