What You Need to Do to Stay Healthy
We all want to stay healthy. We also recognize that we can make choices that help us to feel better and can lower our chances of becoming sick, whether it’s paying attention to nutrition, including exercise in our routine, getting enough sleep, or scheduling regular visits with our doctor and listening to his or her advice.
However, there are times when we need to do a little more. During flu season, or when other viruses or illnesses are circulating, it becomes important to take extra steps to protect our health. Here are a few simple things you can do to exercise caution.
5 Tips to Stay Healthy
1. Keep Your Hands Clean
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” two times.
Always wash your hands before and after eating, after using the restroom or touching a pet, after you have been in a public place (including the doctor’s office or grocery store), and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover both hands and rub until they are completely dry.
Here is a video that answers many questions about the right way to wash your hands to kill the most germs.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
The funny thing about not touching your face is that as soon as you start thinking about it, you seem to get the urge to do it. Admit it, your nose is itching right now, isn’t it?
When you touch dirty surfaces, your hands can pick up germs. When you touch your face with unwashed hands, you risk allowing those infection-causing bacteria, viruses, or germs to enter the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth and cause you to get sick.
Whenever possible, make a conscious effort not to touch your face. But, if you absolutely must scratch your nose, go ahead and do it, just make sure that your hands are clean first!
3. Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
Some places to pay special attention to include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, remote controls, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. These should be cleaned daily if possible.
4. Stay Home Whenever Possible
At times, it’s advisable to avoid going out in public, especially if you have health issues that put you at greater risk of complications from illnesses. Consult with your doctor to see if he or she recommends rescheduling routine appointments. Consider using a delivery service for your groceries. Or send your shopping list to a friend or family member who can drop off what you need. Does your church offer online services or telephone tie in? Take advantage of the chance to listen from home.
5. Avoid People Who Might Be Sick
Many germs and viruses are spread from person to person by droplets that remain in the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks near you. If anyone you know is sick or has been around someone else who is sick, avoid visiting with that person.
On the other hand, the same is true if you have been sick, have signs of sickness, or someone you’ve been around has been sick. It is better to stay home rather than risk getting someone else sick.
While there really is no perfect substitute for face to face visits and warm hugs and handshakes from your friends and family, there are times when it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid in-person visits.
Just because you may not be together physically, though, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy each other’s company.
Socializing Without Risking Your Health
You already know that telephone calls, emails, and text messages are great ways to keep the lines of communication open. However, these aren’t the only ways to socialize from a distance. Services like Skype and FaceTime allow you to see and hear each other while you talk.
Some families and friends also enjoy using programs designed to allow groups of people to gather virtually. Programs like Zoom or Google Meet (formally Google Hangouts) allow you to “meet” with several people at once. Although these were originally designed with businesses in mind, they can be a fun way to connect with friends and family and enjoy a bit of banter.
Social media is another way to share updates and keep in touch. With an account on a platform like Facebook or Instagram, you and your loved ones can share and comment on photos and videos. Social media is a great way to share experiences when you can’t be together in person, whether it’s videos of your grandchildren doing stunts in the backyard or pictures of the goodies your friend across town has been baking.
The most important thing is to stay healthy. It may involve washing your hands more than usual, staying at home more than you would like, and learning a few things about technology to keep in touch with loved ones, but it’s well worth the effort!
Visit the Davis Community’s Assisted Living and SNF in Wilmington NC
If you or a loved one are in need of help living a safe, active and independent lifestyle, call the Davis Community today at 910.686.7195 or simply complete and submit our online information request form. We provide exceptional assisted living and skilled nursing services in Wilmington, NC. We offer a strong and supportive environment where your loved one will feel welcomed and part of an active community. Davis Community is pleased to offer customized concierge home care services, including meal preparation and nutritional guidance, to independent seniors living in Landfall, Cambridge Village, Wrightsville Beach and Porter’s Neck, NC. Get to know the difference today — schedule a visit to the Davis Community!