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A Health Guide for Frosh

For many of you, this is the first time you'll be in Waterloo for an extended period of time. There will be many new things for you to try, and many new germs for you to breathe in. Many of you may catch colds in the coming weeks (I believe it is something about cold virus that are foreign for you, but I'm no expert on biology). Being sick is not a good state to be in — you can't go to class, do any work, sit in the comfy, run around wearing only T-shirt and shorts in November, or come to mathNEWS Production Nights.

Of course, your parents probably have gave you some advice in staying healthy. While those are good advice, it is not the full story. The following is a guide on how to keep yourself healthy in the coming months (and your university years).

  1. Take a walk outside
    MC is a great place to study and play, but it doesn't have everything you need (some people claim the opposite, but it isn't true). You need to get outside to meet new people (as if I know anything about it), keep your skin from going pale, and to keep your nose from malfunctionning (you probably have heard that too much exposure to the air in the MC is bad for you; if you haven't, ask your frosh leader).

  2. Don't bring your Calculus textbook to school
    Firstly, it is not good for your back. Imagine carrying that from MC to the villages and back day after day. Some claim that the calculus textbook can be used as a fly swatter. They are right, but you are more likely to find six- (or eight-) legged creatures at home. When a fly flies by, you don't want to scramble in your backpack to find your textbook. Besides, this text can be a good alternative to a footstool, bringing it to school will only reduce the comfort you'd have at home.

  3. Exercise regularly
    It sounds like a given, but schoolwork and the co-op process can rob a lot of valuable time from you. At other times, you just feel tired and don't feel like getting off the couch (or your favourite chair). You may have heard of the frosh 15, where you gain 15 pounds in your first your in university. Actually, it should be 15 kilograms or percent, whichever is more. To prevent this, you should exercise, and it is easier than you think. You can wander around in MC for 15 minutes, walk along Ring Road (NO short-cuts), or swim in the Laurel Creek (do so at your own risk). [I recommend using the pool in the PAC — KreasEd]

  4. Eat nutriously
    Once again it seems like a no-brainer. However, it is easier said than done. Eating Kraft Dinner or cereal for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner sounds like a good idea (after all, it is easy to prepare), but you will probably gain weight and have your teeth fall off. There are many good options available on campus, go explore and find your favourite. Also, remember that mathNEWS provides recipes from time to time, some of which are actually do-able. Just another reason why mathNEWS is such a great publication.

  5. Don't look for dates during the exam season
    I learned about this at the end of my 1st term here. I know, having a date sound like a good way to unwind during the exam session, but it is not that good of an idea. Aside from the time needed to find a date (it certainly will take a bite out of your studying time), if you are rejected, the heartbreak can be multiplied many times. If you are rejected, you may feel disappointed and lose the will to study. When the grades are released, WHAM! you'll get hit once more, where it hurts.

(Disclaimer: These advice are based on my own experience and not proven by any scientific study. Good health is not guaranteed even if you follow this guide fully — I caught colds every fall I was here.)

Jason "the Screamer" Lau