Back to School: How to Have the Healthiest Year Ever

A few simple steps can make a huge difference all year long.

No Freshman 15 Here - No lie: It’s not easy to stay on top of your health when you are in college. You have a lot going on with classes, midterms and having a social life. But this year, let’s try to make health a priority with these back to school health tips. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: michaeljung/Getty Images)

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No Freshman 15 Here - No lie: It’s not easy to stay on top of your health when you are in college. You have a lot going on with classes, midterms and having a social life. But this year, let’s try to make health a priority with these back to school health tips. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: michaeljung/Getty Images)

Be More Adamant About Condom Use - For most heterosexual women, it’s the male partner that makes the decisions about condoms. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to protect ourselves from HIV and other STDs. Try learning how to negotiate condom use. Also, carry condoms and lube packets in your purse, so you will be ready when the opportunity arises. Remember, it’s your health and body. (Photo: Image Source/Getty Images)

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Be More Adamant About Condom Use - For most heterosexual women, it’s the male partner that makes the decisions about condoms. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to protect ourselves from HIV and other STDs. Try learning how to negotiate condom use. Also, carry condoms and lube packets in your purse, so you will be ready when the opportunity arises. Remember, it’s your health and body. (Photo: Image Source/Getty Images)

Take Advantage of the Campus Health Clinic - Part of your fees goes to health care, so make sure to utilize your campus health clinic. Go there for almost anything non-emergency, including a flu shot or any other vaccines that you may need that you didn’t get over the summer. Also, ask the nurses or medical assistants about any other health issues, including sexual health questions or concerns. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Take Advantage of the Campus Health Clinic - Part of your fees goes to health care, so make sure to utilize your campus health clinic. Go there for almost anything non-emergency, including a flu shot or any other vaccines that you may need that you didn’t get over the summer. Also, ask the nurses or medical assistants about any other health issues, including sexual health questions or concerns. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Don’t Do What Makes You Uncomfortable - There are so many messages out there that tell young women to be submissive and do what men want in order to have and keep them. But remember, you control you and if find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel comfortable, especially when it comes to sex, remember that you have every right to say “No," no matter the situation. (Photo: JAG IMAGES/Corbis)

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Don’t Do What Makes You Uncomfortable - There are so many messages out there that tell young women to be submissive and do what men want in order to have and keep them. But remember, you control you and if find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel comfortable, especially when it comes to sex, remember that you have every right to say “No," no matter the situation. (Photo: JAG IMAGES/Corbis)

Get Your Om On - No joke: College is stressful. Getting good grades, which sorority to pledge, dating and finding a way to pay for everything can take a serious toll on you. One healthy way to deal with it all is meditation, an ancient practice that focuses on the mind-body connection. Just 15 minutes a day can make a huge impact on your health and your grades.(Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Get Your Om On - No joke: College is stressful. Getting good grades, which sorority to pledge, dating and finding a way to pay for everything can take a serious toll on you. One healthy way to deal with it all is meditation, an ancient practice that focuses on the mind-body connection. Just 15 minutes a day can make a huge impact on your health and your grades.(Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Invest in a Juicer - With classes, work and cafeteria food, it’s not easy to get your five to seven servings of fruits and veggies each day. But with a juicer or extractor, you can reach that goal and get your nutrients easily. My favorite: The Nutibullet. It’s great for those on a budget and who are short on time. (Photo: NutriBullet via Nutribullet.com)

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Invest in a Juicer - With classes, work and cafeteria food, it’s not easy to get your five to seven servings of fruits and veggies each day. But with a juicer or extractor, you can reach that goal and get your nutrients easily. My favorite: The Nutibullet. It’s great for those on a budget and who are short on time. (Photo: NutriBullet via Nutribullet.com)

You Better Work (Out) - At many schools, the campus gym is paid for by your student fees, so don't waste those coins. Make time to hit the gym at least three days a week! Exercise just isn’t good for your heart and weight loss, but it also helps you manage your stress levels and releases feel-good hormones, too. (Photo: Tom Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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You Better Work (Out) - At many schools, the campus gym is paid for by your student fees, so don't waste those coins. Make time to hit the gym at least three days a week! Exercise just isn’t good for your heart and weight loss, but it also helps you manage your stress levels and releases feel-good hormones, too. (Photo: Tom Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Get Your ZZZs - Let’s try to make all-nighters rare and not the norm this school year. Sleep is incredibly important for your mental health, stress levels, weight and overall health. So try on most days of the week to get seven to eight hours of sleep. Thank me later. (Photo: Glow Images/Getty Images)

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Get Your ZZZs - Let’s try to make all-nighters rare and not the norm this school year. Sleep is incredibly important for your mental health, stress levels, weight and overall health. So try on most days of the week to get seven to eight hours of sleep. Thank me later. (Photo: Glow Images/Getty Images)

Portion Control Is Real - Eating at the cafeteria is about that buffet life, but that doesn’t mean you should go HAM literally. So watch your portions and make sure to have more greens on that plate. Learn more about building a perfect plate here. (Photo: the food passionates/Corbis)

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Portion Control Is Real - Eating at the cafeteria is about that buffet life, but that doesn’t mean you should go HAM literally. So watch your portions and make sure to have more greens on that plate. Learn more about building a perfect plate here. (Photo: the food passionates/Corbis)

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - While college can be an amazing time, it can also be incredibly scary. The pressure can cause anxiety and stress, especially when we feel that we are not living up to what it expected of us or doing as well as we could. Do not let anyone, yourself included, stop you from getting the help that you need to keep your grades up — whether it’s getting a tutor, finding a study group or getting the mental health services you need. (Photo: 237/Sam Edwards/Ocean/Corbis)

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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - While college can be an amazing time, it can also be incredibly scary. The pressure can cause anxiety and stress, especially when we feel that we are not living up to what it expected of us or doing as well as we could. Do not let anyone, yourself included, stop you from getting the help that you need to keep your grades up — whether it’s getting a tutor, finding a study group or getting the mental health services you need. (Photo: 237/Sam Edwards/Ocean/Corbis)