Hand Hygiene
One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to regularly wash your hands. Think of all the doorknobs, computer keyboards, desks, chairs, and other surfaces you come in contact with every day that other people (sick people!) do, too. Wash your hands frequently (and especially before eating or drinking) to avoid spreading and getting sick from germs left behind by others. Of course, washing your hands every time you open or close a door isn’t very practical. Carry gel hand sanitizer with you and use it when a sink, warm water, and soap are not readily available (click here to read about a study conducted at CU-Boulder that demonstrated the effectiveness of using gel hand sanitizer in decreaseing illness). Use hand sanitizer as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, washing your hands. Finally, try not to touch your nose, mouth, and eyes to avoid catching colds.

Sleep & Stress
Both stress and sleep deprivation make it more difficult for your immune system to ward off colds and infections. Of course, you can’t always avoid these factors (especially in college), but try to minimize the negative effects they can have on your health by making relaxation and rest priorities in your life. Take a nap if you feel tired from staying up late the night before. Try breathing exercises and self-massage to relieve tension. Check out the stress and sleep pages on this website for more information and tips about the roles that stress and sleep play in your health and wellness.

Nutrition: Getting Enough Vitamins
Like sleep deprivation and stress, inadequate nutrition can depress your immune system. Getting enough vitamins and minerals is essential to helping your body remain infection-free. Some simple guidelines you can follow to ensure adequate nutrition include eating a variety of foods (no one food group provides all nutrients necessary for good health) and preparing a colorful plate (include red, orange, yellow, green, and purple fruits and veggies; avoid ‘white’ foods such as white rice and refined sugar). For more information about nutrition, as well as tips about how to eat well on a budget and in residence halls, look at the nutrition page on this website.