How To Stay Healthy For Midterms

Instead of eating packaged and processed foods, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eating a balance of fruits and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and protein.

Rachel McGinnis, MD , Baylor Scott & White

For college students, fall means football games, walking to class in more comfortable weather, and cramming for midterm exams.

With so much going on, there’s just no time for getting sick. Rachel McGinnis, MD, family medicine physician at Baylor Scott & White Clinic – San Marcos, recommends these tips to prevent flu and keep you healthy this semester.

* Eat a balanced diet. It’s essential to eat the right foods to keep your body going. The idea is to “eat a rainbow.” What that means is incorporating as many colors into your food as possible.

Instead of eating packaged and processed foods, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eating a balance of fruits and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and protein.

It may be easy to grab a granola bar or a bag of chips on your way out the door, but it’s just as easy to have pre-cut fruit and veggies ready to pull out of the fridge on your way to class or to the library.

These nutrients will benefit your body that trans fats and chemicals that keep packaged foods “good to eat.”

* Exercise regularly. According to the CDC, regular physical activity helps improve your health, as well as reduce your risk for many chronic diseases.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with schoolwork and midterms, but incorporating exercise into your routine is tremendously helpful, whether it’s just to break up your day or as a study break. Even just walking for 30 minutes promotes your health and well-being.

* Wash your hands regularly. Practicing good hand hygiene is an important step to reduce illness and keep you healthy. Washing your hands not only protects you, as well as others around you, and it’s one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.

* Catch your Zzzs. Adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep a day, but each person is different. Many students don’t get enough sleep at night because of work or long study hours.

Lack of sleep can cause problems such as depression, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It’s important to stick to a schedule as much as possible and avoid all-nighters to study.

* Drink plenty of water. Drinking water doesn’t just satisfy your thirst, it helps your body to function. Drinking enough water is especially important when you’re feeling under the weather. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate you, like sugary drinks and alcohol.

* Take time to rest and relax. College students are often busy studying or working, but it’s crucial to take time for yourself and de-stress. Relaxation is a great way to help with managing your stress levels.

Lowering stress can help prevent many health problems and chronic disease, and can help improve digestion, sleep quality, blood flow to major muscles, concentration, mood, and help lower fatigue.