While it may only be fall, flu and cold season has already begun. College students are some of the most susceptible to these different types of illnesses.
Here are 10 helpful hints so you, as a busy college student, can make sure a common cold or dreaded flu won’t get you down during this semester.
1) WASH YOUR HANDS! It appears that what your kindergarten teachers have told you is actually correct. Washing your hands after using the bathroom, before you eat meals, and after class could come in handy when the sickness on campus is high.
2) AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE. This tip does seem odd; however when you touch doors to and from class, cafeteria trays, and many other things, it starts to make sense. There are plenty of germs on the average college campus, and with your eyes, nose, and mouth being some of the most sensitive places on your body, that could mean trouble.
3) DON’T SMOKE! That doesn’t come as a shock to most students when talking about health. However the smoke from cigarettes can block your airways within your system and cause those nasty flu and cold germs to come in and start working.
4) USE DISPOSABLE ITEMS! That’s right, folks. Although we are trying to live in a green world, paper towels could be what saves you from a cold or flu. This prevents accidental spread of those unwanted germs.
5) KEEP SURFACES CLEAN! Whether it be a dorm room or a household kitchen, keep it clean. This is an obvious precaution to take during any season. However, when in close quarters with a suite mate, roommate or even if you live by yourself, it’s easy to think that they will clean it up or they have previous washed it. Just take some extra time to clean or tidy up around your room. It can keep a cold away and maybe make your suite mates happy.
6) WASH YOUR CELL PHONE CASE! Each cell phone case on campus has more germs on it than a public toilet seat! Take an extra couple of minutes when you’re cleaning or tidying up your room to take off that Otterbox and clean it off. Your iPhones will thank you later.
7) THROW TISSUES AWAY. Obviously! We don’t have to explain much there. Just throw them away. Keep it clean, Lipscomb!
8) MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. Exercising and eating right are two very important things that every college student needs to do. It not only helps your day-to-day life, but it will help your immune system, your sleep schedule, and even your skin. Cold and flu germs will stay away as well.
9) TAKING DAILY VITAMINS. Again, another obvious one. However it’s so commonly overlooked. Keeping up with your daily vitamins will keep your immune system up to fight off those unwanted germs.
10) CONTROLLING STRESS! How to do this in college is almost unheard of. However, this causes your immune system to go crazy. Take some time to relax and enjoy life.
Those are the ten best tricks for you to follow. Remember, if you start to feel sick, then check out our on-campus clinic in the basement of Elam.
For more tips on how to stay well make sure you check out medicinenet.com