NHS24 advice for new students
Starting university or college can be an exciting time, but students are being advised to look after their health so they can fully enjoy the experience.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Professor George Crooks says students should learn to look after their health: “For a lot of people this is the first time they’ve lived away from home and in all the excitement it’s easy to forget to look after your health, especially if you’ve never really had to do it before.
“The main thing for students to remember is to register with a GP if they are going to a new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that don’t, you can use www.nhsinform.co.uk to search for local services.
“For students who use regular repeat prescriptions, I would advise that you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP. All students should make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations – meningitis can pose a serious risk so freshers should make sure they are protected with the Men ACWY jab. It is also a good idea to have a supply of pain relief such as paracetemol or ibuprofen.
“Prevention is always better than cure so I would recommend regular exercise. Colleges and Universities have great clubs and societies so you could try a new sport altogether, which is also a great way to socialise and make new friends. In terms of socialising, it’s worth remembering that too much alcohol is bad for health so do try to be drink aware.”
NHS inform provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues and is one of a range of services provided by NHS 24 to help people look after their health and to find the right care, at the right time.
24
0
20
