Ways to protect yourself from getting sick!

Hi everyone! I know that all of us have been enjoying the warm weather these past few days! I know that I have and I am so excited for the warm temperatures to stay FOR GOOD!

However, we do have to remember that it is still winter, whether we would like to admit that or not. With that being said, it is important to make sure you are doing the correct things to ensure you are staying healthy this winter.

Many people tend to get sick when there is a sudden change in temperature. Let's use the past few days as an example. People get so excited to have warm temperatures, so they dress in short sleeve shirts and take walks outside. But wait! All of a sudden, the temperatures are back into the 20's and we all have to get acclimated to the cold temperatures again. 

Have no fear though! According to Readers Digest, there are multiple ways to keep yourself healthy this winter.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS
Yes, you have probably heard it about a thousand times, but it truly is important! You can help stop the spread of germs by just washing your hands. Also, remember to shut off the sink with a paper towel or use your elbow since germs are still on the sink!

2. If you need to sneeze, sneeze into your arm or tissue. 
It does not make sense to sneeze into your hands since you will just be putting germs right into your own hands! Instead, get a tissue and sneeze into that. If there aren't  any tissues around, use the inside of your arm/elbow to catch the sneeze.

3. Get your flu shot.
I got my flu shot in October. I always try to get mine every single year. Although you may be skeptical about the shot, it's worth a shot! It's better to get the shot than getting the flu! It's not for everyone though, talk to your Dr. and read more about it here.

4. EXERCISE!
In the winter time, all we want to do is lay down and watch movies and eat warm comfort foods. That is wonderful to do once in a while, but it is important to keep our immune systems working! Through exercise, we keep our immune system pumping thus keeping us healthy! If you belong to a gym, make sure to go! If you do not, there are plenty of exercises you can do inside.

And lastly,
5. SLEEP!
As college students, we do not get enough rest. However, in order to keep our immune systems strong, we need to get enough sleep. Our bodies rejuvenate themselves when we are sleeping. The more you sleep, the less likely you will get sick. So, remember to take the time to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night! Trouble sleeping? UHS can help with this!

I hope some of these tips have helped remind you to stay healthy this winter.

Enjoy this picture of Spring!

Photo taken from http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/originals/2013/Nature___Seasons___Spring__038259_.jpg

Tips on staying healthy this winter taken from: http://www.readersdigest.ca/holiday/christmas/7-ways-avoid-getting-sick-winter/