The Weekly Ten: How to Stay Healthy

By Courtney

Maybe I’m making a big deal out of this because I get sick if someone even sneezes in the same room as me, maybe it’s because I hate those people who don’t believe in tissues when taking a test. Whatever the reason, I hate the sick season and am planning on avoiding it at all costs this year.

So, if you would like to jump on this healthy train (no it is not made out of vegetables and no Tyra Banks is not the conductor) then read closely and make sure to share with anyone sitting around you, please..let’s prevent these germs from getting any further then your keyboard..

1. Vitamin C. whether it is emergency, or the CVS brand, stock up on it now..before it’s too late. The one time I actually took the doctor’s advice it worked. So now instead of air borne I’ve been drinking some extra doses of vitamin C.

2. Eat Healthy. Pizza and  McDonald fries is a good one a week splurge..but every night you go out? Probably not the best idea. Eating healthy will give your body the energy it needs to fight off all the gross disgusting things that are flying around.

3. Decrease your stress. It’s college, we get stressed. Stress weakens your immune system, which makes you sick, then you get sick which stresses you out because you miss class..see the cycle? Try to take an hour (or even ten minutes) to relax. Try a quick yoga video off of Hulu or read a chapter of your favorite book.

4. Sleep.  All nighters kill me, I almost always end up getting sick if I pull too many in one week. Sleep is so important, and yes you can catch up on the weekend but if you manage your time you’ll be able to dedicate at least five hours a night to some re-energizing z’s.

5. Don’t be around sick people. Duh. If youe friend is sick, stay clear. Don’t kiss your boyfriend if he is coughing, If you don’t need to be in the health center..avoid it. Are we seeing a pattern here?

6. Wash your hands. I still don’t know why some people aren’t big hand washers. But please, wash your hands. You end up with so many germs on them, which then get on your face and in your mouth and BOOM sick. Okay maybe not just like that but please…wash your hands.

7. Don’t share drinks (especially when drunk). I’m a big drink sharer, especially when at the bar (it’s nice to have a sample). But all you need is for one other person who is sick to drink from the same side of the cup that you are about to. Also don’t share water bottles…just give your friend the clear plastic one you don’t use.

8. Don’t make out with strangers. I’m not saying to avoid all tongue tangoing, just be careful with who you make out with. You never know if he (or she) made out with someone who was just getting over a nasty cold (but still able to infect) yesterday and now has it but isn’t showing signs. Just be careful, use your judgement, and hope your friends are there to pull you off and red-nosed sickies.

9. Exercise. It’s good for you, plus it helps to sweat out all the bad gross germs. So go for a power walk, an intense aerobic class, or do an hour on the elliptical. Get out there and get your heart pumping.

10. Fill up your water bottle. With actual water. The more water you drink the better! Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to fight off the germs lurking around any classroom.