UT Tyler's Pollen Storm

              It's that time of year again, water eyes, snotty noses, and heaps of used kleenex !
Here are some home remedies you can try for those pesky allergy symptoms!

Pollen Storm arrives at The University of Texas at Tyler

I have never experience allergies until I move here to UT Tyler for college. Coming from the Dallas area, the pollen count here at East Texas is WAAYY higher. Basically, I have been experiencing the worst case of allergy EVVEERR. The whole runny nose, sneezing, congestion, throat hurting, fatigue, and just feeling down right yucky :(

At some point, I really thought I had the flu last semester! After going home and then coming back to Tyler multiple times , I realize that I feel awful when I come back! Now I can officially confirm that it is allergies and I finally started taking Zyrtec.

That is not dirt, that is indeed pollen

Well, everyone is different, which means different medication reacts to each person differently. As for me, Zyrtec makes me drowsy, and I couldn't take it everyday as I would like to help with the symptoms since I really think my professors wouldn't appreciate me passing out in class... So I had to stop taking it and suffer through it. I just thought nothing is going to work and I will be feeling miserable FOOREVVEERRR (a tad bit dramatic hehe).

Another you guys don't know about me is that my skin is EXTREMELY sensitive. It's ridiculous! Sometimes I wonder why I don't just live in a bubble.. but I started getting hives  on my chest!  (I know gross and too much information) but it turns out I'm allergic.

Yes, I have Chlonergic Urticaria AKA allergic to my own sweat. Sad day. So I finally went to the doctor to find out how I can control this nasty allergies. So now who has 2 prescribed medication to take daily? This girl... Don't worry guys, after a week and a half of taking these medication my chest is under control and hives free. :) Now only if the rest of my symptoms could cooperate...

So enough of my complains about allergies. I know a lot of you guys probably suffer from allergies as well. Especially since  it's spring! Here are some home remedies you might want to try before you try the prescription stuff!

1. Drink LOTS OF WATER! 
2. Use saline solution: This might not be for everyone but irrigating the nose may help soothe upper respiratory by removing irritants.  
3. Drink some peppermint tea! Peppermint's essential oil acts as a decongestant and substances in peppermint contains anti-inflammatory. And if you are in the more adventurous try wasabi or horseradish! This kicks your sinuses and tear ducts to over drive! clears your sinuses right up! 
4. Steam your face. Steam will soothe irritated sinuses and helps get rid of mucus in the nasal passages
5. Go to your local drugstore and find yourself some good ol' allergy medication. Mind you these don't come cheap so look for coupons!

If you don't even want to bother with these then go ahead and talk to a doctor.
Remember students- The Clinic!

Flu Season, Patriots… Stay Healthy!

My state as I write this blog: blocked nose, sore throat, voice like that of a man, nauseated.

 I always get sick at this time of the year, when the weather is in the process of changing. And so is everyone around me!

As the weather continues to power on to Fall Season, we experience a fluctuation of cold and hot weather. I think that confuses my body and eventually, my immune system fails me.

I cannot believe my luck that I would get sick this week; a week full of exams and quizzes. I’ve already missed three classes because my fever reached 103°F yesterday. And now I’m in a state of worry on how I’m going to catch up on missed school work. I blame Murphy’s Law.

I went to the University Health Clinic yesterday and got a note. They also prescribed me some medicine that helped break my fever. But I’m still pretty sick and I’m still very behind on work.

So if you’re one of those that’s already infected, here’s are some things that’s helping me get better:

•  Go to the clinic. That’s the first step because they will know what’s going on in your body and prescribe you some medicine. (Also, there’s the chance that it’s not flu, so it’s better safe than sorry)
•  If you don’t have the time or energy to go to the clinic, over the counter medication could be your best bet.
•  VITAMIN C. Cannot express how much Vitamin C will help. It boosts your immune system and helps you get better faster and prevents any other sickness. Oranges/Vitamin C supplements are good.
•  Fluids. Being sick gets you dehydrated and your body will always need more fluids than normal.
•  Lots of rest, staying warm (but not too warm, because that elevates your body temperature if you have a fever) and avoiding extra physical work.

Also, if you’re not sick yet (lucky you), here are some preventative measures you might want to take:

• Again, VITAMIC C. A strong immune system is key.
• Get your flu shot :) The University Health Clinic provides this shot and you can set up an appointment and get one.
• Stay away from sick people (for obvious reasons)
• Keep pocket hand sanitizer with you at all times, and use it as necessary. Kill ‘em germs.
• Keep your apartment/living space clean. Bacteria and germs LOVE mess and dirty places and you wouldn’t want your space to be a breeding ground for that.

You should also read my co-blogger Gabby’s blog on more tips about staying healthy and germ-free. 
I hope everyone else is had a great week and looking forward to Homecoming! :)

Treating Your Body with Compassion

 

     As I wrote in earlier blogs, I was not too thrilled about turning 20. I am not a "teen" anymore and still a year short of being 21!:( The start of my birthday week didn't go as well as I hope and only added to the dreading of my birthday. Perhaps I don't like my birthdays because it just means another year of being older and another step into being an official adult.... so scary. So when Tuesday afternoon came and I started a mild fever, followed by fatigue and nausea ( I cannot remember to spell this word. EVER!) I thought, this is just my luck! The second week of school and I'm already sick! Fortunately The University Health Clinic was able to see me the next day.

     There are many preventive ways to avoid the spreading of germs and getting sick!

From:Getty.com

• WASH YOUR HANDS!-  This is the obvious and one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. 
•  Hand Sanitizer-  Seriously you can get these sooo cheap! My friend went to the dollar store and got us a pack with two 2 oz. bottles for yes, ONE DOLLAR (plus tax of course) after watching the movie Contagion. We we're quite paranoid after that :)
• Sneeze and cough properly- Yes there are proper ways to do these! When you feel a sneeze coming, face away from other people, and sneeze into your elbows. This way you don't sneeze in your hands that you touch others and things with! 
• Don't share utensils or water bottles-  Taking a sip from a friend's water bottle or sharing a bite of their food with their fork is one of the easiest way to spread germs aside from kissing of course. 
• Disinfecting/ cleaning supplies-  Have lysol disinfecting spray at hand! They come with various fragrances :) Smells very nice. My roommates literally sprayed the WHOLE apartment when I told them I wasn't feeling well. They were a tad bit paranoid..  Also, Clorox Wipes are hands down the most vital things for cleaning and disinfecting. 
• Exercise and getting a good night sleep- Exercising and getting the recommended amount of 8 hours helps maintains healthy immune system. We all know that all nighters and very late bed times are usually happens in college but try to get the most sleep you can! And napping between classes are always nice :) 
• If you're sick, STAY AT HOME!- If you are not feeling well, and I mean really not feeling well, not just because you don't want to go to class, then stay at home! There is no need for you to put more stress on your body or spread what you have with your peers.