It’s that time of year again. The time of year when everyone tries to sit as far away from the person who is coughing into their hands or is sniffling incessantly during class. It’s inevitable; we get sick. However, there are ways to protect your self from the abundant germs and sicknesses we find ourselves facing every day.
Let’s start with Vitamin C. You’re thinking orange juice, right? Correct, but did you know that you can also get Vitamin C from grapefruits or onions? Or carrots? Even spinach? One grapefruit provides enough Vitamin C to fulfill the daily requirement. The good thing about Vitamin C though is that you can never have too much. Sure, eating an onion may make your breath smell a little but it can easily be thrown on top of a salad or into a dish in moderation if you’re doing some home cooking. And though you COULD turn orange eating carrots, as a grown person, you’d have to eat so many carrots that it’s highly unlikely. So next time you head to the salad bar, mix a little spinach in with the iceberg lettuce and top with a combination of carrots, onions, and other veggies of your choice. As a whole, fruits and vegetables are good sources of Vitamin C and other nutrients to keep your body healthy.
If you’re already sick, what can you do? Cough into your sleeve. Coughing into your hands can spread germs like wildfire when you touch doorknobs, keyboards, serving utensils at the cafeteria…Gross. That being said, make sure to wash your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat because although you’re conscious of cleanliness, others may not be. Start to carry tissues if you’re suffering from sniffles. Not only is it classier than using your sleeve, your classmates may stop silently telling you to go blow your nose. Get some more Vitamin C into your body and eat some pineapple if your throat is feeling swollen. A natural anti-inflammatory, pineapple may soothe your irritation temporarily.
So stop sharing drinks, kissing your boyfriend (he’ll forgive you!) and standing too close to people if you feel a sickness coming on. Trust me, people will understand if you miss a party because you’re ill. They might even thank you for not exposing them to the germs. And if you’re feeling like you’ve been hit by truck for days in a row with no improvement, go see a doctor. You could have the flu, strep, or another contagious disease. The doctor can provide you with the necessary medication to get you better, faster.
Being exposed to sickness can help your immune system develop over time. Don’t be afraid to leave your house this month just because everyone is coming down with something. Take these precautions and you’re already a step ahead of everyone else.