Winter is coming soon which means the holidays have arrived. This is a time when families gather and shoppers fill the malls coughing and sneezing, leaving germs behind.
There are several things a person can do to help protect their family and friends against unwanted illnesses.
n First, there is a need to recognize the people at the greatest risk. This would include the elderly, young children, babies and people who already have a compromised immune system (i.e. people receiving chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS patients and individuals with lupus to name a few.
A mild common cold to this population could lead to serious illness and even death in some instances. If you do have a cold or a cough and must visit someone who is at a great risk, wear a mask. If no mask is available cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Keep visits short and avoid any physical contact. If you are sick a better choice would be to stay home and send a homemade card filled with love and pictures for them to enjoy all year-round.
n Hand washing is the single most important thing all of us can do to prevent illness. Germs cover everything such as money, doorknobs and shopping carts. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone should wash their hands frequently and for 10-15 seconds to remove germs.
You can also try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to know you will have washed your hands sufficiently.
n Maintain a healthy diet and take a daily vitamin. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and provide for a healthy nutritional snack. They also contain the essential vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system. Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of fiber, which also helps us keep a clean and healthy digestive tract.
Pets carry germs that get passed from one place to another. Keep pets clean and always wash hands after contact with a pet.
Small children usually have their hands in their mouth so make sure their hands and toys are away from pets and cleaned frequently.
Dress appropriately. Dressing this time of year can be difficult because it’s cold in the morning and hot by the afternoon.
Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to the current conditions. Most of the body’s heat is lost through the head so don’t forget the hat in cold weather.
Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of water will keep you well hydrated and give your body energy. Water is another way of flushing out toxins in our body to prevent illness and disease.
Stay well rested. According to the National Sleep Foundation not enough sleep can lead to anxiety, inability to concentrate, depression and a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can lead to unlimited illnesses and diseases.
Get vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The Center for Disease Control states that vaccine-preventable diseases have social and economic costs such as sick children missing school, which causes parents to lose time from work. These diseases can also cause premature death.
If everyone followed the above recommendations it would help prevent the spread of germs.
During the holidays, everyone wants to visit Grandma and Grandpa, but remember to leave the germs at home.
For more ideas and tips on health and safety visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
Sarah Starbird, who is originally from Poland, is a senior nursing student at Minot State University in North Dakota. She wrote this article as a class assignment.
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