If you have been to the Health Center (Jaja Clinic) during the exam period, you would agree with me that it is the time of the semester that the clinic witnesses the most attendance. This is not unconnected with the fact that there is a lot of changes in the activities of the students during this critical time of the semester. This is the time that students want to boost their low or maintain their high CGPA. So, it is not surprising seeing many people indulging in various forms of rigorous academic exercise during this time.
In this piece, we are going to look at how you can strengthen your immunity (immune system) and prepare your biological body for this rigorous activities. This is necessary so that you will not fall victim of being among the visitors of JAJA in the exam period.
To start with, what is immunity?Immunity is the capability of multicellular organisms to resist harmful microorganisms. The system that does this in human body is the immune system. The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. So, human immunity is the capability of human body to resist harmful microorganisms (infections). As it is known, pathogens are the cause of all the diseases. So, if you can strengthen your immune system, then you can become invincible for the pathogens.
How then can you medically and scientifically strengthen your immunity.
Scientifically, one of the ways to strengthen the immune system is by taking balance and nutritious diet.
Vegetables, fruit and proteinous food should be the major constituents of your food during this exam period. Vegetables are known scientifically to provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are necessary for good health.
Carrot, is scientifically known to be reach in vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for good eye sight and to prevent sight loss. So it will be beneficial to ensure you include such in your weekly food timetable. Especially during the exam period that you’ll have to stretch and stress your eyes beyond normal. Also, Proteins are the backbone of the body’s defence systems, antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Proteins are made up of amino acids that play a role in forging immunity. Immune cells that are benefited by protein include leukocytes, cytokines, phagocytes which are necessary for normal immune function and stave off the infection.
Exercise is also pivotal in strengthen the immune system. The tendency is to stay all day in the room throughout the lecture free weeks. No, you shouldn’t do that. By taking regular exercise, your raise your body temperature during the exercise.
This is able to prevent the growth of microorganisms and keep you healthy. Exercise slows off the release of stress hormones. Some stress hormones increase the chance of illness. Exercise is good but you should not over do it. Especially during this critical period that time is the most precious and limited resources that you have. However, taking daily 20 to 30 minute walks is enough to get you the benefit of the exercise.
Also, get adequate sleep. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep.vHowever, you shouldn’t not oversleep. Knowing very well that this is exam period.
In the final analysis, you need to prepare your body for the upcoming stress. Eat balance diet and not just any how food. Take regular exercise during the lecture free weeks and sleep moderately. With all this, you can be guaranteed that you will be medically fit all through the rigorous days and you will not have to sit endlessly in JAJA with a view to seeing doctor.
