TEN WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY
Information found at FOXNEWS.com
by Lonye Gilles
April 30, 2009
The following is an article found
at FOXNEWS.com titled "Ten Ways to Prevent Swine Flu", but I
changed the headline to our article because the reminders are just
old fashioned common-sense ways to avoid all flu, colds, and other
easily spread illnesses. Following these simple guidelines will
guarantee better health.
• 1. We can't say it enough: Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash
your hands! "Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20
seconds after touching objects, surfaces or another person's hands
can physically remove cold viruses," states Dr. Clifford W.
Bassett, an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long
Island College Hospital.
• 2. When water isn't available, use alcohol-based liquid hand
sanitizers frequently, especially when hand washing is really not
possible. If using a gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. It
does not require water to work; the alcohol in it will kill hand
germs. But remember that not all germicidal lotions will adequately
kill cold viruses.
• 3. If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose or mouth, Bassett
said. He also recommends avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes and
nose. "Don't touch your face. Cold and flu are often spread by
hand-to-hand contact, so avoid directly facing an individual who is
coughing and sneezing." If you do sneeze into your hands, make sure
you clean them, and do this EVERY time you sneeze or cough.
• 4. Limit your exposure (even brief contact) to those "sufferers,"
especially during the first several days of their flu symptoms.
• 5. WE CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! Stay home if you're
experiencing any flu symptoms. Do not report to work or send your
child to school!
• 6. For individuals who are excessively stressed, some studies
favor the use of daily vitamin C during the cold and flu season,
Bassett said.
• 7. Eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep is a good
first step in keeping your immune system from getting overly
stressed, Bassett said. When you're rested, you will be better
prepared to fight off illness.
• 8. Remind your children to practice healthy habits. And of course
that means lots of hand washing, covering their mouth when they
cough or sneeze and using hand sanitizers when water isn't
available.
• 9. Routinely clean and disinfect. "Remember, disinfecting
actually destroys germs, it doesn't just clean surfaces," Bassett
said. Follow instructions of all disinfectants. Germs may live on
countertops and surfaces for hours or even days.
• 10. Finally, if you have flu symptoms, see your doctor
immediately. For more information, go to
www.cdc.gov/cleanhands.
