Don't Let Sickness Get You Down

By: Kara Harper

During the school year we have so much on our plates, from assignment deadlines to social lives, that no one has time to get sick. But, eventually, we all find ourselves suffering from one ailment or another and stressing out over missed homework and lectures. There are a number of ways to kick the sickness and keep yourself going during the peak cold and flu seasons.

One of the most important things to remember is that your body works like a machine and to keep it performing at its best it needs care -- whether that be through getting enough sleep, staying hydrated or eating right. It may seem impossible to find the time to wind down during the week, or to take time to eat right but being well rested and giving your body the energy it needs can aid in fighting off some of the more common illnesses, that seem hit at the worst times.

Another vital part to staying healthy is to keep in mind that germs are everywhere. Between our different classes, spending time in the dining halls and shared public restrooms we’re exposed to thousands of germs every day. During times when stomach bugs and colds run rampant it’s easy to forget just how many times we touch stuff that other sick students may have had contact with. There’s no knowing how many times a doorknob, desk, keyboard or table has been touched in a day; so one precaution that can help keep the germs away is to wash your hands throughout the day or carry hand-sanitizer with you. There’s no way to avoid germs all together but we can take steps to limit their power over our health.  As well, clean sheets, pillow cases and clothes can help stem the tide of germs and infections.

Last, but not least, in the case where you feel under the weather with something that seems to be serious, take advantage of urgent care and health services. It’s inevitable for most that during the school year you’ll get sick with something that requires more than a simple cold medicine remedy. And in those cases, one of the worst things you can do is try and ‘tough it out’. Where antibiotics and a medical diagnosis is necessary trying to suffer through a more serious illness can lead to consequences that result in more stress from missing class and assignments than necessary. Using medical services such as the health services available on campus, or other urgent care facilities are the best resource to get you feeling back to normal and ready to take on busy school days.

Whether you’re battling the common cold, or fighting through the flu, these are just a few of the quick and easy ways to help keep you healthy, and getting back class through the tough days.