It is common knowledge that going back to school coincides with getting sick. Unfortunately, scientists, doctors and pharmacists have not discovered a way to stop those nasty germs from entering bodies. Life does not completely stop during summer break, but our exposure to 10,000+ students does.
Just yesterday, I dragged myself into the dreaded student health center to seek a cure for my self-diagnosed sinus infection. When I called to make an appointment, the receptionist who answered was very short and grumpy with me.
It was not until I arrived at the clinic, that I understood why. The waiting room was full of very sick looking college kids.
The natural sounds of the room consisted of sniffles, violent coughing fits, the occasional hock of a loogie, the light sound of the radio in the background and the grumpy receptionist tending to the monotonous ring of the phone.
The doctor told me it had been like that for a few weeks now. Apparently, germs really enjoy the college scene; it is truly a wild party for them.
In hindsight, there were probably a few more precautions I could have taken to avoid this misery, or at least make it a little less terrible.
The first aspect that comes to mind when one thinks of avoiding germs is hand washing. I must confess, I absolutely hate washing my hands. However, when I think about all the germs that surround me on a daily basis, I am motivated to wash my hands or use hand sanitizer every chance I get.
Sure, it dries your hands out, but carry a small bottle of lotion in your backpack; viola, problem solved.
Next is the ubiquitous savior, vitamin C. It was not until I started dating my boyfriend that I started religiously consuming vitamin C.
I keep a big bottle of chewable tablets on my kitchen counter and take one (or two) every morning. I actually really enjoy how they taste, sweet, like candy.
Although these will not cure or prevent illness, vitamin C can curb some of the symptoms.
If you are like me, you mindlessly touch unnecessary objects as you walk by them. Handrails, walls, counters, this list goes on.
If we were more aware and consciously made an effort to keep our hands off what everyone else has touched, then we could clearly spread a lesser number of germs.
Needless to say, some objects cannot be avoided. We have no choice whether we touch door handles or the button for the crosswalk; however, we can sanitize after.
Just like our phones and laptops, bodies need to be recharged too. Without enough sleep, a person’s mental and physical state begin to decline.
It is difficult for college students to get enough sleep, with their fast-paced lifestyles. Sleep keeps us healthy and it is vital that we listen to our bodies.
As simple (or motherly) as it may sound, it is extremely important to maintain eight hours every night.
It is practically impossible to avoid the dreaded fall sickness, so when you come face to face with it, there are several things that can help. As cliché as it may sound, there is nothing like warm chicken noodle soup.
It warms your throat and is easy on your stomach. As nice as it is to stay curled up in bed, get some fresh air. Go for a walk around the block, even if it is in your fuzzy slippers and PJ’s. Get your blood pumping and some sun on your face.
Last, but not least, stay hydrated. Water is the best medication out there and bodies crave it when they aren’t 100 percent.
Always remember that this is the only body you will ever have, so take care of it, no matter what!
