During the season change, the rate of illness shoots through the roof. These illnesses include the common cold, the flu, sinus infections, and allergies. It is important to stay energized and healthy, especially during the school year. There are many precautions we can take to avoid catching these nasty sicknesses.
The most important is washing your hands, not only after you use the bathroom but all the time; wash them for 20 seconds with warm soapy water. A great idea is to carry around a small hand sanitizer to use on the go when you don’t have soap. Disinfect your surroundings, have disinfecting wipes handy in your room or apartment and disinfect often. Everything you touch is covered in germs; your health book, your computer mouse, and anything else you touch. Therefore it is important to refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Sleep is important; 7-8 hours of sleep every night is recommended for people our age in order to stay healthy. After living in a dorm for two years I understand how hard it is to get this much sleep every night. Drink plenty of fluids; 4 16 oz bottles of water a day is a good goal. I carry a water bottle with me at all times and usually get the recommended amount. Fluids are especially important before, during, and after a work out. This brings me to my next tip, exercise frequently and eat a well balanced diet. Keeping in shape will boost your immune system and fight away infections. Exercising and eating well will also keep you away from gaining that dreaded “freshman 15”. There are many vaccinations important for college students to get, so keep yourself updated with vaccinations. When you move away from home for the first time depressions is very common; leaving your friends and family is a huge change. It may take a while to make new friends and adjust to the new environment. Along with this school work can create a lot of extra stress. If this occurs it is important to get help or see a counselor.
All of these tips will help you to staying healthier and happier during college!
The most important is washing your hands, not only after you use the bathroom but all the time; wash them for 20 seconds with warm soapy water. A great idea is to carry around a small hand sanitizer to use on the go when you don’t have soap. Disinfect your surroundings, have disinfecting wipes handy in your room or apartment and disinfect often. Everything you touch is covered in germs; your health book, your computer mouse, and anything else you touch. Therefore it is important to refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Sleep is important; 7-8 hours of sleep every night is recommended for people our age in order to stay healthy. After living in a dorm for two years I understand how hard it is to get this much sleep every night. Drink plenty of fluids; 4 16 oz bottles of water a day is a good goal. I carry a water bottle with me at all times and usually get the recommended amount. Fluids are especially important before, during, and after a work out. This brings me to my next tip, exercise frequently and eat a well balanced diet. Keeping in shape will boost your immune system and fight away infections. Exercising and eating well will also keep you away from gaining that dreaded “freshman 15”. There are many vaccinations important for college students to get, so keep yourself updated with vaccinations. When you move away from home for the first time depressions is very common; leaving your friends and family is a huge change. It may take a while to make new friends and adjust to the new environment. Along with this school work can create a lot of extra stress. If this occurs it is important to get help or see a counselor.
All of these tips will help you to staying healthier and happier during college!
I wish I would have read this before class! It is exactly what I was thinking about in regard to the season change and illness. An important and timely topic. Great start!
ReplyDeleteReally great tips! Unfortunately Ive followed these rules all year and still got a sinus infection. It's tough because at college you come in contact with so many people...even if you are following these tips to stay healthy, not everyone else is.
ReplyDelete