A Healthy Lifestyle is the Best Way to Prevent Illness.

Eat a balanced diet

Change in food choices and the availability of fast food can result in a poorly balanced diet. Try to:

1. eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
2. look for foods that are high in fiber.
3. eat regular meals, especially breakfast.
4. watch portion sizes.
5. avoid eating late at night, especially fatty foods like pizza.
6. get plenty of water and low fat milk; limit caffeine. 

Get enough sleep

Adequate sleep is vital to a well functioning immune system as well as your ability to concentrate and retain information and for good mental health. It can help:

1. to stay away from caffeine within 4-5 hours of going to bed.
2. to not take naps that last more than an hour or occur after 3 pm.
3. to maintain a regular sleep and wake time.
4. to get regular exercise, but not within 3 hours of going to bed.
5. to keep your room quiet, dark and cool. If your surroundings are too loud use a fan to create "white noise". 

You Should Also

• Get regular physical activity
• Be aware of your stress levels and take steps to stay balanced
• Don't smoke
• Use alcohol in moderation
• Practice safer sex
• Monitor your surroundings to stay safe.
• Be up to date on recommended immunizations

Even if you aren't traveling somewhere exotic

there are immunizations that need  to be boosted to maintain immunity, and you never know when the infectious disease folks will come up with something new to protect you. Have you

1. had a tetanus/diphtheria booster in the last 5-10 years, especially the newer Tdap which now will protect you against pertussis (whooping cough) as well?
2. had 2 MMRs (measles-mumps-rubella) after the age of one year (PLU students have unless exempt)?
3. either had chicken pox or been immunized against it with varicella vaccine?
4. completed the hepatitis B series which protects against the virus that can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer? Contact with infected body fluids can transmit the disease through sexual activity, shared needles, or even sharing a razor or earrings with a carrier of the disease.
5. completed the hepatitis A series which protects against the virus that can cause acute liver disease lasting from weeks to months? It is transmitted through close person-to-person contact or ingesting contaminated food or water.
6. completed the HPV series (human papilloma virus)? Recommended for females up to age 27.
7. had the influenza vaccine for this season?
8. had the meningococcal vaccine, especially if a first-year living in a residence hall?  

Get Recommended Preventive Health Exams Including:

1. a well-care visit every 4-5 years
2. a pap test depending on age and sexual activity
3. STI screening depending on risk factors