The unusual weather this year has brought an onset of sickness like none other, and if you’re like many who have fallen victim to the illnesses spreading through many office and living spaces, then you understand how important it is to take preventative measures. We all know how important it is to wash your hands with warm water and soap, but sometimes that isn’t always enough to keep the germs at bay.
If you’ve recently gotten sick and are no longer contagious, make sure to clean and disinfect spaces you’ve been around or touched. This includes door knobs, tables, computer keyboards and mice, bedding, TV remotes, light switches, and buttons on appliances. The little things you may not think of cleaning right away, may also be the most contaminated.
Your phone may also be something you may look past when disinfecting. However, phones can harbor a variety of germs, bacteria, and viruses if you aren’t careful. In fact, a recent study found that smartphones are dirtier than toilet seats. Gross! It makes sense though because we carry them everywhere and put them down on multiple surfaces throughout the day. Therefore, get into the habit wiping down your phone with sanitizing cloths.
Public Spaces
Of course, not everyone practices healthy hygiene habits; making public spaces some of the dirtiest to be in. However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them all together.
To prevent picking up germs when you’re out make sure to: wash or sanitize your hands before and after using a shared computer, an elevator space, and when touching a door handle at any establishment. Carrying hand sanitizer or cleaning wipes with you is also a good way to prevent the spread of germs into your work space or anywhere else you go.
Additionally, some of the germiest public spaces include grocery stores because the baskets and handles on carts are frequently handled by people. In fact, a study conducted that at least 50% of shopping carts have traces of E.coli on them. Usually many stores now provide anti-bacterial wipes for shoppers to use, however it’s always good to take a few with you in case they don’t.
Transportation
Furthermore, transportation is another public hotspot for germs. Just because you’re only there for a small percentage of the day doesn’t mean you can get sick while commuting somewhere.
Sanitize your hands before and after being on public transportation. This will prevent you from spreading and catching sickness (especially if you touch metal railings on board). Moreover, if you’re still feeling a bit worried about getting sick from those around you, you can always wear a surgical mask or wrap a scarf around your mouth and nose.
Of course, not all of use public transportation. However, that doesn’t mean your personal car isn’t immune to being a germ trap. In fact, your vehicle can harbor just as many germs and bacteria. The steering wheel, dashboard, and vents have all been found to house large amounts of germs. So, make sure to sanitize and clean them regularly with wipes.
Children
Teaching your children healthy habits is the best way to prevent sickness from spreading, too. Schools are a major breeding ground for infections and illnesses because kids unknowingly spread them to each other and their families. Providing them sanitizing wipes in their lunch bag, or a travel size container of hand sanitizer in their backpack will help prevent the spread of potential illnesses.
In addition, make sure to get them into the habit of cleaning their hands not only after using the bathroom, but before they eat too. Kids normally don’t think about where their hands have been all day and with the variety of finger foods they enjoy, germs can be easily spread orally. It’s also a good practice to wash their book bags and wipe down the supplies they take to school. Children are much more susceptible to germs, so make sure to protect them!
Fitness
Of course, while personal hygiene is always the first way to fight and prevent a cold, it’s also important to take into account that your physical fitness affects your immune system as well.
The winter months can take a toll on our bodies because we’re more opt to stay inside when it’s dark or cold out. This can cause weight gain and other health problems from inactivity.
Plus, if it’s snowing outside we’re all apt to stay in for safety’s sake. Moreover, while there’s nothing wrong with relaxing after a hard day’s work, it’s also important to keep your body active.
Now, you don’t have to bundle up and go for a 2 hour jog around the block (although, that’s not a bad thing), but small things you can do indoors like yoga, meditation, or strength training exercises can help you mentally and physically. Keeping active will also curb any boredom or cabin fever you may feel when you’re cooped up inside from the winter weather.
Vitamins
If your immune system needs a little boost, vitamins are here to help. When your body is fighting off a cold or illness it can take a toll on your immune system. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are needed to help your immune system. You can find these antioxidants in fruits and vegetables such as, berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Vitamin D is also great for your immune system, however it is mainly obtained through fortified foods, milk, and the sun. However, with the sun not nearly as strong as it could be in the winter, it can cause many to feel the effects. In fact, people who live in New England are at a higher risk for Vitamin D deficiency because of limited sun exposure during the winter months. We also all feel the winter blues from time to time so taking a multivitamin may help curb these feelings while helping your immune system.
So, if you’re looking to beat the germs this season practice wellness and precautionary steps with your family, and you’ll be on your way to a successful, healthy life.
Do you have any things you do to feel better when sick? If so we’d love to hear about them in the comments below!