Search Results for: blog want to stay healthy wash those hands

The Weakness

As the temperatures have dropped (as we near winter) and the stress has increased (as I near another round of exams) my family has found itself on the receiving end of sickness. This is something that seems to happen at least once a year but since our son is not yet two years of age we haven’t been doing the “sick” think with a child for very long. We want him to be a happy and healthy little boy. We want to protect him from sickness… but what happens when he needs protection from his own sick father? I should … Continue reading →

Getting Them to Wash Their Hands

By now, you have likely been indoctrinated like the rest of us around hand washing. We know that washing our hands and getting our children to wash their hands is the key to avoiding illness for ourselves and helping to NOT spread germs and illness to those others we come in contact with. Knowing the benefits of hand-washing and getting our children to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly are two entirely different things, however. There are things you can do to encourage hand washing and make it a little on the fun side—in hopes this will inspire your children … Continue reading →

Staying Healthy on Trips Abroad

Whenever I watch those Food Network shows following people on their exotic food eating adventures I often wonder if they ever sample dishes that have made them sick. In a previous blog I shared with you what happened to my brother the last time he got thirsty in Bali. And his story is not unique. Sampling local cuisine from the far ends of the planet is one of the most satisfying aspects of foreign travel. But while the delicious scents may draw you in and your palate might enjoy the culinary masterpieces, your stomach may not always be happy with … Continue reading →

The Best Way to Kill Germs

A study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health says that those liquid antibacterial soaps are no better at preventing infection than regular soaps! What’s worse — using antibacterial soaps may decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Antibacterial soaps that contain triclosan (in liquid form) or triclocarban (in bar form) have been associated with antibiotic resistance. The study authors suggest skipping products labeled “antibacterial” and sticking to other cleaners. The best cleanser out there is good old soap and water. Scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds — including under your nails and between your fingers. Rinse … Continue reading →

Keeping Germs Away At 35,000-Feet

For some travelers the mere thought of having to be cooped up with hundreds of strangers in an airtight environment is enough to make them sick. But are you really more susceptible to cold viruses at 35,000-feet? I have friends who have told me that they have boarded a flight feeling great, but shortly after they landed a horrendous cold set in and their vacation was ruined. Is this possible? According to doctors, there is little evidence that indicates riding on a plane increases the likelihood of contracting an illness. In fact, the notion that the air in planes is … Continue reading →

Body Piercing Care and Safety Tips

Most people with body piercings don’t have any problem healing. The ears are a common piercing site; earlobe piercing often heals without any problems. Each piercing site has a different healing time, but you keep things clean and healthy with a little home treatment. Keep things clean and prevent infection: Wash the piercing site several times each day with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Soak the piercing site in warm water several times each day. This will increase blood flow to the area to promote healing and help reduce the risk of infection. Use an antibacterial mouthwash several times … Continue reading →

Trying to Stay Healthy? Watch Those Toothbrushes and Towels!

Trying to keep a family healthy–especially during the cold and dreary winter months or “cold and flu season” can be incredibly daunting. You may be making sure the dishes are clean, everyone’s washing their hands, and disinfecting the toys, but is there anything else to be done? It can be especially challenging when one person in the family gets sick and you’re trying to keep the germs from hopping from person to person and making everyone ill! Look for places where family members may come in contact with each other’s germs–toothbrushes nestled next to each other by the bathroom sink … Continue reading →