WOW! If ever there was a time to be PREPARED and VIGILANT—IT’S NOW. Even as you read this article and the COVID-19/coronavirus has been in the news since late January, all precautions and safety measures are still very relevant.
The suggestions and tips that follow were all taken from articles originating through sources such as The Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Government, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and various medical sources and universities,
Even though following these might seem intuitive, please review to insure you and your family members are practicing them:
■ Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often (take at least 20 seconds).
■ If you can’t wash your hands, use sanitizing gel/lotion or wipes containing at least 60% alcohol.
■ DON’T touch your face (nose, eyes, mouth).
■ Use paper towels for wiping your hands, not cloth tow- els others have used.
■ NO hand shake greetings or welcome kissing.
■ Use knuckles or elbows on light switches, elevators, door push bars.
■ Use latex gloves or paper wipes when going to the gas station.
■ Sanitize your cell phone, tablet, keyboards, home phone, TV remote, doorknobs, toilet flush handles and other high- touch surfaces.
■ At the grocery store, wipe cart handles and child seats.
Better yet, use a delivery service like Instacart, FreshDi- rect, or Amazon Prime. And don’t forget to wash non- porous containers (milk cartons, plastic, cellophane, etc.) Also, wash veggies and fruit.
■ Use your own pen when signing your charges at stores and avoid using cash and returned change.
■ Go shopping, if you must, at a time that’s less busy.
■ Don’t forget to wipe areas down after visits from repair- men, contractors, house keepers, gardeners, and even your mail and delivered packages.
■ Drink more water (every 15 minutes) to keep your lips and throat lubricated and wash germs into your stomach where acid will kill them.
■ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, not your hand, or use your elbow.
■ Stay at least 6 feet apart from others when possible.
■ STAY AT HOME! Especially if you are over 60 and/ or have chronic heart issues, lung disease, diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease.
■ BUT, if you stay at home, try to get some fresh air, go for a walk, sit in the sun AND skip the gym!
■ Get adequate sleep.
■ Eat plenty of plain yogurt every day to boost your pro- biotics.
■ Watch your diet. Your immune system needs fuel.
■ Call your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or other virus symptoms, and have come in contact with a per- son who is known to have virus issues.
And, GUESS WHAT? All of these precautions will also help you avoid the flu and common cold. When you think about it, these are easily practiced preventive measures. It’s a new world, so jump on these habits.
Be safe and vigilant and stay healthy.
—Kent Wellbrock
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