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Bits and Pieces of Health Advice

Sometimes the best advice about health care is "USE COMMON SENSE". There comes to mind a few bits that have proven helpful when trying to cure/combat/avoid illness.

1. Wash your hands .......a lot!
 
2. Eat breakfast... even if it's just a piece of fruit or toast.
 
3. Make good friends...those who accept you (warts and all).
 
4. Gargle with warm salt water solution for a sore throat...it works.
 
5. Wash your hands...a lot!
 
6. Keep a few minutes just for yourself each day...renews your psyche.
 
7. Practice safe(er) Sex ... or abstinence.
 
8. Every survival kit should include a sense of humor ... helps keep your perspective.
 
9. Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date ... Flu shots aren't a bad idea, either.
 
10. Wash your hands ... a lot!
 
11. Drink at least 8 glass of water each day ... No, you won't float away.
 
12. Dress according to weather ... which changes on a daily basis in Wisconsin.
 
13. Seat belts and helmets ... (it's a mother thing).
 
14. Underage drinking and illegal drugs are just plain stupid ... don't you think?
 
15. Be sure to eat at least five(5) fruits/vegetables a day ... that's right-FIVE!
 
16. Wash your hands ... a lot!
 
17. Student Health & Counseling Center is CLOSE ... come see us!
 
18. Get some regular sleep ... studying ahead may eliminate those 'all-nighters'.
 
19. Ask for help ... the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.
 
20. Get to know your professors ... it can make a big difference (for both of you).

The Cold Hard Truth

TREATMENT

Your body is under attack by swarms of viruses. There are no medicines that cure the common cold, but take heart. It will last from 4 to 10 days, and there are several things you can do to make yourself more comfortable AND help your body get rid of the viruses.

1) REST

Get more rest, relax, take it easy, slow down. Pause from your usual routine. Take a good look at you current lifestyle. What could you have been doing-(overwork, tension, worry, poor diet, to much alcohol, tobacco, lack of rest) that has set the stage, has provided the environment for the cold virus?

2) FLUIDS

Drink plenty of fluids- at least 8-10 glasses of juice, tea, soup, water a day.

The fluids will thin your mucus so you can get rid of it more easily, and will ease your coughing. Warm drinks are especially good for store throats, and will help loosen those sticky secretions, which are trying to float the viruses away. HELP YOUR BODY.

Avoid alcohol at this time- beer and wine and hard liquor are NOT good fluid substitutes. They take more out than they put in, and put an extra load of your body, too.

Eat and drink more foods, which are high in Vitamin C- oranges, apples, broccoli, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes with their skins, melons.

Smoking (anything) further irritates your respiratory passages- so HELP YOUR BODY! This is really a good time to QUIT!!!

3) GARGLE

Use one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle at least 4 times a day. This is the cheapest, safest, and probably the best way to relieve the irritation and swelling that makes your throat sore.

4) STEAM

Spend an extra few minutes in the shower.

Boil water on the stove while you are in the kitchen

Run hot water in the bathroom sink, put a towel over your head to form a tent, and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes. Do this several times a day, especially before bedtime. These hints will help you break up congestion and will moisten your raw, dry throat.

5) HUMIDITY

Many colds can be PREVENTED by putting some moisture into your air, day and night.