Q: How long should I wash my hands to help prevent the spread of germs? Is a quick rinse enough?
A: Don't be hasty when you wash your hands. Lather up with soap and water and scrub for about 20 seconds — the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. Don't forget the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizing hand gel. Hand sanitizers don't kill as many germs, but they can help in a pinch. Be sure to pick a hand sanitizer that is 60 to 95 percent alcohol. Drugstores carry small containers that are handy for stashing in a purse or briefcase. The pharmacist at your Good Neighbor Pharmacy can help you choose a hand sanitizer that's right for you.
Q: How often should I wash my hands?
A: The CDC recommends you wash your hands before you:
• Prepare food
• Eat
• Care for someone who is sick
• Treat a cut
You should also wash hands after you:
• Prepare food
• Care for someone who is sick
• Treat a cut
• Use the restroom
• Help a child use the restroom
• Blow your nose
• Cough or sneeze
• Handle animal waste
• Touch garbage
Q: What can I do to eat healthier this holiday season?
A: Try these strategies to avoid tipping the scales this season:
• Avoid hunger. Don't skip meals in preparation for a holiday feast. This can lead to overeating, instead, eat a small, low-fat snack first.
• Take small portions. And use a smaller plate — your servings will look bigger.
• Focus on family and friends, not food. It's hard to talk and eat at the same time.
• Choose wisely. Go for lean meats, such as turkey. Load up on vegetables and fruits. Limit butter and high-fat salad dressings and gravies.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol weakens willpower — and has calories.
• Stick to your exercise routine. Take walks after big holiday meals.
• Delay dessert. If you wait a while, your craving for sweets may quiet down.
• Stand away from the food. The closer you are, the more likely you are to nibble.
Q: What can I do to manage my asthma symptoms and prevent attacks so I can enjoy the holidays?
A: Here are two ways to keep asthma symptoms from spoiling your festive mood:
• Watch out for dust on decorations. Decorations that have been packed away all year may have collected dust mites and mold, common triggers for allergic asthma. Clean them carefully before setting them out. When putting decorations away, store them in airtight containers.
• Consider live trees carefully. Some people find that their asthma is irritated by the strong odor. Others are bothered by mold carried inside on the tree. Because mold needs moisture to grow, it may help to let the tree dry in the garage for a week. Shake it to knock off the dead mold before bringing it indoors.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, December 2013
Share with Friend
