Ali Proctor, Contributing Writer
Surviving the winter season without becoming sick may seem like an impossible feat, but stay strong, spring is almost here! Though it may appear that everywhere you turn someone is coughing or sniffling, have no fear, there are a few things that you can do to get through these final few weeks of winter unscathed.
1.) You have heard this from your grandma, your mother and even your doctors, but trust me, it’s true: wash your hands. Plain and simple. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent yourself from catching an illness. Every door you open, every surface you touch, every hand you shake, carries thousands of germs. After touching any of these surfaces, go to the nearest sink or make use of that hand sanitizer that always seems to be getting tossed around in the bottom of your bag. Get rid of germs and bacteria before touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and you will belooking at a healthy road ahead.
2.) Don’t share drinks. Though your best friend may claim that they are dying of thirst and are in dire need of a sip of your drink, don’t do it. You do not know what germs may be lingering in your friend’s mouth, what sicknesses are waiting to arise, or even where their hands may have been that are now clutching your beverage. If you feel guilty denying your parched friend, offer to pour them a glass instead of having them drink directly out of your bottle.
3.) Maintaining a fresh and balanced diet is crucial to staying healthy. You’ve all heard the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and it can. Try your best to stay away from junk food. Instead, fuel your body with the proper nutrients that it needs to fight off bacteria and keep your body and mind focused and refreshed. Eating a balanced diet with protein, fruits and vegetables can help energize your body, making it run smoothly and feel great. One of the most important things that you should remember while maintaining a healthy diet is to ensure that you are consuming the proper amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits and drinks, vegetables, (especially leafy greens), and if all else fails, an over-the-counter vitamin C supplement will do the trick. Vitamin C has been proven to fight off infections, so fulfilling the recommended daily amount is essential.
4.) Finally, make sure that you are well rested. The average person should be getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Attaining an adequate amount of sleep allows your body to rest and rejuvenate itself so it is ready to take on the day. Not getting enough sleep can cause your immune system to work inefficiently, making you more susceptible to getting sick.
Following these four steps will not only prevent you from becoming ill, but will also strengthen your mind, awareness and over-all physical and mental health. So, take these easy suggestions into consideration so you can be making plans this spring to visit your friends, not your doctor.
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