It’s fall. The leaves are turning many colors and falling off the trees, the temperatures are slowly dropping, and cold season has begun. While catching a cold may seem to be inevitable, there are some basic things that you can do to help stay healthy.
To begin with, make sure that you’re eating well and getting sleep. You can also increase your ability to ward off sickness by ncreasing your Vitamin C intake. Try drinking more orange juice and eating more fruit. It’s especially important to take care of your body during the second half of the semester, when stress tends to build up.
Since it’s not possible to completely avoid sick people and all of their germs, you should be sure to wash your hands. There are foaming stations at all of the main eating locations on campus now, including in the dining halls, near the food carts, and in the lower floor of the Union. Cutting down on the amount of bacteria and viruses getting into your system will definitely improve your chances of avoiding the traditional cold.
Finally, try to alleviate some of the stress that is weighing on your mind. This could be accomplished by going out with some friends, watching good movies, listening to classical music, reading a book for fun—basically whatever you like to do. A body under stress is more likely to get sick, which, in the end, takes up more time than taking a few breaks.
At any rate, try to stay healthy this cold season—it’s a lot easier to enjoy the leaves when your nose isn’t stuffed up or running.
