This is the time of year when it is easy to get sick. With the ever-changing weather and rainy days, most people end up with a cough and a sniffle, often known as chronic sinusitis.

Also, with Martin being an agricultural area, whenever there is any type of harvesting going on, people are more likely to have allergic reactions. Any kind of crop spraying can trigger allergies.

However, there are things you can do to prevent feeling down. Here are some tips provided by Student Health Services for staying in good shape during the often unpredictable fall and winter seasons.

One important thing to remember is to wash your hands frequently. You can pick up several germs on campus by the way of touching door knobs, sharing desks, etc. The proper way to wash your hands is to run water over them, then soap up and rub your hands together for one minute. The friction of rubbing your hands together is what really gets them clean and germ free.

It is also important to get plenty of rest. This means a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed around the same time every night and get up around the same time every morning. A consistent sleep schedule will give your immune system time to build up at night.

You should drink plenty of fluids. A fluid does not mean drink plenty of beer and Diet Coke. Drinking alcohol puts a strain on your body because it has to repair all the damage done while intoxicated. Carbonated beverages aren’t really healthy for you either. You should drink six to eight glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated. Orange juice is a good beverage choice. The vitamin C really helps your immune system.

You should also try to eat right. First of all, make sure you are eating. If you aren’t giving your body the nutrients it needs, it cannot fight off infection. Also, you can’t go to area restaurants every day and count that as eating right. You need to eat a balanced diet. Make sure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables.

It is also important to not smoke. Smoking cessation is your best bet, but smoking is a habit and is very hard to break. Smoking stresses out your body and makes you more susceptible to sickness. If you are going to smoke, just don’t smoke while you are sick. It will prolong the sickness and may make it worse.

It is also important to not wait until you get really sick to get help. As soon as you get that sore throat or irritating cough, you need to make a trip to the doctor. The longer you let it go, the longer you will be sick and the more serious the infection may get.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to fight off whatever ails you. Also, you will feel more energized and ready to take on your classes.

Tracey Kizer, a nurse for Student Health Services, says, “Getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and taking care of yourself will go a long way during the cold season.”

Student Health sees about 30 students per day on average. Student Health is open to see students Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. They strongly encourage you to make an appointment. They do accept same-day appointments so you can call in the morning and go in later that day. Their services are free of charge.

Student Health keeps some medication on hand and there may be a charge if you need a shot or testing. Student Health doesn’t file on your insurance, so if you don’t have any, that’s not a problem. If you get sick over the weekend and can’t wait until Monday, you should call your family physician.

Student Health also does immunizations and drug screenings. You can contact Student Health Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 881-7750. Student Health is located at the corner of Lee and Jeffress Street right behind Cooper Hall.