Staying healthy this cold and flu season
As seasons change and the stresses of exams and end-of-semester projects hit, cold and flu season also adds to the list of concerns facing college students.
In order to help prevent the unwanted stress added from catching illnesses during the school year, associate professor of nursing Stacy Taylor shared some insights on how students can stay healthy this year.
Take supplements and get sleep
As college students, it is challenging to balance all the demands of classes, homework, clubs, work and social events. Our bodies work hard to stay energized, and at the same time, germs can easily spread in the college environment. This is why proactively caring for your body by drinking water, eating well and sleeping enough is crucial.
“Our body is designed to fight infection and keep us healthy, but we need to do things to help it,” Taylor said.
Another proactive measure students can take, according to Taylor, is to take supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, which are known to boost immune systems. Taylor said sleep is also necessary.
“Sleep is when our body actually recovers, rebuilds and heals itself,” Taylor said. “It’s how our bodies grow, … and it’s also better for your brain because then you can actually focus and concentrate instead of just being so focused in being so tired.”
Wash your hands regularly
We all remember from kindergarten that washing our hands is the best practice to keep germs and bacteria from spreading. Taylor recommends washing and scrubbing your hands for 15-30 seconds with soap and water. She emphasized the fact that students should scrub their hands all over, not just the surface.
“It’s not the soap and water that kills the germs; it’s the friction that actually kills the germs,” Taylor said.
Covering coughs and sneezes either in a sleeve or inside a shirt collar also prevents germs from spreading.
Get outside and move
Stress is a huge factor for health. When a student’s body is in fight-or-flight mode, their immune system weakens. Taylor emphasized the need to cope with stress by taking walks or getting fresh air and sunshine. Even students who feel a little under the weather should go outside and get a little fresh air. Taylor said when students do catch the flu, they should still get outside and walk a little.
“If you stay in bed, you run the risk of getting pneumonia,” Taylor said.
Find ways to eat healthy
Another way to proactively minimize the risk of illness is to eat as many whole foods as possible, such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Avoid processed food whenever you can. Processed food is often cheaper and easier to access, but it is important to consider alternatives.
Students can take advantage of some of the dining options on campus and get salads, smoothies or whole grains and protein. In addition to eating healthy, staying active will also help your body remain strong and fight infection.
Listen to your body
Inevitably we all get sick at some point. When it happens, students should recognize that it is okay to rest. Getting sick is often the body’s way of telling us we are pushing too hard and we need time to rest.
The more you push yourself, the longer you will take to heal. According to Healthline, the average cold lasts seven to 10 days. If you start to feel sick, try to work ahead, manage your time and ask your professors for extensions if needed.
“We (professors) get sick too, so we understand how our students feel,” Taylor said.
Recovering from illness can give students time to reflect on the things that God has provided. Students can be thankful for immune systems to fight disease and infection.
The Student Health Center, which is located in Commons III, has several resources and appointment options for students who may be feeling under the weather. For more information regarding these services, visit www.liberty.edu/students/health-wellness/student-health-center-information/.
Loranger is a lifestyle reporter for the Liberty Champion.