SUPPORTING STUDENTS’ HEALTH AND WELL BEING DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON
I am so OVER winter!!! This year we’ve had some bitter cold days with lots of wind and snow—and it just keeps coming. I’ve been working hard to take good care of myself and not affect others around me. Of course, for students who are in close quarters in their living and learning environments, this can be challenging.
So, I have asked Catherine Kelleher, RN, Executive Director of the Student Health Center, and Dr. Rosemary Fernandes Mugan, Executive Director of the Personal Counseling Center (PCC) to provide some suggestions as to how students can take proper precautions to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. I hope you will share this information with your Friars.
Stay well and take good care.
Jackie
According to Director Kelleher, “This has been a particularly bad flu season. The most important step in preventing the flu is to get the flu vaccine. Please note that it is NOT too late to get a flu shot.
Students need to be especially mindful of maintaining good hygiene when living in close quarters. Covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap and warm water often, avoiding sharing beverages, utensils and other items that may contain saliva are all ways that can help students and members of our community stay healthy.
A healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way in supporting a good immune system. Students should try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, drink plenty of water and consider adding more restorative foods such as nuts, berries, seeds, and dark leafy greens to their diet. During these cold days when it can be easy to stay indoors for long periods of time, it is especially important to keep up with regular exercise. This might be a good time to check out an exercise class schedule at the Concannon Fitness Center.
Finally, students who are sick should not go to class. They need to notify their professors of their illness and wear a mask when they are in common areas. To schedule an appointment at the Health Center students should call 401-865-2422.”
To learn about the Student Health Center please click here.
Dr. Mugan shared that, “During this time of year, with less light exposure/time outside, we all may experience a dip in mood. Regular physical activity, appropriate sleep, and nutrition often need more attention when it may be more difficult to motivate ourselves in the frigid weather to attend to our needed routines, but it might also help mitigate the winter blues.
It can also take more effort to connect with others during this time of year – students should take advantage of the social activities that our campus partners sponsor. We may not think of it as more than entertainment and a break, but the time to truly connect with others is also something that can help deal with those winter blues. Feeling part of a larger community bolsters our mental health, which can positively impact our physical health.
Some people/students may be more vulnerable to the effect of the winter months and may cyclically have it impact their functioning each year. If you are concerned that your student may be more significantly impacted, the PCC is here to help. Students may call us at 401-865-2343 or stop in to make an appointment. For after-hours mental health support student can also call us and press “2” when prompted, to speak by phone to an on-call crisis clinician.”
To learn about the comprehensive services of the Personal Counseling Center please visit: https://personal-counseling.providence.edu/
