It’s back to school time! There is nothing like that initial excitement, whether it is for grade school, high school, or college. Hustle, bustle, meeting new friends, catching up with old acquaintances, and settling into a new environment, all take a few weeks for adjusting.
Did you know that a child’s hands are the main importer/exporter of cold, flu, and other germs both at home and at school? The spreading of these germs are the main causes for about 4 colds per year for adults, 6 colds a year for children, and even more for the flu bug.
Where are those germs hiding?
Door Knobs
Light Switches
Computer Keyboards & Mouse
Phones & Earphones
Remote Controls
Faucet Handles
Refrigerator Handles
Toys
Classroom Desks
Drinking Fountains
And many more……
About 90% of all the germs on your hands are hiding under your fingernails! Think about how many times daily that your hands touch your face (mouth, nose, ears, eyes). How about an whopping 12,500 times yearly!! Make sure that you use a brush to get under the fingernails.
So how do we rid ourselves of the germs? Doctors and media often tell us to use harsh disinfectants and sanitizers. Did you realize that may of them are not safe and can cause fumes that irritate the skin and your lungs? Many contain harsh and abrasive chemicals, that if not properly handled can put you at risk for poisoning and toxic chemical exposure.
The best cure is an ounce of prevention. Sounds simple, but make sure that you wash your hands!
Hand Washing Technique
Rub hands together for about 30 seconds
Scrub everywhere on the hands, including the backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under the fingernails
Rinse well and dry hands with a clean towel
A bit of common sense and the simple act of proper hand washing can literally save you hundreds of dollars in excess medical bills, over the counter preparations, and lost time and wages from work.
Please let me know what you do for your family to protect them from colds and the flu. Drop me a note below.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent advice. However dispensing certain essential oils into the room can help shift some of this bacteria from surfaces.
That is not an excuse for not washing hands properly. I noticed in hospital the other day that they have the hand sanitisers at the entrance to all wards. 90% of people, hospital staff included just walk past them.
People need to be educated.
Great tips! Thank you sharing. Good point to pay attention to the types of disinfectants and chemicals you use.
Michelle Pearson recently posted..The Single Biggest Mistake You Make with Your Health
Great tips! Thank you for sharing. It is good to pay attention to the kinds you use too!
Michelle Pearson recently posted..The Single Biggest Mistake You Make with Your Health
Good tip on the brush. I need to get one for my teen boys. They are just getting over colds so I think they will be motivated to use it while they still recall the pain of being sick!
Lori Thayer recently posted..Personalize A Thank You Card
Good reminder about washing under your fingernails. Nurses have told me lots of germs can set up camp under there!
This is really good! Teaching kids to wash their hands properly may seem silly however, I remember when I worked in the school system seeing so many children just run their hands through the stream of water and off they would go! Thanks for this Karen! Going to print and share!
denny hagel recently posted..9/11: Tragedy Through the Eyes of a Child… What Do Parents Say to Their Children?
Karen, I am a good and diligent handwasher…:)
Olga Hermans recently posted..The moral and ethical side of wanting to make a lot of money in business