Alexa D’Ambrosio ’17, Matt Freese ’17: Colds, lack of sleep, allergies, the flu, and viruses are merely a few of the concerns pending on Nurse Anne Ravreby’s mind for the upcoming school year. In the fall, students will struggle with getting an inadequate amount of rest since they “are used to sleeping in later.” Ravreby explained that during the fall and spring, “Everyone will be complaining about seasonal allergies.” The bitter cold, snow, and wind during the months of December, January, and February will cause the most sickness of the year. During these months, the flu poses a serious threat to students’ health, as well as the generic cold and runny nose.
Photo Courtesy of Sammi Ciardi
“We usually have an increase [in sickness] when we start,” Ravreby stated while explaining how as class reconvenes so does the close contact that induces the spread of germs. Raverby then went on to point out that next generally comes several major injuries. “I’m always concerned about safety [in sports].” On a more positive note, however, Ravreby declared, “I think what’s different this year is we’ve had great weather.”
Nevertheless, Raverby explained that there are ways to prevent these possible health issues. “Don’t share water bottles. Don’t share drinks… You’re just passing germs around.” Ravreby continued, “Wash your hands…Sleep better…Eat better.” Ravreby advises avoiding junk food and caffeine and getting a flu shot. “Stay home if you’re sick!” She indicated that “[students] often come in and they share their viruses,” hypothesizes that this is because students are concerned about missing an assessment. She additionally stated, “We have many students that have to utilize crutches or wheelchairs to navigate the halls,” advocating everyone to “be helpful and remember to keep all book bags and sports bags out of the hall.” Her final bit of advice for the community in general is to always “give a helping hand!”