Stay Healthy During Cold Season
by Pam Ness
We are currently in the thick of cold and flu season. Seniors are especially at risk of developing complications if they do become sick, so taking preventive measures to keep both seniors and their caregivers healthy is essential. Here’s a few tips on how to stay healthy during this cold season:
- Frequent hand-washing is key. Wash hands before and after preparing food, before eating, after toileting, after blowing one’s nose, and upon returning home from errands or appointments outside the house. Wash with warm water and soap, and thoroughly lather the front and back of the hands. It is recommended to scrub the hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel. Since frequent hand-washing can quickly dry out skin, keeping a pump of hand lotion at every sink helps build a habit of moisturizing after cleaning.
- Try not to touch germy public surfaces when possible. Use an elbow or wrist to push elevator buttons. Carry your own pen for signing documents, checks, and receipts. Use an arm for pushing a door open when it’s possible, to avoid your fingers touching a door handle. Wear gloves for using keypads and styluses while paying for transactions.
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative to stay healthy during cold season if you can’t conveniently wash your hands away from home. Travel-sized bottles of sanitizer are easily found for less than two dollars in most pharmacies and supermarkets — buy a bunch and stash them in the car, in purses/backpacks, and even in jacket pockets.
- Avoid contact with others who are ill, and stay away from crowds. If someone in the household is ill, figure out a private space for them to recuperate, and make sure to designate separate hand towels or use paper towels in the bathroom. Use bleach wipes to frequently clean shared surfaces such as faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, phones, and remote controls. Disposable masks are available at pharmacies, and can help prevent the spray of germs into the air.
- Get plenty of sleep and rest, as well as regular exercise.
- Keep a healthy diet and stay hydrated. This is key to staying healthy during cold season. Talk to your doctor for recommendations about any appropriate supplements to bolster your immune system.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. Use a tissue when sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, and dispose of the tissues promptly. Cough into your inner elbow, instead of into your hands or out into the air.
- Get the flu vaccine — it’s not too late! Check with your doctor beforehand.
