Juliet Stouffer
When academics start to kick into high gear and illness spreads like wildfire, there are many things that students can do to prevent illness during the school year. In an interview with The Olaf Messenger Director of Health Services Kellen Lambeau shares ways for students to keep themselves healthy.
Lambeau recommends self care as the first step: “Regular physical activity, balanced diet, getting enough sleep, [and] avoiding substances that might alter your immunity or your health. Those are just basic guidelines and they apply to preventing most illnesses.”
Actionable steps such as staying up to date on vaccines, good hygiene such as washing hands regularly and staying home when feeling ill are just a few ways that students can avoid illness.
The recent vaccine clinic put on by the College in partnership with Cub Pharmacy and the St. Olaf Nursing Department was an example of a helpful preventative measure against illness in the campus community. For students still looking to get vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19, there are various outpatient pharmacies in Northfield, as well as vaccines provided by Rice County.
Lambeau also mentioned the Wellness Center’s Peer Educators as a resource for students. “They have special training, so they can help students navigate any concerns they may have related to many different aspects of health,” Lambeau said.
Even with these preventative measures, illness inevitably will occur on campus. However, the College has various resources including Health Services, the Wellness Center, and TimelyCare. In addition to these resources, the Wellness Center has recently installed a health vending machine in Buntrock Commons, which will provide access to menstrual products, over-the-counter medications, ace wraps, ice packs, soap, and COVID-19 tests.