As summer draws to a close, cold and flu season is creeping closer. Good hygiene is a habit, and the more we practice healthy routines, the easier they are to follow! Taking steps toward good sanitation will prevent germs, so build up your healthy habits with these hygiene tips.
Prevent germs 101
We hear the word “germ” often, but what exactly are we talking about? A germ is a microorganism, meaning we can’t see it with the naked eye. They are everywhere, including your skin, the soil and the air. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing! The word “germ” sometimes sounds negative, but many of them help us maintain equilibrium in our bodies and are essential to our health and wellbeing.
On the other hand, some germs can make you sick. For example, viruses are a type of germ that spreads through close contact, breathing and touching. By understanding how they operate, we can better prevent germs and stay healthy.
Basic hygiene tips: Wash, clean and scrub
The best way to prevent germs is quite simple. Doctors and epidemiologists recommend washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. It’s a good habit to do often, but especially:
- Before preparing food.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- After using the restroom.
Here’s an easy way to ensure you wash for the full 20 seconds: Sing the lyrics to “Happy Birthday” twice to pass the time!
It’s a good idea to clean your home as well. Kitchens and bathrooms are key traffic areas that could use some extra cleaning and care. In the kitchen, be sure to sanitize after preparing meals to keep your counters free of bacteria (like that found in raw meats). Keep your bathroom sparkly clean too by sanitizing countertops, doorknobs and any other commonly touched surfaces.
Distance makes a difference
When you are sick, it’s important to respect others and prevent germs from spreading. The CDC’s hygiene tips say to keep your mouth and nose covered if you cough or sneeze. Try to cough in your elbow instead of your palm to help keep your hands germ-free. Otherwise, you can use a tissue and throw it away when you’re finished.
Better yet, if you’re sick, stay home! This will help keep your community healthy and will give you time to rest and recover.
Even when you are feeling in tip-top shape, maintaining a physical distance from others will help prevent germs from spreading. We learned to keep a distance of six feet from others at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this advice can help you stay healthy from many illnesses. When possible, avoid indoor spaces that don’t allow for fresh air. When you’re inside, open doors and windows when the weather allows. This will help fresh air circulate and keep viruses and bacteria at bay.
Safe at home
It feels good to create a safe, clean space to relax and unwind. Home is where the heart is, and it’s where you should feel secure. If you’re looking for a new house this season, the experts at First Centennial Mortgage can help you navigate the process. We know that every situation is different, and we’ll work to meet your individual needs.