Paying attention to your body’s signals is the best way to make it through the winter healthy.

Most illnesses are ignored until the bug knocks a person into bed. But Michael Haines, the Health Enhancement Services coordinator, said listening to the body’s signals is the best way to stave a serious illness.

“We can’t keep ourselves from being exposed to viruses,” but taking precautions and needed actions is the only way to get through the winter,” Haines said.

The biggest precaution is getting enough rest and fluids when the body gets its aches and pains. Haines said the aches and pains are the first signs of minor illnesses that, if left untreated, can lead to major problems.

Those major problems include pneumonia and bronchial infections. These can stem from common colds and flus, Haines said.

Thoroughly washing hands often is recommended because the hands pick up germs and transfer them to the eyes and nose during the day, Haines said.

Popping an aspirin and going on your way to classes or work is one of the worst things to do when fatigue and aches set in, Haines said. These are the first signs that the body is in trouble and needs rest, he said. Sleep and liquids can mean the difference between getting rid of the bug and worsening your health in the following months, he said.

People often mistakenly identify the fatigue or aches with previous activities when they are warnings the body is in trouble, Haines said.

Frostbite also is a health concern, he said.

The health service already has treated frostbite cases. Haines said most people don’t realize they have frostbite because its first condition is the lack of pain or numbness on exposed flesh.

Frostbite most commonly is caused by people not realizing how cold it is and being outside with skin exposed. The tips of fingers, toes, ears and cheeks are most susceptible.

aines said frostbite can hit as quickly as 20 minutes.

The winter weather also brings falls from walking and outside activities.

aines warned that excessive amount of alcohol is a problem because it impairs judgment and could lead to weather-related health problems.

“We’ve all seen the people at football games,” he said.

Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body when fluids are most needed.