Weather makes Broncos bundle up

By Edward Wallard
Western Herald

(Judson Miller / Western Herald) WMU sophomore Shauntrece Stokes is bundled up for her walk to class across campus.

As students come back to classes and travel around campus, cold temperatures and windy weather reminds us that we have not escaped a Michigan winter.

Most nurses and doctors at Sindecuse agree that you have a greater chance of catching a cold during the winter months than any other time of the year.

“Based on clinical experience, we see more students seeking health care for illnesses during the winter season compared to other seasons,” Sindecuse Medical Director Lisa Marshall said.

Marshall said the reason for more people coming down with colds this time of year is because of people crowding together indoors with poor ventilation.

“Another important factor involves the behavior of the ill people while in close proximity to other students during seasons when we are primarily indoors,” she said.

“Coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth and nose, not properly washing hands and attending classes when it is recommended you stay home are just a few examples of behavior contributing to the spread of illness during the winter season.”

During the winter season Marshall sees more students coming in with the common cold. It is also common for her to see students with illnesses like influenza, gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) and sore throats due to viruses or strep.

Marshall stressed the importance of staying warm during these times.

“When your body temperature starts to drop, a protective mechanism in your body kicks into gear to try to maintain normal temperature to the most important organs of your body,” she said.

“When your skin is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, the tissue of your extremities may freeze causing frostbite and if the core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, intense shivering and mental status change may occur associated with hypothermia.”

Marshall recommends that students layer their clothing during cold days.

“Multiple layers of lightweight clothing will trap your body heat better than one thick layer,” she said. “Layering your clothes also allows you to add or take off layers as your body temperature changes. Cover your head to avoid body heat being lost through your scalp as well.”

Also during the snowy days, Marshall warns students to watch out for the snow that gets on clothing which melts because the moisture can make you more susceptible to further illnesses.

“Avoid getting wet by wearing waterproof clothing and boots. Take spare gloves, socks, and hats to replace wet clothing when you are out in extreme temperatures for a long period of time,” Marshall said.

Marshall said consuming a healthy diet is an important factor of keeping warm and illness free.
“Consume a healthy diet to replace body energy lost by cold weather and avoid drinking alcohol,” Marshall said. “Alcohol impairs your judgment while out in the cold weather and will impair your body’s response to the cold,.”

Sindecuse is also urging students to come in and get a flu shot. For more information on illnesses and the flu shot check Sindecuse’s Web site, Sindecuse.com.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=2939

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Jan 5 2009. Filed under Campus, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
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