Nana’s Swine Flu Advice
Here is some practical advice from your “Nana” about how to handle the coming swine flu pandemic.
1.) If watching all the news about the flu is scaring you, turn it off. It is hard to watch much of the “sky is falling” coverage and not become disproportionably worried. You should be vigilant; you should not become petrified with fear.
2.) Take care of your self, get enough sleep, and eat right, stay strong. I am adding a cup of decaf green tea to my day. If you are a vitamin kind of person, now is not the time to skip them.
3.) If you need to sneeze, sneeze into your elbow. If you cover your mouth with your hand and then touch anything, you have spread the germs. By sneezing into your bent arm the germs are harder to spread. DO cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. When you use a tissue, be sure to throw it away immediately, and wash your hands.
4.) Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Do not use hot water as this will dry out your hands and may cause your skin to crack. Carry an alcohol based hand sanitizer to use when you can’t use soap and water. Hand washing is your first and best line of defense.
5.) The easiest way for the flu to spread is for you to touch an infected surface and then touch your face. Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible and use your hand sanitizer before you scratch your nose or touch your face. Be careful with the hand sanitizer around your eyes, the alcohol is very irritating.
6.) Clean your phone and cell phone frequently to keep the germs away from your face, especially if you share a phone with others.
7.) If you are like me and have a new grandchild coming, make a hand sanitizer or two part of your “welcome home” baby gift. Keep it by the baby and become a real “momma bear” about folks washing their hands before touching the baby. Use the hand sanitizer when you are holding the baby and need a quick clean-up.
8.) Babies and little guys are more susceptible for a variety of reasons. If you have a baby, do not take them to crowded areas (stores, church, shows) until this swine flu settles down and we know where it is going. Do not let anyone who has not washed their hands touch your baby’s hands. Baby’s put their hands to their face and in their mouths frequently. And don’t let folks kiss your baby’s face. Instead, have them kiss the back of their head if they must give them a little smooch.
9.) If you have toddlers, be sure to clean their toys frequently. You know those things are in their mouth frequently.
10.) Laugh frequently. I am a big believer in laughter is the best medicine. These are stressful times. Make special opportunities to laugh. Rent a dollar comedy from Redbox, read a funny book, play fun games with the kids. I watched a Frazier re-run today, that show always made me laugh.
11.) Take time to do the things that restore your “soul” For me it is talking to God, just a short thank you prayer when I see something beautiful or touching, is very comforting and soul restoring. Do what works for you; it is part of keeping yourself healthy!
I hope these tips help. Take care, now go have a good rest of the day!
Nana
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