Healthy Hints

After speaking with health care professionals, mothers, grandmothers and adding my own personal advice as a mom, I’ve complied a list of preventive measures for you to consider in helping to keep your family “Healthy” during the cold and flu season.....

WASH YOUR HANDS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN NORMAL. Frequent hand washings, especially with the use of anti-bacterial soap kills germs that can be passed on to others or inhaled and cause illness.

USE KLEENEX when needed, then throw it in the trash (Never leave used Kleenexes lying around.)

DON'T COUGH INTO THE OPEN AIR, always cover your mouth (use a Kleenex when possible and remember to wash your hands as soon as possible. Do not spread the germs by shaking hands or touching others before washing your hands with warm soapy water.

DO NOT SHARE! Sharing food and drinks increases the risk of illness even when neither party is ill or feeling symptoms.

DO NOT PUT HANDS IN MOUTH. For mothers with small children, this is always a challenge but children of all ages can be taught not to put their hands in their nose or their mouth. Hand Sanitizer is also a good ideal!

A HEALTHY TOOTHBRUSH IS A MUST! Being economical with your toothbrush is not a good ideal! Dentist recommend changing your toothbrush every three months, but in the event of illness, change it immediately. (I pour mouth wash over ours daily as a preventive measure.)

KEEP CLEAN. Germs and viruses love dirty bathrooms, laundry, trashcans and other unsanitary “hand-outs.” Regular cleanings, using anti-bacterial and/or disinfect cleaners can dramatically reduce gems and viruses.

A CLEAN KITCHEN SHOULD BE A GIVEN, GERMS AND FOOD JUST DON'T MIX!!

CLEAN BEDDING. Routine changes in bedding can reduce germs and viruses and also reduce chances of illness. Add Note: When purchasing bedsheets, always purchase extra pillow cases. Changing pillow cases more frequently reduces inhaled germs and viruses during sleeping.

REMEMBER TO DISINFECT. Add wiping doorknobs, remotes, telephones (remember the cell phones also), keyboards and other high traffic areas (don't forget the car interior) with anti-bacterial wipes as part of your weekly cleaning can greatly reduce germs and viruses and reduce illnesses.

DON’T FORGET THE CAR! It, too can be wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes on a regular basic, especially the steering wheel and interior doors.

**Tips based on personal opinions and experiences, not scientific proof.

**Originally published in the Feb 2006 issue of HomeTown Traditions Magazine