It's official: cold season has arrived, along with its usual entourage of sore throats, distracting hacking and constant runny noses, which always seem to appear on test day. And February is the busiest month for upper-respiratory infections and colds, according to Patty DeBruin, director of nursing at Hudson Health Center.
Fortunately, there are ways of avoiding the winter colds. DeBruin offers some suggestions for staying out of the waiting room.
My biggest thing is the importance of washing hands
said DeBruin. It's absolutely the number one way to prevent disease.
She also stressed the importance of eating right and getting enough sleep - challenging tasks for a typical college student. In the dorms there are lots of people in the same living space and college students tend to share things
said DeBruin.
She added that drinking alcohol does not help students to remain healthy.
With classes just beginning, and all-nighters sure to follow, it is especially important to keep the immune system up and retain the simple habits we grew up with, like washing hands, exercising, and eating right. These habits are all too often overlooked, especially in college, DeBruin said.
Some students, such as Sarah Pahoundis, a junior biology major, rely on vitamins to help them through cold season. I take vitamin C and rest as much as I can
said Pahoundis, who boasts nearly nine hours of sleep each night. She also said she increases her vitamin D dosage during the winter months. I haven't been sick in nearly two years
so hopefully I'm doing something right.
Seasonal depression, brought on by months of the indoors and lack of sunshine can also be a problem.
Corey Hyland, a junior journalism major, said he avoids the winter blues by keeping active. In the winter you can get complacent and lazy
he said. Exercise can help you physically and makes you more positive (mentally). It's a good release.
Lauren Bartolozzi, a senior psychology major, and James Noble, a junior English major, have also resorted to exercise.
I don't really sit at home that much. I try to get out when it's nice out
said Bartolozzi.
Noble said he makes an effort to get to Ping Center and run at least once a week.
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