Community living will be an adjustment for you; not only in the psychological sense, but also in the physical sense. Before coming to campus, you perhaps lived in a single family dwelling in some version of an apartment, condo or house. Moving into a new environment takes time for your body to adjust. There are steps you can take to keep your body healthy throughout the academic year. Below are tips taken from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

• Follow public health advice regarding closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

If you get sick, please notify your RA or RHD/AHD. Your RHD/AHD will help you locate the resources you will need to get healthy again. Asking for help is the best way you can get back to your healthy self again. And we are here to help.