Don't Let The Cold Give You A Cold

It’s once again the time of year when it seems everywhere you turn you see people coughing and sneezing.  No one wants to take that home with them, but we cannot lock the doors and stay inside until spring.  The next best option has to be hand washing.  The better job we do washing our hands, the less likely we will be to bring flu and other viruses into our homes and bodies this year.

“Remember, good health hygiene is critical and as parents, it’s really important to teach our kids good health hygiene from the very start so healthy habits can continue as they get older.”  Children cannot protect themselves from germs if we do not show them how to properly wash their hands.   

• "Here’s a quick guide on hand washing that will zap any germ in its tracks:
• Turn the faucet on with a paper towel. (While the CDC recommends only turning off the faucet with a paper towel, it’s a good idea to use one to turn it on since the sink is contaminated).
• Wet your hands with warm running water and apply soap.
• Rub hands together vigorously to make a soapy lather.
• Rub all surfaces including your wrists, between your fingers, back of your hands and under your fingernails and cuticles, and around any rings.
• Rub your hands for 15-20 seconds.
• No timer is needed; just imagine singing “Happy Birthday” x 2.
• Rinse your hands well.
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
• Use your paper towel to turn off the faucet if possible.
• Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty."

So simple and yet so often overlooked.  Take the time to clean your hand and teach your children to clean them properly as well.  Your family will thank you for it.

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SOURCE: http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/swine-flu-vs-soap-our-bet-s-on-the-soap/659768

PHOTO: Tina Franklin – Sneeze https://www.flickr.com/photos/97481684@N08/

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