Every term at Dartmouth starts out the same: DBA overflowing, low stress levels and my sweatpants still tucked away deep inside the dresser. I tell myself that this will be THE term the term I finally stay healthy. This term, I will follow The New York Times' health blog, stay away from Late Night Collis, resist the temptation of Novack bake sales and finally take that Zumba class. I'll get eight hours of sleep. I won't watch VH1 at the gym. I'll eat more than a protein bar for breakfast. I won't resort to wearing shapeless clothing as a coping mechanism during these frigid winter months.
These types of start-of-term resolutions are dime a dozen at Dartmouth, but let's be honest the promises we make to ourselves to live healthier lives are long forgotten by the time midterms roll around. But hey, we're in a new decade now. Why not make this Winter term whether it's your first or your fourth the term you make a genuine effort to keep yourself happy and healthy? Here are some tips for how to do just that, from students who've been there before.
It may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating the best way to stay healthy is to get at least eight hours of sleep per night. "As soon as I start not getting at least eight hours, I get a cold, and from there it'll take off," Kate Sullivan '13, a member of the women's cross country team, said.
Alex Rowe '14 seconds the importance of sleep after experiencing the flu his freshmen Fall, citing overall exhaustion as the cause of his weakened immune system. That, and poor nutrition. "I had some pretty bad practices," he said "Not leaving my room, only eating things that were non-perishable and within arms reach. Like Goldfish."
In addition to staying away from finals food, Dartmouth students can make small changes to their dietary habits while also cutting calories and saving DBA. Opting for water or vitamin C-rich juices instead of soda not only cleanses the body, but works as a flu-buster. Dartmouth's nutritionist, Claudette Peck, offers individual appointments and publishes the Nutritionist's Corner, a newsletter full of advice on healthy eating. According to her eating tips, achieving a healthy diet is simple go for a balance between the food groups and eat a variety of colors and textures. Decide how hungry you are, and eat slowly so that your body can tell you when you are full. Lastly, watch for triggers certain emotions and stressors that cause you to reach for food, and try to replace eating with a healthier reaction such as relaxation or exercise.
While Craisins and Taste of Thai become more popular as the term gets busier, basement-related germs are often to blame for common illnesses. Though we live in denial, bacteria thrive on frat floors, and sharing cups during pong spreads illness quickly. But the solution is pretty simple, according to Rebecca Drapkin '13: "Be lame. Wash your pong balls."
If, despite these tips, you do get sick, be prepared to take care of yourself. Needless to say, a rudimentary knowledge of the pharmacy aisle at CVS can be extremely helpful. For congestion and sinus issues, look no further than the Neti Pot. Once you get past the weirdness of pouring something up your nose, it gets the job done. Originally an Ayurvedic practice, the Neti Pot uses a saline solution to irrigate your sinus cavities and remove blockages.
If irrigating your nose with saline isn't your thing, Damaris Altomerianos '13 swears by broccoli. "It has more Vitamin C than orange juice. Broccoli is magical." In general, fresh vegetables work wonders for exhaustion and flu-like afflictions the Hop sells snack bags of cucumbers and carrots, and you can find more variety at the FoCo salad bar.
Emergen-C is popular among students as a preventative and recuperative measure. Sullivan strongly recommends coconut juice, and Alexi Pappas '12, another member of the women's cross country team, is a fan of GoodBelly, a probiotic fruit drink available at the Co-op. Acai berry and avage products also rank high on the list of preferred dietary supplements.
Even with a perfect diet and optimal sleep, a Hanover winter should not be underestimated. A beautiful white campus and a (hopefully) monstrous snow sculpture do have downsides. While North Face will always be the go-to brand for Dartmouth students, the key to staying warm is all in the layers. I'm talking leggings, long underwear, thermals, the works. Reflective technology is all the rage for this season's jackets little panels of aluminum foil in the jacket lining magnify your own body heat to keep you twice as warm. And you can never have too many pairs of wool socks.
Take a look at your winter schedule and find as many "warmcuts" as you can the wintery version of shortcuts, they allow you to maximize the amount of walking time you spend outside heated buildings. And if you're willing to give it a try, dealing with the cold is best done by facing the cold get out onto the Skiway, go skating on Occom, make snow angels and attempt the Polar Bear Swim.
Staying healthy at Dartmouth is a challenge, especially in the winter, but with a little bit of effort you can take your term from sick to SICK.
