As the weather changes and it gets colder and colder, it is more important than ever to stay safe and healthy.
Staying healthy does not necessarily involve one single thing, but a multitude of common habits. Some good health practices include staying a safe distance from others, especially sick people, and limiting touch to only when necessary. Doing this will limit your risk of getting sick, but there is more you can do to stay healthy.
Sleep is a major part of staying healthy, which is why some people tell you to “sleep it off” when you have a fever. Psychology teacher Taylor Jackson recommends 8-10 hours of sleep for teens as our minds and bodies are still developing and need that extra time to rest and rebuild at night.
Part of staying healthy also involves a healthy and balanced diet. Anatomy and AP Biology teacher Nicole Schlemmer recommends following the “80-20 method,” where 80% of your diet is clean and 20% is “dirty,” giving some room for cheat meals, snacks, and eating out. Some easy healthy meals that can be prepared include chicken and rice, or even just a garden salad to get you through school.
Schlemmer also mentions that health is not just physical, but mental as well. Schlemmer believes that it is “necessary to take breaks and make time for what you enjoy in order to avoid burnout.”
Sometimes, getting sick is just seemingly inevitable no matter what you do. If you do end up getting sick, it is important to take a day or two off of school, and only return when you are healthy. Even though you may think you are causing little harm, coming to school and spreading your germs is undoubtedly worse than missing an assignment or two. If you do decide to come when not feeling your best, wearing a mask may be a good option.
Nurse Tina recommends exercise as a really important way to fight off sickness. It is “not only good for physical health, but great for mental health because exercise releases dopamine and other hormones.”
With a fast-approaching winter season, it is important to stay healthy and contain any sicknesses in order to avoid transmission of diseases at school.
