Rising health crisis among college students: What to know

Author: 100% Sweet; Article Review Expert: Xie Mingwei, Liang Fenghua, Lian Yongfang; Production Information: Shetu Network. Title: Rising health crisis among college students: What to know. Introduction: University students, termed "fragile," face health issues due to lifestyles. Exercise and diet are vital to prevent a health crisis. Keywords: ['Mental health', 'Health'].

"Fragile college students" refers to the new generation of university students who, despite being young, suffer from numerous health issues. They are so fragile that they can be easily harmed or fall ill at the slightest provocation, a phenomenon often termed "the fragile phenomenon," particularly highlighting those students who are prone to injury and illness for no apparent reason. The survey results indicate that more than half of university students believe that "delicate students" are a common phenomenon; moreover, a vast majority of students report that they encounter delicate students in their surroundings. "Crunchy skin" vividly points out the "sub-health" physical condition of contemporary young people. The term "crispy skin" in different contexts often signifies the poor condition of various body parts. When we focus on the finer details, we can discover that "crispy skin" actually encompasses many different categories: Orthopedic diseases: a twisted neck; a strained back; a fracture while using the toilet; a herniated lumbar disc caused by sneezing; a dislocation from yawning. Acute gastroenteritis: went to the emergency room after overeating watermelon; developed gastroenteritis from spicy hotpot. Skin condition: Allergy to chest patches resulting in tumors; facial paralysis from staying up late during military training. Hyperventilation syndrome: fainting from not eating pig's trotters rice; high blood pressure from being scared by horror games; sending someone to the hospital for oxygen after running out of breath in a Gold match in Arena of Valor; asthma triggered by frustration while playing CSGO, requiring a hospital visit; needing oxygen after being exhausted during military training. Injury: A pimple needle stabbed into the flesh; went to the hospital to have a lump removed from the ear after getting an ear piercing; stabbed by a mop and taken to the operating room; when cutting off a clothing tag, couldn't find scissors and used a blade, resulting in cutting a tendon; turned and got pricked by a needle, which required surgery. Mental illnesses: insomnia; depression; anxiety disorder. The subjective awareness of participating in exercise is weak. With the increase in age, college students show a decreasing trend in the importance they place on participating in exercise activities. The survey results indicate that nearly 89% of college students exercise between 0 to 3 times a week, which is below the standard of 3 to 5 times a week set for young students. Senior students generally believe that physical exercise is not important, mainly reflected in their view that passive participation in exercise activities does not significantly increase the frequency of illness. Some college students have a strong understanding of the importance of exercise, yet their willingness to personally engage in physical activity remains quite low. The types and intensity of exercise are insufficient. College students do not have enough consistency in their physical exercise. The workout duration being too short results in insufficient intensity, and the lack of warm-up exercises may even lead to injuries. Frequent and prolonged exercise may also lead to undesirable outcomes. The fundamental reason for this situation is the current society's overwhelming emphasis on scores. Students possess skills only for improving their physical test results but lack the corresponding theoretical knowledge and do not know how to exercise correctly and efficiently. Young people engage in relatively less physical activity, which can lead to a decrease in bone density. Additionally, many young individuals tend to avoid sunlight exposure during hot weather. However, exposure to ultraviolet rays is beneficial for calcium absorption, and prolonged avoidance can negatively affect the body's ability to absorb calcium. Unhealthy eating habits are prevalent among college students, as the vast majority are accustomed to ordering takeout as their main meals. Takeout food often has characteristics such as high calories, high fat, low fiber, and poor hygiene, which can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases with long-term consumption. Many students skip breakfast, which can cause significant damage to their stomachs over time. More than half of college students have a habit of drinking milk tea, which is often made by mixing plant powder, creamers, and other synthetic ingredients, frequently containing large amounts of fructose. The characteristics of milk tea can lead to weight gain and various metabolic diseases. The acidic substances in milk tea can impact the stomach and intestines, potentially causing issues like acid reflux and bloating. Prolonged consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disorders. The sleep quality of university students is generally poor; hair loss, insomnia, and anxiety have become synonymous with student life. Over 97% of students habitually stay up late due to procrastination and other reasons. About 67% of students sleep less than 7 hours a day. Regarding sleep quality, less than 10% find it hard to wake up, and around 9% feel energetic after getting up. Unhealthy sleep habits lead to poor quality sleep, resulting in a decline in physical fitness among college students. Junior and senior students face greater pressures in their studies and daily lives, leading to excessive pressure that declines physical fitness further. These students deal with heavier academic workloads, more intense competition for graduate programs, substantial burdens from internships and theses, and the challenging task of balancing work and academics. Family factors also influence college students, as many come from backgrounds as pampered only children who engage in little physical activity. The lack of exercise from childhood and high academic pressure contribute to their physical fitness decline. To avoid "becoming superficial," college students should strengthen their exercise routine by engaging in at least 30 minutes of activity daily, with activities like running or swimming being particularly beneficial. Participating in yoga at home can improve bone flexibility and help prevent osteoporosis. Meeting friends for hiking or cycling not only strengthens bones but also increases sunlight exposure. Maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet is essential; students should supplement with calcium and protein by consuming foods rich in these nutrients. Achieving a balanced diet is crucial to avoid being picky with food. Awareness of mental health is also important; students should regularly check for negative self-thoughts and seek help from teachers or counselors for serious issues. Furthermore, strengthening education for early screening and health examinations at the hospital level can aid in addressing health issues. Early bone density screenings can effectively detect osteoporotic conditions. Universities should promote nutritional knowledge, focus on mental health, and regularly hold health knowledge seminars. This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice or treatment.