Home > Administrative Offices > Student Affairs > Health Promotions > Healthy Habits
April Healthy Habit
Tips to Prevent a Cold
It’s finally April! The weather’s changing and “April Showers” are on their way. With all of the weather changes, people often tend to get sick during this FLU Season. Many people think, “Well, there’s nothing I can do; I’ll probably get a cold sooner or later.” However, even though sometimes fate occurs, and we still get sick, there are several ways to be preventative.
***Colds can be spread by touching something that has been previously touched by someone infected and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.***
Do you know where germs most commonly live?
- Laundry washed in cold water (only water at 140 degrees will truly disinfect laundry)
- Computer Keyboards and Mice
- Toothbrushes
- Tabletops and Toilet Seats
- Door knobs & Light Switches
- Hot tubs (germs get trapped in the steam of a hot tub and contaminate you)
- Kitchen sponges
- Gym locker room
- Grocery Store Buggies
- Remote Controls and Telephones
Do you know how to reduce your chances of getting sick?
- Avoid touching your face if you have touched something in a public place or have been around someone with a cold.
- Wash your hands as much as possible, and carry hand sanitizer or wipes with you.
- Don’t smoke.
- Use disposable cups, silverware, and other items when others around you are sick.
- Wipe off household surfaces using soap and water as often as possible.
- Use paper towels instead of cloth towels (germs live for hours on cloth towels)
- Throw a dirty tissue away right then.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep
- Eat fruits and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet
- Control stress by making time to relax. (Those who are stressed are more likely to catch a cold.)
These were the top ten ways to prevent a cold. Who has time to be sick when your life is already so hectic? So… take care of yourself, follow these simple steps, and “spread” the news about how to avoid a cold!