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How to stay healthy when traveling

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

How to stay healthy when traveling Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/01/2022 - 00:00

Break is just around the corner and for some of us that means travel. Whether you’re heading out of town by car, bus, train or plane, there are a few things you should keep in mind to stay healthy when traveling.

Sleep

Between jumping time zones and hauling luggage, travel can wear us out. That’s why it’s important to make sleep a priority when traveling. Aim to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and don’t feel bad if you need to work in a 20-minute power nap during the day.

Wash your hands

This is a popular time for travelers, which means you might be exposed to more germs than usual. Keep yourself healthy and protected against illness by washing your hands often: after using the bathroom, before eating and between destinations. If warm water and soap aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. You can pick up a free travel bottle from Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.

Stay hydrated

Traveling can increase your chances of dehydration, especially if you’re traveling long distances. Drinking plenty of water is a great way to help us feel our best, stay energized and protect ourselves against illness. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the airport or train station. It may also be helpful to set reminders on your phone to make sure you’re drinking throughout the day.

Bring a mask

Whether you’ve been fully vaccinated or not, it’s important to be aware of and follow guidelines for wearing a mask. Indoor locations like terminals, airplanes, train stations and other enclosed areas may still require masks. It may be helpful to review policies for airlines and other transportation companies before heading out. Unsure about requirements? Pack a mask just in case.

It’s also a good idea to practice good hygiene to avoid a variety of illnesses while traveling:

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.
Avoid touching your face.

Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to check local and regional guidelines and public health orders. Some areas may require a self-quarantine period for travelers. Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for more information.

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Should you work out when you're sick?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:17:27 +0000

Should you work out when you're sick? Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 01/23/2019 - 11:17

You just worked out all of the kinks in your workout routine and now…you’re sick. What do you do? Do you sweat through it or forsake the gym for a much-needed nap? Follow these tips for working out when you’re sick.

Listen to your body

If your symptoms are mild such as sniffles, sneezing or light coughing, you’re probably okay to continue your normal routine. Listen to your body, and use your best judgment based on the severity of your symptoms.

If you begin to experience more severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches or diarrhea, the gym is a definite no-no. Exercising can often make matters worse and cause complications. Consult your healthcare provider about your symptoms, and allow time for your symptoms to improve.

Still debating whether or not you should exercise? Follow this simple rule of thumb: Only do as much as you’re up for. You may feel well enough for a yoga session, but the treadmill makes you queasy. Or perhaps you aren't feeling up for the gym at all, and that’s okay. Your body will thank you for squeezing in a couple of extra rest days.

Change up your workout

If your illness is manageable and you still plan to exercise, consider switching up your workout. Low-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, biking and yoga are great ways to exercise without throwing your system into overdrive. High-intensity training such as powerlifting, sprints, team sports and exercising in extreme temperatures can push your body to the limits, and may cause more harm in the long run. For this reason, try to keep your workouts short, ideally no more than 30 to 45 minutes, and focus on lower-impact options.

At-home workouts are also great for low-intensity and body-weight exercises. Plus, you can help prevent the spread of germs that may get your fellow gym-goers sick. However, if you choose to go to the gym, be sure to keep your germs to yourself. Cough into your elbow or sleeve, wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) and always wipe down your equipment when you’re finished.

Be patient

If you’re experiencing a cold or the flu, chances are your symptoms will be sticking around for a while. Complete recovery can take up to 10 days, sometimes longer. For the best recovery and minimal disruption to your routine, we recommend avoiding exercise when your symptoms are at their worst. Once your symptoms begin to improve you can slowly work up to your normal routine. Start slow, keep your workouts short and give yourself ample time to get back into the swing of things.

You just worked out all of the kinks in your workout routine and now…you’re sick. What do you do? Do you sweat through it or forsake the gym for a much-needed nap? Follow these tips.

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5 ways to fend off the flu

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:00:00 +0000

5 ways to fend off the flu Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/15/2019 - 00:00

Viruses like the flu can last 7 to 10 days, meaning symptoms like a stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat stick around for a while. Since antibiotics typically don’t work for viruses, it’s all about staying as healthy as possible. So how do we do it?

Get a flu shot

Year after year, the flu vaccine has been proven to be the most effective way to prevent the flu. The most common type of flu vaccine is made up of parts of inactivated flu viruses and cannot give you the flu. Free flu shots are already available to all CU Boulder students at specific walk-in hours on campus (just bring your Buff OneCard).

Keep it clean

Wash your hands often—in the bathroom, before eating, after class—there’s never a wrong time to soap up! If warm water and soap aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Pick up a travel-sized bottle for your backpack (they’re free at Health Promotion in Wardenburg room 130).

Support your immune system

Our immune systems are impacted by everything we do, from what we eat to our stress levels. Eating regular, balanced meals, hydrating with lots of water and sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night all help strengthen our bodies. When we are well-rested, well-resourced and well-nourished, we’re more capable of fighting off an infection.

Make it a priority for a new semester: Stick to a bedtime on school nights, carry around a reusable water bottle and fill up on vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables. Finding time for light physical activity and sunshine is good for our health, too: Take a walk with friends, reserve a court at The Rec or open your blinds and turn your living room into a yoga studio.

Practice healthy habits

When we look out for each other, we all stay healthier in the long run. That’s why it’s important to wipe down communal surfaces like doorknobs and counters with disinfectant, cough and sneeze into our elbow or sleeve (but not hands, since hands touch everything) and stay home when we’re not feeling well.

If you still find yourself under the weather, try these tips: Drink warm liquids like tea to soothe a sore throat and stay hydrated, get extra rest to let your body recover and use over-the-counter remedies as appropriate to find relief. Your body works hard to fight off these viruses and get you back into peak condition, so be kind to it!

In fact, treat yourself to some cold-care supplies: Cough drops, tissues, tea, honey sticks and gargling salt are all available free to CU Boulder students in the Health Promotion Resource Center (Wardenburg Health Center room 130).

Mind over matter

When our mental health is cared for, our physical health follows. It’s important to take time to relax, organize our thoughts and find healthy ways to deal with everything we have going on.

Mindfulness practices such as journaling, de-stressing activities like yoga and coping mechanisms like talking with a trusted friend or family member can be just as important as washing our hands and eating a healthy diet. Prioritizing self-care mentally and physically is key to a healthy, balanced semester.

Already sick? Sit this one out. Cold and flu viruses are highly contagious, so if you're feeling under the weather, it's best to stay at home in order to avoid infecting classmates and friends. Drink plenty of fluids, run a humidifier and wait for your symptoms to pass. If you experience severe symptoms, such as a sustained fever or excessive vomiting, see a doctor right away.

Viruses like the flu can last 7 to 10 days, meaning symptoms like a stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat stick around, it's all about staying as healthy as possible.

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5 Steps to Staying Healthy This Spring

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:13:38 +0000

5 Steps to Staying Healthy This Spring Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/25/2018 - 11:13

Viruses such as the flu and common cold can last 7–10 days, meaning symptoms like a stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat stick around for a while. Since antibiotics typically don’t work for viruses, it’s all about staying as healthy as possible. So how do we do it?

Get a flu shot

This year’s flu season has been particularly active. Protect yourself and those around you (hello, herd immunity!) with a free flu shot. No appointment needed—just bring your Buff OneCard to walk-in hours on campus:

Wardenburg Health Center: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to noon
The Health Clinic at Village Center: Monday–Thursday, 2–6 p.m.; Friday, 1–5 p.m.

Keep it clean

We need to wash our hands often—in the bathroom, before eating, after class—there’s no bad time! If warm water and soap aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Pick up a travel-sized bottle for your backpack (they’re free at the Health Promotion Resource Center in UMC 411).

Support a high-functioning immune system

Your immune system is impacted by everything you do, from what you eat to your stress levels. This means that eating regular, balanced meals; hydrating with lots of water; and sleeping 7–9 hours each night all help strengthen your body. When you’re well-rested, well-resourced and well-nourished, you’re more capable of fighting off an infection.

Make it a priority for the new semester: Stick to a bedtime on school nights, carry around a refillable water bottle and fill up on vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables. Finding time for light physical activity and sunshine is good for your health, too; take a walk with friends, toss around a Frisbee and open the blinds!

Practice good health habits

When we look out for each other, we all stay healthier in the long run. That’s why it’s important to wipe down communal surfaces like doorknobs and counters with disinfectant, cough and sneeze into your elbow or sleeve (but not hands, since hands touch everything) and stay home when you’re not feeling well.

In fact, treat it to some cold-care supplies on us. Cough drops, tissues, tea, honey sticks and gargling salt are all available free to CU Boulder students in Health Promotion (UMC 411).

Remember those good health habits for all areas of life

When our mental health is cared for, our physical health follows. It’s important to take time to relax, organize your thoughts and find healthy ways to deal with everything you have going on.

Mindfulness practices such as journaling, de-stressing activities such as yoga and coping mechanisms such as talking with a trusted friend or family member can be just as important as washing your hands. Prioritizing self-care mentally and physically is key to a healthy, balanced semester. We can do this, Buffs!

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