Tis the season?

    If you haven't noticed, Fall has settled in. But I must say, for as many mornings that frost has been on the ground, it has been a pretty darn cold one.
   My mom, sister, and several friends have already gotten their first colds of the season. So, I thought it might be nice to share a few survival tips that can help you through the next several months.

1. Eat Well. Your immune system today is not the same one you were born with. It changes over time. You want to make sure you have all the nutrients you need to fight off evil bacteria.
2. Take a Multivitamin. (For when "eating well" doesn't work out so great.) My favorite are Vitacraves Gummies. You will literally have to make yourself stop eating them.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep. This rule is the most inviting of them all, and probably the most difficult. It is recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep, but during this season, every extra minute counts. Try showering before bed or even in the afternoons to squeeze in an extra 30 minutes of shut-eye.
4. Wash Your Hands. I know your mom has been preaching this since you could reach the sink, but it's so true. You never know who has been where you are, and that matters, especially when more people are carrying cold germs. (Wash with soap and hot water for the length of time it takes to sing happy birthday to yourself.)
5. Get a Flu Shot. This is a recommendation I do not endorse. I will admit, I have NEVER gotten a flu shot. And I never intend to. I have also never had the flu. I may regret it one day, but so far I have gone 22 years without having a huge needle shoved into my arm. Do I really want to start that now? No thanks.
6. Take it Easy. This may be impossible as we get closer to the end of the semester. Pretty soon all those projects, presentations, and papers we should have started months ago will be due. Do yourself a favor and don't spread yourself so thin. Stress eats away at your antibodies. Really, look it up.
7. Drink Lots of Fluids. Try to carry a water bottle around with you during the day. When you're bored in class, get it out. And bonus!! It is a great way to curb your appetite and make you feel full all day. No vending machine trips this winter, thank you.