Well, we have been here at Mary Baldwin College "Home of the Fighting Squirrels" for almost 2 months. We have now had time to pass around all the germs we brought from our home town, home state, or home country. Do you know anyone who is sick? Have you been sick? If you answered no, don't worry you will soon answer yes to at least one of those questions. Let's try to make sure you will only answer yes to the first question. Again listen to your mother.
At Health.com there is a list of 14 things you can do to help avoid colds and the flu. I will summarize the article and add some of my own insights.
1. "Wash your hands." You may have heard that once or twice in your life, usually right before dinner. But this time of year it is important to wash much more frequently. Wash your hands after class, after shaking hands and after going to the store. If you can't wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer.
2. Keep your hands away from your face. By touching your face you can transfer germs directly to the area of your body where they can gain the easiest access to your system.
3. Get 8 - 10 hours of sleep. I know, "this is college man we don't sleep." Most of you do have the time to sleep; you choose not to.
4. Get a flu shot. Easy, go to the health center. Don't tell me you are afraid of needles, I've seen the tats!!
5. Eat Healthy. Check out my last blog.
6. Work out. A good workout helps to boost your immune system.
7. Stay away from friends who are not feeling well. Bring them their chicken soup, then get the heck out of there.
8. Sanitize yourself. Use alcohol wipes on your phone, your mouse and your computer key board.
9. Quit smoking. I am not big on the government telling people what to do and I don't like it when people tell me how to live; however, I strongly recommend you stop smoking. The evidence is pretty clear, smoking is detrimental to your health.
10. No double dipping. If you dip your chips, only do it once. Also, stay away from reaching into a bag of chips or a bowel of candy that may be sitting out. The person that just reached in for a mouthful of M&Ms may have just coughed into their hand.
11. If you carry a cloth handbag or a cloth back pack, they are germ magnets. You often place them on the floor in the classroom, on the floor in the dining hall, on the floor in the bathroom and then you put them on the table. Keep the bags off the table and keep them clean.
12. Don't bite your nails. This is tough for me, but I am trying.
13. Smile. A positive attitude helps to keep you healthy. It is amazing to me how so many of you look sad and blue when I see you on campus. You may think life is pretty tough, but most of you have a full belly, a warm place to sleep and a chance to get a great education. Many people around the world have none of the above. Count your blessings, I gave you the first three.
14. Sneeze into the crook of your elbow not your hands. This will keep you from transferring germs to your friends, no biological warfare.
There are no guarantees that by following the above rules you will avoid a cold or the flu, but you have a fighting (squirrel) chance. March on squirrels!
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