So far this year, we have experienced some extreme changes in temperature over very short periods of time. For example, on December 25th, the temperature in New York was 66 degrees, an all time high for our area during late December. But on January 5^th, just days later, the temperature quickly declined to 29 degrees, the lowest its been all year. Such changes in the temperature are known to cause some minor but debilitating illnesses among people everywhere.

Winter is a wonderful time for many, snow is sure to arrive within the coming months and time inside away from the cold is a promise we’re all looking forward to. However, one thing most of us cannot escape during this frigid season is the common cold, and if you’re unlucky enough, the flu may find you. For many students, such illnesses are not just physically debilitating, but they can also effect schoolwork and attendance. Junior, Paige Golding is no exception to the unfortunate effects of our ever changing weather this season, she says, “I get a cold about two times a year, which lasts about 4-5 days, more so when the weather is changing.” But, in order to prevent this, Paige says, “I try to stay warm and not go outside with wet hair.”

Another student here at WHBHS, Paola Rodriguez, takes good preventative measures to make sure she doesn’t get sick this winter, and it looks like they’re working, she says, “I rarely get sick, and if I do, it’s not weather related.” As far as what she does to protect her health, she says, “I usually try to eat well and take a lot of vitamins.” It’s very important for everyone, students especially, to protect themselves from such illnesses because not only will their health suffer, but their grades may decline as well, due to absences related to the illness and difficulty concentrating while sick. It is important to recognize when the shift in temperature, from warm to cold or vice versa, is considered extreme, and under these circumstances, students should prepare themselves for a high chance of developing weather related illnesses.

Some of the most popular preventative measures to take are as follow: Get seven hours of sleep every night, minimum. Eat three meals a day, at least one containing a full serving of protein. Wash your hands as often as you can, in between classes, before lunch, etc. Vitamins A, C, and D are essential to preventing colds and flu, so make sure you are taking those or a form of multi vitamin daily. Don’t use the same tissues more than once, and wear multiple layers when you have to be outside, cover your ears, chest, and head well. And of course, if you can, get your flu shot early in the season.