Summer has officially ended, and we are diving into fall. Fall is known for pumpkins, Halloween, and beautiful yellow, orange and red leaves. Fall is also known for sickness. With the weather quickly changing, it is easy to catch a cold, or even worse, the flu. With all of the work college students put on themselves, getting sick and dealing with that bad cough or that stuffy nose is the last thing anyone wants. It’s easy to avoid sickness, though!
Getting a flu shot should be #1 on your “stay healthy” to-do list. Flu season usually peaks around January or February, though the season can start as early as October. Flu symptoms include fevers of 100° or higher, the chills, headaches and body aches, feeling fatigued, runny and/or stuffy nose, cough and/or sore throat, and even nausea and vomiting. So definitely get a flu shot. Many drugstores like CVS offer low- or no-cost vaccines year round, and starting in mid-October college and university health centers offer flu shots. The shot takes about two weeks to kick in and work, so early- to mid-October is the ideal time to get a shot! Also grab some hand sanitizer while you’re at it! Make sure to put some on throughout the day, especially if you are in contact with object that are likely to carry germs.
Sleep! Work is starting to pile up for all students, and you may start to be pulling all-nighters and taking mini naps throughout the day, but lack of sleep is one of the main reasons students get sick. Lack of sleep will harm your immune system. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep (aim for eight, even nine sometimes!). The more you sleep, the more time your body will have to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge.
Try adding in a work out to that busy schedule of yours. Cardio will fend off stress and give your body energy, which you’ll need during the coming cold months. If it’s too cold to go for a run, then hit the gym—even if it’s only for 20 minutes. Boosting your heart rate for a short amount of time is better than no time at all and definitely better than letting all the stress pile up! Get a quick workout in at least three times a week. Also remember to relax. Try yoga or meditation once or twice a week. The stretching form yoga and the relaxation from meditation will help melt away stress. Stress = sickness!
Be sure to load up on greens. Fruits and vegetables have vitamins and minerals that will keep sickness away and leave you feel healthy. Try to get some greens everyday! College dining halls all have salad bars; make sure to pile up some spinach on that plate of yours. Also, grab some vitamins while you’re at it. Vitamin C and Zinc will definitely help ward off sickness. Also, try some Echinacea—it is a flower-based supplement that is also proven to shorten the duration of cold-like symptoms.
This may sound silly, but you should also change your toothbrush several times a year, every four-five months, because the bristles wear down and can harbor more germs. Not only will your teeth thank you and look stunning, but so will your immune system! This is a simple way to stay healthy in the fall and throughout the year.
It’s easy to brush off your health and not think about it, but it’s worth your while to take care of yourself, especially while you are at school and while the seasons are changing. So make sure to get some serious sleep, eat your greens, boost your heart rate and get that flu shot! You’ll make it through the year with flying healthy colors, and hopefully not flying tissues from a runny nose!