by Stacy F.

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 26, 2007

Whether you work with a group of 20, or 820 co-workers, you are bound to share germs down the road with one another. I have some tips that can keep that down to a bare minimum if the proper precautions are taken every day, every time.

1.Wash your hands.

Proper handwashing is essential in every job that you can think of; From healthcare to horticulture, from factory workers to farming. If you go through the day without washing your hands, you are at a 90% chance of getting a really nasty bug, because germs are spread from the hands, by touching your face. Proper handwashing consists of antibacterial soap, and water the tempurature of 101 to 110 degrees. Start with wetting your hands, and lathering up the soap in the center of your hands. work soap between your fingers, under the nails, and around any rings you are wearing. wash all the way up to your elbows if possible. How long to wash your hands is a debate that will go on until the end of time. A good rule of thumb- sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice (To yourself of course) and that should give you an adequate washing time (About 50 seconds). Dry with an air dryer (Preferably) or a disposable hand towel if air dryers are not available. Do not touch the door handle on your way out. Instead, use a separate paper towel to open the bathroom door, and dispose of once the door is open. Use hand sanitizer after you are out of the bathroom for extra protection.

2. Get a good night's rest-

The average American worker sleeps an average of 7 hours per night. The recommended sleep time we need is 8 to 8 1/2 hours. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies enough time to replenish energy stores we need to function properly throughout the day. if we do not get adequate sleep, we are sluggish, posture is poor, and our immune system is at risk to take a dive. To get your body in the mood to sleep earlier, be sure to stop eating 2 hours before bedtime, no caffeine drinks 4 hours before bed, and take a hot bath or shower 1 hour before bed. Reading or watching TV should be done outside the bedroom, and temperatures in your bedroom should be between 60 and 62 degrees.

3. Take a multi-vitamin-

Staying healthy means getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs, even in a fast paced society such as ours. Find a vitamin that we receive at least 60 mgs of Vitamin c per day. Vitamin C gives our immune systems the "firewall" protection it needs to fight infections BEFORE they start. Vitamin C can be found in most citrus fruits, spinach,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>