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Students Take care, Sweetheart "Take care." — People, especially college students, have a tendency to take these words, as well as their health, for granted. Working, studying for exams, completing homework and still having time for friends creates stress. Getting enough sleep and staying healthy is the last thing on a college student's mind. Why is it easy for students to become ill? On a college campus, illness can spread easily. One key factor is the contact students have with one another, said Rachel Shreffler, coordinator of health education at the OSU Health Center. "College students are in close contact with one another on a daily basis, which increases the risk of spreading illness," she said. Interaction happens in the classrooms, computer labs, residence halls and the sit-down eating establishments on campus. "You have to take care of yourself," said Timber Eaton, agricultural economics and accounting senior at OSU, who contracted bacterial meningitis, a potentially fatal illness, in 2006. "Not taking care of yourself tends to lower the immune system, making you more susceptible to a cold, sore throat, flu or even [a more severe illness such as] meningitis," Eaton said. "I was so tired and worn down, which made my body more susceptible to [contracting the disease]." Staying healthy Eaton said although she was stressed and worn down when she contracted meningitis, she was able to recover from the disease, not only because she received timely medical care but also because she was in good shape. "Having a healthy diet and exercising helps decrease stress and strengthen the immune system," Shreffler said. "People who exercise tend to get sick less often, and when they do, it doesn't last nearly as long." Shreffler recommended exercising three to five days a week for at least 30 minutes. "Exercise boosts the immune system, increases self esteem, decreases stress levels and, combined with making healthy food choices, gives the body what it needs to fight off illness," she said. Shreffler said she advised consuming a variety of foods to have a healthy diet. "You don't have to exclude any type of food," she said. "Look for balance and variety, and remember to eat in moderation. "It is also important to get your immunizations, especially if you are in constant contact [with others]," Shreffler said. "If you can prevent communicable diseases, it is important to do so." OSU requires measles/ mumps/rubella and Hepititis B immunizations for all incoming students. The meningitis vaccination is required only for students living in campus housing. "But if you are interested in significantly reducing your chances of contracting meningitis, the vaccine is a good idea," said Steve Rogers, director of student health at the OSU Health Center. Already sick? "Washing hands is very important, especially during the cold and flu season," Rogers said. "And if you can't get to water to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer." Rogers also stressed the importance of covering the mouth while sneezing, coughing or even yawning or laughing. "Another key thing to do is to make sure you do not go out in public during periods of being contagious," Shreffler added. "[Usually this means] showing signs of a fever, as well as vomiting and diarrhea," Shreffler said. "During times like these, you need to see your health care provider." One health care option for students on campus is the OSU Health Center, which has more than 26,000 student visits yearly. "February is the busiest time of year due to flu season, and September is second busiest due to allergies and colds," Rogers said. "The time of year 'flu season' occurs varies, but it generally happens during the winter months." One important thing to remember, Eaton said, is that early symptoms of meningitis easily can be mistaken for the flu. People in general think they are invincible, Eaton said. But it is so easy to get sick, especially for people who have constant contact with one another, as do students. "Educate yourself [on disease symptoms and prevention], because I had no idea," Eaton said. "I thought I would always be healthy. Never say 'it won't happen to me.'" Managing stress Early meningitis symptoms Important things to remember
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