Daily Preparedness

Though this is the season of giving, one gift we would all like to avoid is all too common this time of year–upper respiratory infections due to ‘colds’, flus and other ailments quickly passed from one to another. This year, it seems that the varieties of germs floating around has the propensity for quickly accelerating into bronchitis and/or pneumonia. These unwelcome holiday guests can put a serious damper on your ability to deck the halls with another other than kleenex, vaporizers and prescription medication. However, like most unwanted guests, there is much you can do to prevent acquiring or passing on these little critters of misery!

First and foremost, if you are playing host to a germfest, STAY HOME as much as possible. Miss church meetings, call in sick to work and isolate yourself. If everyone would do this, the chances of an epidemic are reduced to nil. At the least, follow common sense and keep your germs to yourself.

What can you do to reduce your risk of infection or of spreading infection? Read on!

1. WASH YOUR HANDS. Soap, water and a little bit of friction are the best ways to combat the spread of germs. Use warm water, soap and scrub for at least 15 seconds. Wash often and thoroughly, but always before preparing or eating food, after using the restroom and any time you have contact with an infected person.
2. USE A TISSUE INSTEAD OF A HANDKERCHIEF. Handkerchiefs are pocket petri dishes for bacteria and virus’. Keep them for ceremonial uses and use disposable tissues for the serious work. Throw away your soiled tissues immediately.
3. KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF YOUR FACE. When you touch your eyes, nose or mouth you are passing all of those germs you collected as you went about your daily life right into the areas where they like to grow.
4. COUGH AND SNEEZE AWAY FROM OTHERS. Cough into your sleeve, a tissue or turn around for pity’s sake! Did you know that the average speed of your sneeze is 100mph! Just think of a sneeze as a rocket propelled germ rocket–a biological weapon if there ever was one, so keep it to yourself.
5. MOUTHS ARE NOT FOR MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS. If you have the bad, bad habit of sticking pens, pencils and similar objects into your mouth–STOP IT RIGHT NOW! Also avoid licking your fingers in order to turn pages. Let’s not even discuss the germ count on money!
6. IN THE OFFICE. Clean your work area, keyboard and phone often. Keyboards and phones are great homes for all sorts of nasty stuff. Individually wrapped alcohol wipes are great cleaning devices and are safe on nearly all keyboards, remotes and phones. Don’t forget to wash your hands after using the bathroom, copy/fax machine, touching items in the lunchroom or anything frequently touched by others.
7. GERMS CAN SET UP HOUSE NEARLY ANYWHERE. Clean doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator doors, bathrooms, kitchen counters, telephones and remotes at home. A spray disinfectant is a good item to add to the cleaning basket.
8. CARRY HAND SANITIZER. This quick, easy to use solution to hand washing is affordable and easy to use. Just remember that it relies on friction to work so don’t skimp in the hand rubbing portion of the routine. Be certain to get between your fingers.
9. TEACH THE CHILDREN WELL. Children are germ machines on two legs. Those in school are exposed daily to a wide variety of germies and they bring them home with them! Insist that your school follow a strict ‘You are sick, you are going home’ policy. Teach them to wash their hands frequently, saying the ABC’s as they scrub. Stick a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpack. Insist that your child stay home when they are sick! Keep their backpacks off of kitchen counters and eating surfaces.
10. DON’T SHARE CUPS, CHAPSTICK, MAKE-UP. Use paper cups in the bathroom and teach your children to NOT share their chapstick or other personal care items. No drinking after others. For older children and teens, warn them about drinking out of cups prepared by others at a party. Insist that they drink only from a container that they open and that they keep in their possession–this one isn’t so much about germs as it is about what others might put in their drink. The consequences can be much worse than pneumonia.
11. DON’T SHARE FOOD OR UNTENSILS. This includes at home as it limits the passing of nasties from one child to another. A good dishwasher and powerful soap will also help stop the spread of germs.
12. USE DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS. This is particularly important when a bug hits your house. Use paper towels, paper plates and cups. If you use hand towels in the bathroom or kitchen, replace them frequently. Have a separate towel for the sick person to use. Replace kitchen sponges daily. Sanitize them by boiling or running through the dishwasher on hot water (the dishwasher is still not likely to sanitize it).
13. PLAN AHEAD. Have soup, cough drops, tissue, paper products and lots of fluids stored in case someone does get sick.
14. VENTILATE. Weather permitting, open windows even briefly to allow fresh air to circulate through your house.
15. MOISTURIZE. Add humidifiers to the bedrooms if dry air is a problem. Consider using a netti pot or nasal saline spray daily if you must be in contact with those who are likely to be sick.
16. PRACTICE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING. Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean at all times. Don’t just straighten these rooms, sanitize them! Replace towels and bedding frequently. Clean toys regularly in hot soapy water.
17. EAT HEALTHY. It is often difficult during the holidays, but remember that your body needs good nutrition to fight off germs. Avoid too many sweets, drink plenty of healthy fluids such as water and take your vitamins.
18. GET ENOUGH REST. Another tricky one during busy seasons, but try to get adequate sleep every night. If you do come down with a cold, allow yourself extra sleeping time to fend off the invasion before it escalates to something worse.
19. EXERCISE. Getting 30 minutes of exercise three or more times a week builds your immune system. Park further away from your office door, take the stairs, ride the exercise bike while watching a holiday special or just walk around your house briskly as you dust and sanitize.
20. RELAX! Take time to unwind. A body under stress is more likely to get sick than someone who is well rested and relaxed. Don’t attempt to be Martha Stewart this holiday season–remember she has a full time staff and orders carry out.

Stay healthy!