By Shannon Swanson, Good Samaritan Society – Services@Home
Chances are that you have heard the saying, “If you don’t put a coat on before you go outside, you are going to catch a cold!” But is this necessarily true? Here we are, facing another frigid Midwest winter, and it is true that you should always wear appropriate attire before heading outdoors, but the temperature outside has little to do with the common cold.
Today I’d like to share some important tips on how you can help prevent the spread of germs, and give some information on how to keep yourself healthy during the infamous flu season.
- The first line of defense against the war on germs is, of course, to wash your hands. According to the CDC, you should first wet your hands, then lather up with soap for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get under your fingernails, the backs of your hands, and your wrists. Rinse with running water, and dry with a clean towel or air dry. You should do this after using the restroom, after changing a dirty diaper, before and after preparing food, and just about any time you are at a sink with soap and water. There is never a bad time to wash your hands! Sounds simple enough right? Well, according to CBS news, a recent study showed only 5 percent of us are doing this correctly!
- Now that we have hand-washing down, what else can we do to help keep those pesky germs from flying around? When coughing or sneezing, do so into a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. Stay home when you are sick, and try to avoid any close contact with those who are showing signs of the cold or flu virus.
- Keep commonly used surfaces at home or work clean and disinfected.
- A healthy, well balanced diet can also boost your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to developing a full-blown cold.
- Of course, another great way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Talk to your doctor or local pharmacy if you haven’t already about this year’s flu vaccine.
These simple steps can greatly reduce your risk and others of becoming ill.
Good Samaritan Society – Services@Home provides care such as housekeeping, medication reminders, preparing meals, grocery shopping, and assisting with other cares to assist people to remain independent at home. To learn more about Good Samaritan Society – Services@Home, please call 563-359-4444 or visit our website at www.good-sam.com/quadcityhome.
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