Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! This is the sound we do not want your student to be making going into semester finals and winter break. It is always important to take care of one’s health, but right now is also the time of year to pay special attention to your health. Take a minute to check out some winter health and wellness tips for you as well as your student:
• One of the most important protective measures you can do is wash your hands. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer containing ethyl alcohol (at least 60%). Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Remember every door, desk, computer, and piece of money, etc. you touch can transfer germs from one person to another.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Get a flu vaccination. UNL students can come to the University Health Center and get a flu shot for free. Call 402-472-5000 to make an appointment.
• Stress management. When you have high levels of stress, your immune system is lowered. To manage stress:
o Get enough sleep (8-9 hours each night)
o Eat a healthy diet
o Participate in regular physical activity
o Manage your time
o Use relaxation techniques
• Never share food, drinks, silverware or other personal items with others who are sick.
• Make sure your student has a thermometer, Kleenex, cough drops, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen on hand.
• Have your student visit their Wellness Advocate.
• If your student is sick, have them stay home at least 24 hours after the fever and symptoms have resolved. Have them contact their professor if they are unable to attend class.
If your student is not feeling well, suggest they make an appointment at the University Health Center to see a provider. UNL students can see a provider for free! UNL students can also purchase several items from the Health Center’s pharmacy for less than $5.00.
You can also encourage your student to visit Health Education & Outreach located in room 12 on the lower level of the Health Center. Health Education & Outreach can provide information about health and wellness as well as provide:
• Free Cold Care Kits
• Free Stress Kits
• Free Sleep Kits
For more information visit http://www.health.unl.edu or contact us at 402-472-5000.
(Article provided by Suzanne Forkner, MS, CHES, CWP, Lead Wellness Educator, Health Education and Outreach, University Health Center.)
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/ouk0