Back to Work and Back to School? Three tips to help you stay healthy

Heading back to school and getting back into daily routines after a laid-back summer is an exciting time, but it also means an increased risk of catching a cold or other illness.

Typically, we see cases of the common cold and other respiratory viruses begin to increase in the fall and winter (also known as cold and flu season). Taking some of the precautions below can help you prevent getting sick in the first place:

Book a Virtual Visit here!

🧼 Handwashing is your new best friend
Back to basics, properly washing hands with soap and warm water takes no less than 20 seconds and washes away germs to reduce your chances of getting sick. If you don’t trust your internal stopwatch, singing your ABCs will help you keep track of the appropriate amount of time to scrub your hands. You can sub out 20 seconds of your favorite song as well, like the choruses to Jolene, Truth Hurts, or Livin’ on a Prayer.

Hand sanitizer is great in a pinch, but old fashioned soap and water is a better alternative whenever possible. Hand sanitizer does not eliminate all bacteria like Staphylococcus, the cause of Staph infections. Soap and water protects you against more harmful germs, including COVID variants.

🧽Disinfect your phone screen
Research shows that phone screens can be home to 10x the amount of bacteria per square inch on a toilet seat. And yet, it’s one of the surfaces we are in contact with the most throughout the day. Wiping your phone screen with a disinfectant wipe every so often can drastically reduce the amount of germs you come into contact with daily. Similarly, try to avoid touching your face, mouth or eyes after using your phone until you have a chance to wash your hands.

🥗Fuel your immune system with nutrients
Vitamins and minerals, or micronutrients, are important for your immune system to function at its best. Vitamin D is known to kill unwanted bacteria and viruses while Vitamin C can help while blood cells fight infection. Zinc can help you fight the first bout of symptoms caused by transmissible diseases. Loading up on micronutrients is not a fool-proof shield, but supports your body’s natural defenses.

Remember - We’ve got you!
Whether you’re returning to the office or the classroom, you are not alone in disease prevention. Colds and respiratory viruses will happen and our team is here to help you and your loved ones get well on your way to feeling better and staying healthy. We’re happy to see you virtually 24/7 or in-person at one of our 26 conveniently located centers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.