Staying 100% healthy over the Fall sports season is always a challenge.  More stress. Late games. Homework. Less sleep.  Different eating schedules.  Early cold and flu season sometimes hits crowded schools hard too.  So what can you do to control what you can?  It starts with taking the best care of your body as possible.  Here are a few tips:

Wash your hands!  One of best ways to prevent getting sick at the start of the new school year is to wash hands regularly and use hand gels.

Hydrate.  Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.  It's too easy when inside most of the day to forget to drink.  You don't have to be thirsty to drink.

Sleep.  This is likely the #1 best tip.  If you do not sleep enough, you are not recovering well and your brain isn't functioning at optimal levels during the day.  Ideally 7-8 hours minimally. 

Eat healthy.  Fuel your body with as much natural food as possible.  Avoid processed foods and eat fresh fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, etc.  Snack on healthy food like trail mix, protein bars (low sugar/low fat) and avoid soda!  

Get a foam roller.  Every athlete should have this very inexpensive recovery tool at home.

Finally, if you are feeling sick, in pain or just feel run down, talk to your coach. Sitting out a practice or two won't hurt you and can only help you get back on your feet sooner.