Health
Keep the body healthy from disease
When a student is walking in the hallways they may not think about how much germs are around them. Teenagers may not understand how to keep their bodies healthy simply because they don’t care or they don’t think about it. A lot of teens just want to eat junk food.
Nurse practitioner Maggie Livingston believes that one very important part about being healthy and not getting sick is to eat right.
“Teens tend to be very busy so snacks that are healthy are hard to find. Granola bars that are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber are good options,” Livingston said.
Sleep plays an important role in a teenager’s health. They are supposed to get around seven and eight hours of sleep.
“When we sleep our body is expanding itself from stress, pollutants, infection and sun exposure. Sleep also helps strengthen your immune system. Sleeping also keeps our heart healthy by reducing levels of stress and inflammation,” Livingston said.
Although this year there has been less people sick in our school, school nurse Jeanne Mark noticed.
“Normally the common influenza is the most common in our school. I don’t know if it is the H1N1 that people are taking care of their selves. I have not seen much this year. The most common probably is strep or the common cold,” Mark said.
During the winter season it’s more likely to get the cold or the common influenza.
“Dress appropriate for the weather. You can get sick easier in the winter because we are all confined inside more. If you are sick stay home,” Mark said.
Exercise is a key part of staying healthy. It can be a hassle when someone can be very busy. It helps teens stay fit which helps the body stay healthy.
According to WebMd.com Exercise, on the other hand, helps boost immunity. Researchers aren’t sure exactly how exercise helps strengthen the immune system. Studies show that people who exercise have better-functioning white blood cells (the ones that help fight off infection) than people who don’t exercise.
The best advice for a teenager about keeping their body healthy, are just the key things. Exercise, sleep, and good eating habits.
“To continue these throughout your lifetime. I would also recommend taking daily vitamin and getting plenty of calcium. Building lean muscle mass helps keep you strong it burns more calories. At least avoid smoking and also drug use,” Livingston said.