Opinion

Ways to stay healthy this winter

Staying healthy during the fluctuating weather of an Iowa winter can be difficult, especially as college students who are around many other students, faculty and staff while on campus.

Some of the tips we’ve gathered to stay healthy this season are to get plenty of sleep, drink water, take necessary vitamins, wash your hands often, cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm, wear a mask if you’ve been exposed to illness, stay home if you aren’t feeling well and wear appropriately warm clothing when outside in the cold.

The importance of following many of these steps can prevent highly contagious illnesses such as the common cold, a fever and the flu.   

Getting plenty of sleep is a significant factor in staying healthy. The body needs sleep and the more quality sleep you get, the healthier you will be. It is important for your body to stay rested so it can regenerate energy for another day.

Drinking plenty of water may seem like a chore but it can help decrease sickness and exposure. Drinking water helps with allergies, staying hydrated during the dry seasons and overall immune health.

Taking vitamins also helps to provide your body with supplements it may not be getting daily. Some people are unable to intake certain amounts of natural vitamins including vitamin D, C, or A; taking a few daily vitamins may contribute even more to bodily health. 

It’s important to always wash your hands after touching surfaces or going to the bathroom. Washing your hands not only prevents germs but also washes off illness and bacteria that are spread from unknown surfaces. The bathroom is one of the most highly contagious areas for spreading illness. Avoiding touching your face and others before washing your hands is another factor that will help to prevent the spread of illness.

Wearing a mask after being exposed to a contagious illness and/or staying home is key to keeping those around you healthy. 

Lastly, if heading outside, it is important to dress according to the weather. While this advice might seem obvious, students on campus are often seen wearing shorts on some of the coldest days. If it is cold outside, pants, a heavy coat, hats and gloves are advised to keep the body warm. 

In the long run, if these steps are followed to prevent illness, there will be a change in your health and others around you. 

Categories: Opinion, Staff Editorials