Other topics
Financial health
Money management is important for people of all ages, especially college students and those entering the "real world" after college. Reports show that the average undergraduate student in the United States had over $3,000 in credit card debt in 2008. Students should know how to manage their money while in college, to help them prepare for life after college. The below links can help college students manage their finances during and after college.
Resources
Gambling
Issues with gambling are becoming increasingly common in the United States, especially among college students. Statistics vary, but studies show that approximately 25% of college men gambled each week in 2005. It is also estimated that 10% of college students (18-24) can be considered problem gamblers and have experienced negative consequences as a result of gambling.
Students may choose to gamble for a number of reasons, including relieving stress, to make money, for entertainment, to add excitement to sporting events, and more. College students currently have the highest prevalence rate of compulsive gamblers. There are many signs of a gambling addiction; these may vary person to person. These include:
- A sudden drop in grades
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of interest in non-gambling activities
- Neglects personal hygiene
- Frequently misses work or class
- Changes in behavior
If you are a UK student and you think that you or a friend may have a gambling addiction or other gambling issues, you can contact the Counseling Center at 859-257-8701 or UHS Behavioral Health 859-323-5511 for information on coping with your addiction.
Resources
Sun safety
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. There are approximately one million skin cancer diagnoses in the US each year. Skin cancer is easily preventable; by limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, a person can reduce their risk for certain types of skin cancers. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Tanning is the skin's biological response to injury. Whether from the sun or an artificial source, long range effects on the skin are the same. Short, intense bursts of UVA rays, such as those found in tanning beds and blistering sunburns, increase the risk of skin cancer. A family history of skin cancer, having fair skin, and having more than one blistering sun burn before puberty are other factors that can increase a person's risk for skin cancer.
Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds and tanning lamps, expose our bodies to UVA rays. The average 15-30 minute visit to a tanning salon is equal to an entire day at the beach. A 2003 National Cancer Institute study found that women who used a tanning bed more than once a month are 55% more likely to develop melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
It may be possible to reduce the risk for skin cancer. The following suggestions can help lower a person's risk:
- Avoid sunbathing.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Wear a hat that shields your face from the sun.
- Limit your sun exposure. The sun is hottest and strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Reapply often
- Wear sunglasses that are UV rated.
- Choose cosmetics, moisturizing creams, and lotions that contain a sunscreen.
- Protect your lips year around with a product that has a sun protection factor of 15 or greater.
Resources
Video game and internet addiction
Video game and internet addiction is starting to become more prevalent among people of all ages in the United States. Experts think that playing video and computer games may increase dopamine levels in a similar way to gambling. There may also be an "escape" component to video game and internet addiction; people may use it to escape their life or to feel better about themselves. Spending too much time playing video games may affect aspects of a person's life. It could interfere with social aspects of life, and may make it difficult for people to meet others in the real world. It can also affect people's jobs, relationships, grades, and other parts of life.
Signs of video game and internet addiction include:
- Thinking about gaming during other activities
- Playing for increasing amounts of time
- Spurts of more than four hours
- Lying to others to conceal the amount of time spent playing games
- Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming
Treatment for video game and internet addiction is similar to that of other addictions, but with one important difference. Because computers are an aspect of everyday life, gaming addicts must learn to use computers responsibly, in a similar way that a food addict must learn to live with food. It is also necessary to teach gamers how to have real-life excitement as opposed to online excitement.
If you or a friend may have a video or computer game addiction, it is important to seek treatment. Prolonging treatment may make the addiction worse. If you are a UK student and you would like to speak with a professional, please call the Counseling Center at 859-257-8701 or UHS Behavioral Health 859-323-5511 to schedule an appointment.
For more information on video game and internet addiction, click on the following links: