By Danielle Marano
Staff Writer
As the holiday season approaches, the weather is changing and the temperature is dropping, which means finals are approaching. At this time of the fall semester, students often become run down and sick. This could result from not getting enough rest due to long nights studying, or simply from not dressing appropriately for the weather when now that temperatures have dropped. Regardless of the reasoning for a possible cold coming on, there are ways to keep healthy during this time of change and stress.
According to the Nicole Regan, Melissa Goldstein and Jonnie Agresta, the campus nutritionists, there are some general steps to a healthy lifestyle. Though seemingly simple, these tips are important and could help avoid the possibility of sickness. These three campus nutritionists are available free of charge for all students. Students can make appointments for a consultation about their eating habits, exercise habits or a combination of both.
The campus nutritionists encourage us to listen to our bodies. This may seem silly or overly simple, but as your body adjusts to stress, it can tell you when enough is enough. For example, knowing when to go to sleep instead of studying all night and picking back up in the morning.
In regards to listening to your body, eating healthy foods is important. “Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and keep healthy snacks on you. Also get your nutrients from real foods, don’t rely on vitamins and supplements,” the campus nutritionists said.
Sophomore dance major, Emily Bivona, is constantly on the go with her busy schedule, but she makes sure that she is stays healthy through it all. “I make sure that my snacks throughout the day aren’t too salty or sweet, because junk food won’t get me through my day,” Bivona said. “I also try to drink at least three bottles of water a day to [stay] hydrated.”
In addition to healthy eating, sleep is important, especially for college students with rigorous schedules and work loads. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s website, young adults from the ages 18 to 25 need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Though this may seem difficult while attempting to finish homework, it is crucial for students to be able to sleep for a substantial amount of hours to ensure his or her body to runs well.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a sleep schedule; go to sleep at the same time every night for the same amount of hours.
Websites such as health.com, and wholeliving.com offer tips on an array of health-related topics such as eating habits and overall wellness. The campus nutritionists are also a helpful resource for students, available for appointments or consultation by email at post-nutritionist@liu.edu. They can also be found in Pell Hall/Life Science, room 150.
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