I Can’t… I’m Sick: Ways to Prevent Yourself from Catching a Cold this Season

Fall season is upon us; the leaves and the weather are changing, causing us to bundle up in our favorite sweatshirts.  Unfortunately, while the cooler air feels nice against our once sweaty brows, the sudden change in temperature pushes us inside the nice, warm building where hundreds of others have gathered as well.  Soon, coughing, sneezing, and stuffy noses appear overnight and the sounds of the flu echo throughout campus.
How can we avoid these dreaded illnesses?  Sometimes it can’t be helped, but here are a few tips about avoidance and cures so you can focus on those upcoming midterms!
                            
6. Exercise
Keeping one’s body active really boosts up the immune system.  Don’t stick to one form of exercise; try running, playing a sport, doing yoga, or lifting weights.  Keep the options varied and it will lessen your chances of getting sick (just remember to wash your hands after touching gym equipment!)
 
5. Vitamin C
The yummy stuff that’s in orange juice, fruits, and peppers may not be the sole thing to clear a cold, but it certainly helps (and it tastes good, too).  Vitamin C produces antioxidants, which help the body to better fight off diseases.  Next time you head for a drink at the dining hall, reach for the OJ instead of the soda.
 

4. 8-Hour Sleep Nights
I know trying to tell college students to get eight hours of sleep is a hopeless cause, but having a bad sleep cycle lowers the level of cells that fight off infections and causes the immune system to suffer.  Try to plan ahead your schedule and get some more shut eye than usual when you’re sick.
 
3. Can’t Touch This
Avoid touching your face.  Germs latch onto anything and once your hands are on your face, it is like asking them to enter the body.  Hands off!
 
2. Laugh!
Studies have shown that people who laugh more often have stronger hearts and immunity than those that don’t.  Head to an improv show or watch a sit-com – it’s good for your health.
 

1. SANITIZE!!!
Dining halls, dorms, classrooms, and everywhere in between have unsuspecting germs.  Make hand sanitizers your best friend, unless you want to carry around your own personal sink.  Try the sweet smelling hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works if you don’t like the smell of the ones from Wal-Mart.  They clear the germs and leave your hands smelling nice! (My personal favorite is Sweet Pea.)
 
Being sick is definitely no picnic; so don’t be afraid to take a day of rest.  You will appreciate it later, as will your classmates.  Stay warm and healthy this fall, collegiettes™!