With the different flu strains and colds going around, I wanted to share some basic reminders on how to stay healthy this season.
First of all, WASH YOUR HANDS! After using the restroom, after shopping, basically after touching things that have bathroom germs or basic “touched by other strangers” germs–wash your hands. With soap. And for at least 20 seconds. You can hum “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or the “Happy Birthday” tune twice during the process to keep it safe. If there is no soap available, carry those anti-bacterial hand gels in your car. Or even just pour rubbing alcohol over your hands. Same basic idea.
Secondly, DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE! Just don’t do it! Have an itchy eye or need to wipe sweat off of your face? Use your sleeve or other part of clothing, or simply resist the urge. Count to 10 and the urge to touch usually subsides. Mind over matter, my friends.
Next, keep in mind the PLACES IN YOUR HOME WHERE GERMS LURK:
**Sponges: bleach them weekly, or microwave them weekly, or simply replace them weekly
**Washing clothes: cold water DOES NOT kill salmonella bacteria or hepatitis A virus. Use an antimicrobial additive.
**Disinfect toothbrushes regularly (I say weekly)
**Keep the toilet lid down while flushing if possible
**Each time you replace a trashbag liner, disinfect the inside of trashbin
**Clean the cutting board! There are 200 TIMES MORE FECAL BACTERIA on the average cutting board than on the toilet seat.
FOR THE TRAVELERS OUT THERE, don’t be so fast to grab the remote or the phone at your hotel without wiping them down first. Travel with antibacterial wipes.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and peaceful winter season,
Lynette
PS….What are your own personal tips on how to stay healthy during cold and flu season? Please share!
#1 by Big Ed at November 12th, 2009
| Quote
I don’t touch anyone when traveling.
Also, I take a vitamin everyday making sure I get lots of “C”.
Last but not least, I take airborne!
#2 by Lil Doggie at November 10th, 2009
| Quote
Thanks for the tips!
Here are mine for traveling:
I always take the comforter off the bed. Hotels don’t wash them as often as they wash the sheets (maybe once a week at the high end places). I take my own sheets and pillow too. But that might be extreme for most people.
Stay Hydrated! It’s easy to get dehydrated during a long flight. If your sinuses are dry, that’s a way for flu/cold viruses to get you.
If you’re wanting to get the h1n1 flu shot and everyone’s out in your area, when traveling, take a look at the local drug stores. I just got both the seasonal and h1n1 while on a biz trip.
#3 by Leo at November 10th, 2009
| Quote
Here are some additional tips that are common sense and may support you staying healthy.
http://www.bodymindsuccess.com/swine-flu-proliferation-simple-common-sense-tips/