By Monica Solano | Assistant Health Editor
It is a windy day, the air is crisp, the wind begins to pick up speed and the leaves change color as a chill runs down one’s neck. Fall has arrived.
As students welcome and enjoy the long-awaited autumn weather, climate changes can cause illness.
“The weather itself doesn’t make one sick, not wearing proper clothing or eating the right foods does,” said Melissa Christiansen, nurse practitioner at the CBU Wellness Center. “Some people have sensitive immune systems, so their bodies do not know how to react to drastic weather changes.”
Christiansen said taking care of one’s body is important during the cold season.
“I definitely get sick more often during fall and winter,” said Alecia Gage, junior early childhood studies major and business minor. “I get the most sick when it is very windy.”
Gage recommends drinking plenty of vitamin C for those who feel sickness is near.
Mycah Viken, sophomore health sciences major with a pre-physician’s assistant concentration, said she tends to become ill at least four times a semester.
She said she feels as though her sicknesses, as well as many others’ on campus, has a habit of coming and going.
“Fall weather will affect the health of students around campus because it is easier to catch colds and spread illness around a large campus,” Viken said.
Viken recommends getting plenty of sleep, drinking water, eating healthy foods and going to the doctor if symptoms do not disappear within two weeks.
“I feel that I get the most sick when it is rainy,” Viken said.
Christiansen advises stdents to stop by her office to receive a flu shot in order to avoid becoming ill during the cold season.
Severe weather changes can either be to one’s advantage or disadvantage, and preparing for these certain conditions can prevent one from getting ill.
