Celeste Cruz/Vaquero Radio
Having great health is an important factor for academic success, according to a UTRGV School of Medicine associate professor who offered wellness advice.
Dr. Cristel Escalona, an assistant professor of Pediatrics for the Division of Women’s and Children’s Health and a board-certified pediatrician at UT Health RGV, provided information on ways people can prevent getting ill.
“The best way to prevent getting sick is good hand-washing,” Escalona said. “People always forget to wash their hands.”
She also mentioned the types of supplements people can take in order to have a strong immune system.
“I take probiotics, I really like them,” Escalona said. “I think it keeps my immune system strong and it’s helpful, you know, for digestive issues as well. Multi vitamins are also nice. People should consider [taking them], especially … if you don’t eat, like, a really well-rounded diet.”
She also advised people to improve their diet routine.
“Just make sure that like half of what’s on your plate belongs to a plant, whether in the form of a salad or broccoli, that you’re just getting it in there,” Escalona said. “Because overall, over time, you’ll be a better and healthier human. Most of the illnesses that you develop, when you’re old like me, are driven by the choices of what it is that you ate.”
She also recommended Tylenol or ibuprofen when people have the flu or a fever.
“If you’re sick make sure that you stay nice and hydrated,” Escalona said. “So, if it’s just simple water, that’s fine. If you want to be fancy … buy one of those liquid IV powders. If you have vomiting and you can’t hold anything down, you should go to the clinic.”
Escalona said it is essential to exercise at least five times a week in order to have better health.
“It’s good for your mental health,” she said. “It dissipates anxiety, and it does make you healthier overall. It makes your immune system stronger because your entire body is healthy and, so, it kinda promotes health.”
She suggested going to the Student Health Center for a checkup at least once a year and keeping up to date with vaccinations. In case of fever or another illness, students can visit the Student Health Center. The clinic also has a pharmacy.
“Just so that you guys know, you pay for student health,” Escalona said. “If you’re an enrolled student, even, like, part time, I think they have access to the clinic. You can see the doctors there 800 times, whatever. There’s no cost because you pay, like, a flat fee. So, this flat fee covers however many visits it is that you need.”
For more information about the UT Health RGV Student Health clinic, visit its website https://www.utrgv.edu/health-services/ or call 665-2511 in Edinburg and 882-3896 in Brownsville. The clinic in Edinburg is located at 613 North Sugar Road and in Cortez Hall, Suite 237, in Brownsville.
This is Celeste Cruz for Vaquero Radio.
