Making A Difference

Off to College: Breathe Better and Stay Healthy

Let’s face it, college can be fun. You’re on your own for the first time and living in a dorm with new friends. Yes, college is about the learning experience, but there is a certain social element to it that can lead to an easy spread of bacteria, viruses, and germs. Especially as the weather gets colder and the windows stay shut. All it can take is one person with a nasty breathing or respiratory illness to quickly contaminate others in close proximity. There are ways to improve your odds of staying healthy and we here at Health Products for You can definitely help.

Major Illnesses to Look Out for in College?

Much like a daycare or any grade school, kids in college have a tendency to pass along all kinds of bacteria or germs accidentally. It could be just an innocent cough or sneeze, but that can release an abundant sea of airborne nasties that can be transmitted from student to student. This can be multiplied when the windows get shut as the cold weather arrives, therefore trapping any airborne contaminants inside the dormitories. Some common illnesses college students are regularly exposed to include, but are not limited to:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Bronchitis
• Stomach virus
• Mononucleosis

These illnesses (and others) can make studying difficult, if not impossible at times. Add to that the stress of deadlines and our college-age students can quickly get run down and prime candidates for illness. Many times if the illness goes untreated, it can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia or meningitis. My own son ended up in a hospital with pneumonia after ignoring a nasty cough and respiratory infection going around his dorm. That was fun!!

What are the Strategies for Fighting Illness?

In order to stay healthy, our college-age students need to be somewhat proactive in protecting their health. For instance, vaccines are available for meningitis and should be administered before your child returns to college. Sleep and rest are extremely important and should never be overlooked. Another way to improve your chances of staying healthy is by improving the environment around you. This means using devices that can improve the quality of the air around you or in your dorm room. These can include:

1. Air Purifiers

By purifying the air in your dorm room, you can minimize the risk of contracting an airborne contaminant such as a virus or bacteria. Many air purifiers even employ a HEPA filter to eliminate up to 99% of contaminants.

AIRFREE P1000 Filterless Air Purifier	Honeywell HEPA Compact Tower Allergen Remover	AIRFREE IRIS 3000 Filterless Air Purifier

2. Portable Nebulizer

Many respiratory ailments can require the inhalation of medicine and if you have a portable nebulizer in your dormitory it simplifies the issue. With space at a premium in your dorm room, a portable nebulizer (which is smaller) turns liquid medication into a fine, inhalable mist which can help with bronchitis or even allergy induced asthma.

DeVilbiss Traveler Portable Compressor Nebulizer System​	Respironics InnoSpire Mini Compressor Nebulizer System	Pari Trek S Portable Compressor Nebulizer Aerosol System

3. Hand Sanitizer:

One of the prime methods for transmitting germs and bacteria is through physical contact. Hand sanitizers can eliminate almost all of the potential germs and bacteria available to college students. This can cut down on the transmission of influenza, the common cold, and other nasty bacteria.

Soapbox 70% Alcohol Scented Gel Hand Sanitizer	3M Avagard D Instant Hand Antiseptic with Moisturizer	Core Remedy Hand Sanitizer

4. Humidifier

Cold-weather air can be dry and irritating, especially to those who may be suffering from a cold or sore throat. By adding moisture to the air, not only can you soothe an irritated throat but you can breathe easier which leads to better sleep and a faster recovery.

Crane 2-in-1 Warm Mist Humidifier	Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier	Crane Cool Mist Evaporative Humidifier

5. Disinfectant

Computer keyboards, videogame controllers, and other miscellaneous items lying around the dorm room are a breeding ground for germs. Using a disinfectant can minimize the transfer of any type of bacteria or virus which could get you sick. A little proactive action can go a long way in staying healthy.

If you are someone who uses prescription breathing aids, such as an inhaler, be sure to fill the prescription and possibly utilize a holding chamber such as the Monaghan Aerochamber Plus Z Stat Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber with Large Comfort Seal Mask and be sure not to share with anyone. Sharing is spreading!!

Monaghan Aerochamber Plus Z STAT Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber With Large ComfortSeal Mask	Monaghan AeroChamber Plus Z STAT Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber With ComfortSeal Mask	Monaghan AeroChamber Plus Z STAT Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber With ComfortSeal Small Mask

Keeping yourself or your college-age student healthy in a dorm setting can be a challenge. So many kids in such close proximity just lends itself to a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and germs. Use all the tools at your disposal to stay healthy and hit the books!!

 

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