Staying Healthy at SLIG

It sometimes feels like SLIG is an incubator for illness  (We’ve all heard the stories of the year of SLIGNESS). When you bring together a large group of people from various places around the world, sitting for five days in rooms together, it’s only natural that some crud goes around. I’ve been fortunate that I have not gotten sick at SLIG – but every year, about two days after I get home, I get really ill and crash for at least two weeks!! Happens every year and I haven’t figured out why.
Through the years, I’ve heard a variety of tips from people about staying healthy and thought I’d share what I’ve heard.

• Start by staying healthy on the plane. It’s been suggested that you make sure the blower above you is turned off since it’s just blowing re-circulating (I.e. germy) air on you. Makes sense but of course the other passengers have their blowers on blowing that germy air around.
• If you are really concerned, wear a mask. Some folks bring a mask to wear in SLC. If there is an inversion, the air quality can be bad  and a mask may help. This is especially important if you have any respiratory issues.
• Drink lots of water. The climate is drier than many of us are used to.
• You are also in a higher altitude than many of us are used to so walking can sometimes be a challenge. Just take things easy and tell your walking partners to slow down.
• Some folks take extra Vitamin C .
• Bring along a small humidifier for your room.This has really helped me a lot.The hotel also has a few room sized humidifiers available for rent.
• Make sure you have plenty of unscented lotion and lip balm. (Please be considerate of others and wear unscented only.)
• Wash your hands!!! WASH YOUR HANDS!!! WASH YOUR HANDS!!! (Use a hand sanitizer too.)
• Get plenty of rest. Don’t try to cram everything into the week. I will sometimes come back to my room during lunch and take a short nap. It helps keep my energy level up. I also make sure I’m trying to get to bed at a decent hour.
• Remember that for most of us there is a time change so plan to let yourself get used to the different time zone. I find arriving a couple of days early to work in the library really helps me. By the time SLIG starts, I am pretty used to the time change.
• Eat healthy.
• If you are sick, wear a mask and keep your distance from others please.
• If you get sick and need some assistance, please reach out to the SLIG staff.

Things happen during the week – someone might need a trip to the dentist or urgent care or whatever. Local folks can direct you to the nearest drug store (just a couple of blocks away), or recommend a dentist.
Here’s hoping we all have a fun, healthy SLIG experience.