Staying Healthy and Happy

The cold weather has finally struck Ann Arbor, and with the snow flurries, icy sidewalks, and blistering wind comes an increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Saulles. interim Director of UHS, that you can do to help keep yourself healthy:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Hail to the Victors!), especially after toilet visits and before eating. Hand-washing is more effective than hand sanitizer against some viruses, but do use alcohol-based sanitizer when hand-washing is not possible.
  • Get a flu shot, available at University Health Service (UHS) and local pharmacies.
  • Cover your cough with your elbow or arm, not your hand.
  • Don't share eating utensils, drinking glasses, bottles, toothbrushes or other personal items.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.

The University Health Service website offers more information on staying healthy, what to do when you do get sick, scheduling appointments, and much more! They also have an extremely informative Seasonal Affective Disorder webpage if you’re feeling down during this winter weather.

 

Contributed By: Shelby DeVuyst, Beyond the Diag Program Assistant