With winter temperatures dropping lower, sickness and bacteria can spread quickly. Also, with harsh snow coming to Bowling Green, there are ways to stay safe when returning to class.
BGSU’s Chief Well-Being Officer Ben Batey explained what students should do to prevent illness in the upcoming cold months.
“Handwashing is first and foremost. I don’t think people realize how much we pick up germs or viruses just from touching surfaces. That’s how you’re usually going to expose yourself is through touching, having it on your hands and then consuming food,” Batey said.
Batey explained that precautions such as wearing masks are helpful in reducing the risk of sickness in crowded areas on campus.
“Masking still works if we know that there’s going to be more respiratory illness circulating in the winter months. When you’re in crowded locations, that’s another option that’s always available to students as well,” he said.
With frigid temperatures in Bowling Green, Batey explained that learning how to dress appropriately for the weather is recommended for students not used to the snow.
“I highly encourage, especially for students that are not from Northwest Ohio, or if you’re coming from the South or someplace much warmer than this, making sure you have a solid winter coat is one of the biggest things,” Batey stated.
Batey discussed how planning what to wear for the day before heading outside is crucial in the winter months.
“Paying attention to the weather reports of what to expect for the day. I think a lot of times we just rush out of the door and we don’t really plan what weather can come,” he said. “The windchill is the other thing to take into account. I think we underestimate the windchill in Bowling Green.”
There are also ways to stay active this winter that don’t require bracing for the cold weather.
“We have one of the best Rec centers on any college campus in Ohio, and that’s going to be open and available as well. Plenty of opportunities to go and still get exercise if it’s too cold out,” Batey said.
Batey stated that staying active outside is still possible if you are properly bundled up.
‘I think if you’re acclimated to it in Northwest Ohio, you can always bundle up. It’s beautiful outside as long as you stay warm. Making sure you have the proper hat and gloves and you’re bundled up, you can still go on that walk,” he said. “Even though it sometimes looks overcast, getting that sunlight and Vitamin D is still going to help with your mental health and physical health as well.”
Vitamin D and other nutrients are key in fighting off sickness in the winter months.
“Vitamin C and eating lots of fruits and vegetables is going to help your immune system just to function at its peak to fight off if you are exposed to any viruses or bacteria during the winter months,” Batey said.
Batey stressed the importance of students prioritizing the amount of sleep they’re getting at night.
“The other thing that I think students don’t always think about is how critical your immune system sleep is, making sure you’re getting an adequate night’s sleep,” he said.
Batey explained that these factors come together to ensure that your immune system can fight illnesses that spread fast this time of year.
“When you put these pieces together, the physical exercise, proper nutrition and proper sleep, your immune system is going to be at peak functioning and you’re not going to have to worry as much and if you do get sick, that sickness is going to be much shorter,” he said. “Your body’s going to fight off that illness really quickly rather than have that sort of cough and cold that linger for weeks at a time.”
