Proper Cough & Sneeze Etiquette To Avoid Spreading Germs
Tis The Season - Cold & flu season is upon us and can easily take you down for a couple days or a even a week. The good news is that there are some things we can do to help avoid and prevent catching someone else's cold or flu and avoiding germs that spread and make us sick. Here are my Top 5 Tips To Help Stay Well and Avoid Getting Sick This Season:
1. Wash Your Hands With Warm Soapy Water Throughout The Day - Especially Before Eating & Drinking, Before Heading Home From Work/School and After Shaking Hands ANYONE, Especially Those Who Still Don't Seem To Know Proper Cough & Sneeze Etiquette and Cough or Sneeze in Their Hands, Not Their Elbow. Yikes and Gross! This is exactly how germs spread and we get sick. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer in lieu of access to a bathroom to wash your hands.
These 4 Basic Principles of Hand Awareness were endorsed by the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001.
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
- Do not cough into hands.
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Do not sneeze into hands.
- Above all, do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth!
2. "Cough & Sneeze Into Your Elbow Please" - Remind others & teach your children of this healthy habit, common courtesy and germ spreading avoider. Post a Sign At Work or School. Speak Up, Be Bold & Avoid The Cold!
3. Wipe Down Cell Phone, Electronics, and Shared Devices & Spaces With Alcohol - Carry Alcohol Wipes To Have on Hand to wipe door handles, computers, and shared spaces.
4. Drink Extra Water & Load Up on Vitamin C - Two Healthy Habits to Practice In General, But Especially During Cold & Flu Season! It's Important to Stay Hydrated and Help Rid The Body Of Toxins (add in Lemon To Water For More Benefits) and Increase Vitamin C Through Vitamin C Rich Foods (strawberries, berries, oranges, etc.), And A Daily Vitamin C Supplement and be sure to eat Vitamin C rich foods like these favorites:
Strawberries, Citrus Fruits, Kiwi, Bell Peppers, Pineapple, Brussels Sprouts, Melons, Dark Leafy Greens, Broccoli & Cauliflower.
5. Rest and Moderate Exercise - Yes, BOTH are important in maintaining health and wellness and in cold prevention. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and continue a moderate exercise routine when you feel like you may be getting sick. Studies show that movement - moderate exercise, such as walking, boosts our immune system!
Cheers to A Season of Health & Wellness!