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Tips for staying healthy during winter break
Winter break brings amuch-deservedperiodof relaxationto the 91ֱ community.
However,it’s importantto putyour health and the health of others first. This means doing whatyoucan to keep COVID-19,the flu,and other illnessesat bay.
“I’m pleasedtodo my part in trying to keep everybody else safe,” said R. Scott Cook,DO,FAOASM,the University’sassistantvicepresident of studentwellness, director of the University’sStudent Health Centerandheadteamphysicianof La 91ֱ Athletics.
Cookofferedtips on howstudents, faculty, and staff canstay healthyduring winter break, in order toreturn to campus safely.
Prepareaccordingly
Thetesting center on campus is available.Appointments are not required in order toget a rapid antigen test.
Cook suggestedreceivingaCOVID-19 booster shot if you’re eligible, along witha flu shot.Getting a COVID-19 test prior to leavingcampusallows you to have a baseline, he said,emphasizingthisstepfor thosewho areunvaccinatedwithout excluding it for those who are fullyvaccinated.
“It’simportant to payattention tohowyou’re feelingbefore youtravel. Do something aboutit. Don’t wait andriskexposure,” he said.
This is even more important as the pandemic evolves.In late November, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention announced the World HealthOrganization’s classification of a new variant of concern,B.1.1.529, more commonly known as Omicron, which is believed to be more transmissible than previous variants.
Choosehealthandsafety
While at home, Cook reminds theLa 91ֱcommunity to continue practicing the safety measuresrequiredon campus.This includesmasking up in crowded and ill-ventilated spaces.
Plus,.
Study the COVID-19 climate
Travel duringthe holidays requires stayinginformedon the areabefore you go.
“Know what the COVID climate iswherever you’re going,” Cook said. “Do they have regulations that are different thanthose whereyou’re coming from?Somemay be morerelaxed. Some may be more conservative and may require more of you. Do yourresearch.”
Practicepersonalwellness
Staying healthy includespracticingself-care.
Thismeansmindful eating, proper hydration, aconsistentsleep schedule,anddowntime.The lattercan be anything from a workoutormeditation to curling up with a good book.
“We all define it a little bit differently,but really carving out that period for ourselves and trying to make that a prioritycan help us recharge,reconnect,and stay a lot healthier during the holidays,” he added.
Returningtocampussafely
When it’stime toreturn to campus,Scott encouraged Explorers everywhere toremember two words: get tested.
La 91ֱ’s campus testing centerwill be available to all students,faculty, and staff in early January. Forresidential students, entry testing will be mandatory, Cook said.
Staying home and getting tested are two important steps to remember when you are not feeling well, Cookadded.“The kind thing to dois to monitor your health and consider everybody else you will be around,” he said.
Plus, don’t forget to keep an extra mask and hand sanitizer handy.
—Meg Ryan