Practice Protection Methods
The new school year is underway, new grade, new class, new teacher, new friends and new GERMS!!! With increased exposure, new hours to adjust to, and new stress, people often experience fatigue and sickness during this season. Fight the cold and flu season with these tips for staying healthy and returning to school.
Let's Clean House
So not literally but kind of literally we need to clean house to practice protection methods.
At home keep your house clean and organized in manner that flows with your household dynamic but during this season your health is safer when you take extra care to clean these areas:
- disinfect car steering wheel and door handles
- house door knobs and handles
- refrigerator door handles
- TV remotes
- game station controllers
- mobile devices and tablets
- bathroom surfaces
- bookbags
- lunch boxes
- personal water bottles.
While at work improve office hygiene practices by using disinfecting wipes, keeping in mind the dirtiest areas are:
- break room sink faucet handles
- microwave and refrigerator door handles
- conference room/whiteboard markers
- water cooler
- vending machines
- office door handles
- computer keyboards/mouses.
Boost Your Immune System
Start with the basics – improving your immune system.
1. Wash your hands … a lot – Sounds simple, but soap and water are the constant companions of doctors and nurses for a reason.
2. Get steamed up – Flu viruses love dry air, like during the winter months, so try a humidifier. As a perk, they naturally relieve congestion!
3. Don’t skip Vitamin D – Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it regulates the immune system to help fight off sickness. Orange Juice has a lot of Vitamin D in it as well if getting sunshine is difficult.
4. Grab some Zzzs – Fatigue can make your body more vulnerable to attack, so be sure not to skip your shut-eye.
5. Get a flu shot – Though not a 100% guarantee, getting vaccinated as early as possible significantly lowers your chance of getting sick. Find where you can get your Flu Shot.
Be Considerate
If you are not feeling well or sick, be mindful of others around you and take measures to help prevent the spread of illness.
- If you are sick, stay home. Review company policies for sick leave, paid time off, and telecommuting.
- If you need to go out for basic care items, wear a mask in public spaces and keep your distance.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes in the elbow of your arm.
- Brush your teeth and use mouthwash more often to kill bad bacteria and germs.
- Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and fluids with electrolytes.
Maintain a Routine
Maintain your routine by planning for healthy living in advance. Prep meals on the weekends, maintain a regular sleep schedule, schedule time for fun activities and relaxation, and do your best to increase physical activity.
Studies show, time and again, that routine makes you healthier and more productive in everything you do. If you’re new to maintaining a schedule, start small. Pick just one thing to do consistently for your health. Remember, it can take as little as two months to form a habit. So the most important thing is to stick with it.
Conclusion – Your Back To School Flu Game Plan Starts Now
Flu season isn’t a maybe – it’s happening right now, and those who ignore flu preparedness risk major illness and disruptions to their operations. A proactive approach protects you and your beloved and keeps your life running smoothly. By implementing effective flu prevention strategies and sound health policies now, people will avoid bigger sicknesses and problems later.
