Minnesota. Winter. For many, those two words are all too synonymous, especially during Minnesota’s approximately nine months of crappy weather. From the first frosts of late October to the late snows of April, Minnesota can just be a rough place to live sometimes. On top of that, it can be just plain dangerous. From driving to school half asleep on icy roads to braving a classroom full of flu victims, the likelihood of dying (or just getting sick) during winter radically increases over the warmer months of the road construction season.

According to Edina High School nurse Ann Little, influenza is a huge problem for high school students, which normally hits hardest in January and February, right in the darkest depths of winter. She said that not “getting enough sleep, eating well,” and the stress of high school all contribute to the rise of sickness in the dark depths of winter. All hope is not lost, however, because there are a few things we can do to stay healthy. Little stressed the importance of getting the flu vaccine, especially for those at particular risk from the flu and other upper respiratory illnesses. At risk people include those with asthma and those who suffer from illness-induced asthma.

Getting a flu shot isn’t the only thing students can do to stay healthy. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and being sure to dress appropriately for the weather all help. Long-time Edina swim coach Art Downey is a huge proponent of hats to help stay warm and healthy, and is fond of saying that “a head with nothing on it has nothing in it.”

Minnesota may be a dangerous place to live in the winter, but you can survive. From staying warm to eating right to getting enough sleep, staying smart about staying healthy in winter can keep you from getting sick.