College Dorm Room Health Tips

Fall is fast approaching. That means that millions of college freshmen are heading off to college for the first time. Mom and Dad are no longer there to help with laundry, or to help make you your favorite soup when you are sick. No one will be taking care of you but yourself. So make sure you are aware of ways to stay healthy while living on your own in a dorm this year.

Before leaving for college, stop by your health provider's office for a meningitis vaccine. Meningitis is a scary disease which can strike anyone. However, living in close quarters such as college dorms puts students at risk. Get vaccinated before college to help prevent getting the dangerous illness.

On campus, remember that the number one most important rule to prevent the spread of germs is handwashing. Wash your hands before you eat, drink, put on makeup, or touch your face for any reason. Don't forget that anywhere your hands may touch will have germs on it. This includes doorknobs, faucets, desks, tables, keyboards, elevator buttons and so forth. Make sure you wash thoroughly for at least 30 seconds with warm water to get rid of all the germs. It is also a good idea to keep a small bottle of alcohol-based hand gel to use in-between classes, when you don't have time to use a sink.

When living in a dorm, you will probably be sharing a bathroom with 20 other people. That means sharing the showers too. It's a good idea to invest in a good pair of flip-flops to wear to and from the shower (an in the shower if you prefer). This prevents a nasty fungus like athlete's foot from infecting your feet. Also, most dorm residents use a shower-caddy to carry their various shampoos, etc. to and from the shower.

If you need to sneeze in your tiny dorm room, sneeze into your elbow. You must cover your mouth to prevent the spread of germs, but using your hands isn't a great idea. The elbow is the ideal place to catch germs because others are less likely to be exposed to that area. Also, after getting to know your roommate, do not be tempted to use each other's makeup. Eyeliner and mascara may transfer eye infections from one person to another. The same goes for lip balms, nasal sprays, or any personal care product for the eyes, nose, or mouth. Sharing germs with someone else when not necessary is not a good idea.

When attending those college parties, don't forget about your heath and safety. If you are over the age of 21, you may be attending a party with alcohol served. It is best not to drink more than one or two drinks, especially if you are new to drinking. Make sure you have eaten enough food and are well hydrated before a night of partying. Do not leave your drink unattended for any reason, so that no one has the opportunity to drop a drug in your drink while you are not looking. Also to prevent the spread of germs, don't drink out of anyone else's cup, and don't let anyone share your drink. Stay with a group of friends and make sure everyone goes home together. And never drive while intoxicated or let anyone else drive you while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition to the above, there are many common sense measures people can take to stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of colorful foods. Make sure you eat, though, no extreme diets. Take multivitamin. Stay well hydrated. Get plenty of sleep. Don't drink alcohol or smoke anything. Get outside and get a little exercise to keep your body strong. Do stock up on microwavable chicken soups in case you are sick and homesick for Mom's cooking. If and when you feel sick at college, take a day off and rest if possible. Take advantage of your college's health center or infirmary when ill. The staff there can do a full exam and can usually prescribe medications for whatever is ailing you. And don't forget that call to Mom or Dad for moral support.