Male Student

Some people say that college men don’t care about their health, but the very fact that you’re visiting this site says otherwise! We hope that you will come to rely on us for your health care and that you will become a “frequent flyer” on this website. Be sure to check out our section on the Top 10 College Health Topics. In addition to general health information, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about depression, drugs, sleep, stress, and sexual health.You may be surprised by how much applies to you. 

"Health is more than the absence of disease"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some tips for a healthy life for men. They are adapted here to provide a framework for you to examine your personal health needs and consider how Gannett can help you promote and maintain your health during your years at Cornell and in the future.

Tips for healthy living for men

• Eat healthy: What you eat and drink and what you don't eat and drink will affect your heatlh. A balanced diet can improve your well being, not to mention your ability to concentrate and therefore your academic performance. And while you're at it, maintain a healthy weight. There has been a great deal of attention to obesity as a problem in the U.S., but on college campuses sometimes we see men who restrict their eating in order to look better, build muscle, improve athletic preformance, etc. Just like overeating, restricted eating patterns can be dangerous. Learn more from our nutrition pages.
• Get moving: You are already getting a healthy dose of exercise by walking to and from classes, meetings, labs and work. This kind of regular movement will help with stress and your ability to concentrate. Or, if your studying has kept you sedentary and in front of a computer for hours, consider kicking it up a notch and adding more aerobic exercise to your routine. It will clear your head for the tasks ahead.
• Get regular exams and screenings: Men over 18 years of age should be checking their genitals once a month with a testicular self exam in order to catch any irregularities that could be early signs of cancer of the testicles or sexually transmissable infection or disease. A regular health check up is important too, especially if you have any chronic conditions.
• Be smoke free: You've probably been hearing this since you were little. Tobacco isn't good for you. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, consider taking advantage of Gannett's tobacco cessation program.
• Manage your stress: Stress has physical and mental health implications. We know Cornell can be a stressful place, but many men manage to find ways to cope with all they have do. Take advantage of the many wellness, fitness, relaxation and fun opportunities available on campus and make them a part of your regular routine.
• Know yourself and your risks: This means that your parents and your ancestors help determine who you are and aspects of your health. You may be at increased risk for certain diseases or conditions because of who you are and what you do. So do some homework related to knowing your family history and how to best take care of yourself.
• Be safe: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), safety and protecting yourself is everything from frequently washing your hands to watching your relationships. Take steps to protect yourself and your friends by paying attention to health messages and establishing meaningful, healthy relationships with friends and romantic partners. And yet another reminder that alcohol or drug use use can jeopardize your health and your academic performance. 
• Be good to yourself: Health is more than the absence of disease. It is a quality of life issue. Although your years at Cornell will be busy, take time to balance your work and study goals by relaxing, spending time with friends and doing the things you enjoyed before you came to campus. You needn't give up those moments of enjoyment just because your academic load is heavy. Make time each day (ok, well, when you can) to make healthy living a part of your life.

As we develop our website, we will be counting on you, our readers, to tell us what content matters most to you. Please send any suggestions you have to us via e-mail.