Wellness Guide for College Students: Health & Sexual Wellness

Your Health, Your Life: Wellness for College Students

A Guide to Sexual Wellness & Overall Health in Young Adulthood

Community Wellness Series | 2026

What We'll Cover Today

Weight Management

Cardiovascular Health & Diabetes

Stress Management & Sleep

Cancer Awareness

Substance Use & Misuse

Sexual Wellness

Community Resources & Tips

All topics tailored for YOU — college students navigating health.

Why Does This Matter?

College is a critical turning point for lifelong health habits

Young adults face unique stressors: academics, relationships, finances

Building wellness now = a stronger, healthier future

Only 1 in 3 college students report good overall health

01

Weight Management

Understanding Energy Balance & Building Healthy Habits

What you eat and how you move shapes everything.

Weight Management

Energy Balance

Calories in vs. calories out

Focus on nutrient-dense foods, not just calories

Avoid crash diets — they backfire!

Nutrition & Activity

Half your plate = fruits & veggies

150 min/week of moderate exercise

Small swaps: stairs, walking to class, cooking at home

Behavior Change

Set SMART goals, not perfection

Stress eating is real — recognize triggers

Weight affects heart health, energy, mood & immunity

02

Cardiovascular Health & Diabetes

Know Your Risks. Protect Your Heart.

Heart disease is the #1 killer — but it's largely preventable.

Cardiovascular Health & Diabetes

Get screened regularly — even young adults can develop these conditions.

⚠️ Risk Factors

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Family history

Smoking & inactivity

Poor diet & obesity

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

Regular physical activity

Heart-healthy diet (less sodium, more fiber)

Quit smoking

Limit alcohol

Know your numbers (BP, glucose, cholesterol)

🚨 Warning Signs

Chest pain or tightness

Shortness of breath

Unusual fatigue

Increased thirst/urination (diabetes)

Numbness or tingling

Stress Management & Sleep

Rest, Reset, and Recharge Your Mind

Sleep is not a luxury — it's a health necessity.

Stress Management & Sleep

🧘 Managing Stress

Deep breathing & mindfulness (even 5 min/day)

Exercise is a proven stress-buster

Time management & setting boundaries

Talk to someone — friends, counselors, hotlines

🌙 Sleep Hygiene

Adults need 7-9 hours per night

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

Avoid screens 1 hour before bed

Limit caffeine after 2 PM

Benefits: better mood, focus, immunity & weight control

College students are among the most sleep-deprived groups in the country.

04

Cancer Awareness

Early Detection Saves Lives

Many cancers are preventable or treatable when caught early.

Cancer Awareness

Common Types in Young Adults

Skin cancer (melanoma)

Cervical cancer

Testicular cancer

Thyroid cancer

Leukemia & lymphoma

Risk Factors

Smoking & tobacco use

Excessive sun exposure

Family history

HPV infection

Alcohol use

Prevention & Screenings

Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30+)

Get the HPV vaccine

Regular Pap smears (cervical)

Monthly self-exams (breast/testicular)

Avoid tobacco & limit alcohol

Early Warning Signs

Unexplained lumps or swelling

Changes in moles or skin

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Persistent fatigue or weight loss

When in doubt — get it checked out!

Substance Use & Misuse

Understanding the Risks — No Judgment, Just Facts

05

College years are a high-risk period for substance misuse — awareness is the first step.

Substance Use & Misuse

Know the difference between use, misuse, and disorder.

Common Substances on Campus

Alcohol • Marijuana • Prescription stimulants (Adderall misuse) • Vaping/nicotine • Opioids • Party drugs (MDMA, cocaine)

Health Risks

Impaired judgment, accidents, alcohol poisoning

Addiction, liver damage, mental health disorders, academic & legal consequences

Getting Help

Recognize signs of dependency (craving, tolerance, withdrawal)

Talk to a counselor or campus health center

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)

It's okay to ask for help — recovery is possible

1 in 5 college students meets criteria for a substance use disorder.

06

Sexual Wellness

Your Body, Your Choices, Your Health

Sexual health is a vital part of overall wellbeing.

Sexual Wellness

Empowering you with knowledge for healthy choices.

🤝 Consent & Communication

Consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, specific (FRIES)

Open communication with partners is essential

Coercion is never okay — know your rights

🛡️ STI Prevention

Use condoms consistently and correctly

Get tested regularly (many STIs have no symptoms)

Common STIs: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV

PrEP available for HIV prevention — ask your doctor

💊 Contraception Options

Hormonal: pills, patch, shot, ring, implant

Barrier: condoms, diaphragm

IUDs (hormonal & non-hormonal)

Emergency contraception (Plan B — within 72 hrs)

Abstinence is always valid

💛 Healthy Relationships

Built on trust, respect, and equality

Recognize red flags: control, jealousy, isolation

Sexual health includes emotional wellbeing too

Resources: Title IX office, campus counseling

Campus health centers offer confidential STI testing, contraception, and counseling.

Tips You Can Start TODAY 🌟

Small changes = BIG results over time.

🥗 Swap one junk snack for fruit or nuts this week

🚶 Walk or bike to class instead of driving

💧 Drink 8 glasses of water daily

😴 Set a consistent bedtime — even on weekends

🧘 Try 5-min deep breathing before an exam

📵 Put your phone away 30 min before sleep

🩺 Schedule your annual check-up this month

🤝 Talk to someone you trust about your stress

🛡️ Pick up free condoms at the campus health center

Community Resources & Support 🌍

🏥 Campus & Local Health

Campus Health Center

— free/low-cost visits

Planned Parenthood

— reproductive health, STI testing

Community Health Centers (FQHC)

— sliding scale fees

Find a center:

findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

📞 Hotlines & Crisis Support

SAMHSA:

1-800-662-4357 (substance use)

Crisis Text Line:

Text HOME to 741741

National Sexual Assault Hotline:

1-800-656-4673

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

988

Love Is Respect (relationships):

1-866-331-9474

💻 Online Tools & Education

CDC.gov/std

— STI information & prevention

Bedsider.org

— contraception guide

MyFitnessPal

— nutrition & fitness tracking

Headspace / Calm

— stress & sleep apps

SexualHealth.com

— sexual wellness education

You are not alone — help is always available. 💛

Your Health Matters.

Take care of yourself — mind, body, and spirit.

Questions? Let's Talk!

Thank you for your attention 💛

Community Wellness Series 2026 | Presented for College Student Health & Wellness