subject: Say No to Germs [print this page] Say No to Germs Say No to Germs
Everyone dreads the sniffle of a nose, watery eyes, muscle aches and nausea that signals the beginning of an illness. Getting sick is no fun at all and will somehow interrupt your daily routines and general mood. However, most of these minor health illnesses can be prevented by utilizing basic healthy steps and living clean. So prevent the spread of germs by following these simple everyday acts and getting the whole family involved.
One of the germ busting secrets that we are taught from an early age is to clean our hands. One of the easiest and most important daily routines that will help eliminate those pesky germs. In fact, germs can live outside your body on surfaces for up to 48 hours. It is impossible to know what germs are where, and simply touching a doorknob or pulling out a chair can spread cold, flu and stomach bugs that will make you sick. This is why it is so important to wash your hands frequently and wash them thoroughly. The rule of thumb is to wet your hands, apply adequate soap, lather and scrub all areas of your hand for a good 20 seconds, and rinse. Also, when leaving the restroom remember to use either a paper towel or your elbow to open the door and leave. You don't want to negate your hand washing by picking up extra germs on the way out.
Another germ busting secret is to keep your hands to yourself. Easier said then done, but this simple act can help keep germs at bay and away from others. For example, try to avoid hand contact with others in the cold and flu season. Handshaking and touching is a quick way to pick up germs and get sick. Additionally, you want to avoid touching your face. Germs can spread incredibly fast once they reach your eyes, nose, mouth and so on. So basically try to keep your hands out of your face, off others, and to yourself. If you need to blow your nose or rub your eyes just make sure you wash your hands before and after. Plus, it goes without saying that every time you eat or drink you need to wash your hands before, or else these nasty little bugs will hitch a ride straight to your stomach and into your system.
Coughing, sneezing and close spaces are also easy germ pods. If you feel that you are about to sneeze or cough then be smart and cover your mouth. You don't want to use your hands however, as stated earlier, because the germs will spread from your hand to other surfaces. Instead, you should use the crook of your arm to prevent germs from flying. As a matter of fact, there are special elbow sleeves designed for kids that teach them to sneeze and cough into their arm; a very practical and wonderful invention for families of all kinds. Close spaces is also something you will want to avoid year-round. When you are in close spaces with others it is easy to pick up germs that automatically escape from normal breathing and sneezing, even when it is done on the crook of the arm. This is simply due to the fact that a closer range means a greater chance for these germs to get to you. Try to stay in well ventilated and uncrowded places as a general rule for your overall health.
These simple and yet substantial actions are your ticket to a healthier you. With so many germs out there it is almost impossible to avoid every bug that comes your way. However, you can greatly decrease your risk by following these routine steps and staying away from ones you know are sick. Prevent the spread of germs and set an example for others.
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