November 30, 2011
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'Tis the Season...
...for parties and memory making! Tis also the season for catching colds and the flu. (Ugh.) With a new baby on the way, I am especially anxious to keep everyone healthy and well.
I read in a magazine article a couple years ago about a study that showed a 45 percent decrease in respiratory illness among people who upped their handwashing to at least five times a day. That's a huge percent for something that seems easy and low-effort.
Since reading that article the tribe has implemented lots of handwashings. Among our little family it most def seems to be statistically true. We do have fewer colds and illnesses.
Some other easy and low-effort strategies: Keeping hand sanitizer in my purse and using it. Wiping the door knobs and phones in our home with clorox wipes on a regular basis. Lecturing the kids about keeping hands off their faces. That means eyes, noses, and most definitely mouths!
Yeah, I'm a germaphobe. 'Tis the season.
Comments (4)
that's amazing that washing your hands that much can keep away sickness 45% more! I must not wash my hands enough b/c I've got a cold at the moment I've had for like a month!
I make my guy wash his hands after returning home when we've been away. I don't know how you do it. Church is a big germ magnet and you'll soon have 5 germ receptors!!
I'm getting excited to "meet" your little guy!
@redladybug18 - The article wrote of doctors and nurses as examples also because they handwash as the enter and leave each room. They see sick people all day and stay well. It's worth a try!
@betheelou - For "reals". I got lots of hands to wash.
My girls are big now and gladly wash germs away with only gentle reminders from mom. Now, if I can just get the "boy" to keep his finger out of his nose. lol 
I'm 36 weeks this week! It's getting close!
I even carry hand sanitizer to church. Putting it on everyone's hands after the greeting has cut down on colds immensely. At first I was very uncomfortable thinking it might offend others - then I noticed other families starting do the same thing!
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