Vaccines & vacuums: Healthy in Spring 2010

The snow is dripping and the birds are singing, which can only mean that spring is finally coming. It’s time to eliminate that dust-bunny forest under the bunk bed, gear up the bikes and get ready to soak up the sun.

While the warmer weather offers more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, JoEllen Anderson, director of Student Health Service, says that spring sees a lot of student injuries, especially ones involving bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades.

“Roads still have sand and grit, which can be slippery, and often there will be puddles that look like water but are actually icy, so we see a lot of ice-related injuries,” Anderson said.

Anderson also predicts another round of influenza soon.

“For college students, seasonal influenza usually crops up around mid-March to early April,” Anderson said.

She also predicts more cases of H1N1 cropping up.

Health Service held a vaccination clinic in the Union last week, but students can still come to the Heath Service office any time to get a free H1N1 vaccination or a seasonal flu vaccination for $20.

“I really encourage students to be proactive this year and get the vaccinations before spring break,” Anderson said.

Spring also brings good health effects. The lengthening days means more sunlight.

“We notice that this increasing daylight time really improves mood and energy levels,” Anderson said. “People are definitely in better moods around campus.”

While many associate spring with allergies, the allergies that occur during this time of year are more likely to come from dusty dorm rooms.

“Usually allergies this time of year are due to being cooped up inside with dust and mold,” Anderson said.

She suggests washing pillows, sheets and comforters as part of students’ spring cleaning rituals.

“If you haven’t washed your bedding since Christmas break, it’s a good idea to do it now,” Anderson says.

“Spring cleaning” is the seasonal buzzword, possibly because more sunlight means more opportunities to notice those dust bunnies mingling with stale Cheerios under the desk.

Miller Resident Assistant Erin Gilbertson (‘11) says spring is a great time to get organized.

“If you’re organized, then you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning,” Gilbertson said.

She recommends investing in crates, drawers and bins to organize stuff lying around in closets. Gilbertson also suggests investing in an inexpensive vacuum to keep dust bunnies at bay.

“Having a small vacuum is a lot more convenient than trucking up a huge one from the Service Center,” Gilbertson said.

Is there still too much clutter despite cleaning efforts? Spring is the perfect time to pull out things that haven’t been used in a while and ask, “Will I miss this if I give it away?”

Gilbertson also points out that organizing can be a good way to de-stress.

“When I don’t want to work on homework any more, I take a break and clean for a few minutes,” she said. “Then I feel a little better because my room is cleaner, and I can concentrate.”

Once you open your dorm windows to let some clean spring air in, clean up a bit and reduce clutter, you may find it easier to concentrate and relax in your serene, organized room.