Everyday Hygiene Practices for a Healthy Fall

We all know to brush our teeth and shower regularly, but there are so many everyday things that we touch that never get cleaned. As fall arrives and the cold season starts up, these forgotten hygiene habits matter more than ever.

Let's start with something we all do: washing our hands. You've heard it a thousand times, but here's a quick refresher. Use soap and warm water for 20 seconds. That's about as long as it takes to hum "Happy Birthday" twice. Don't forget between your fingers and under your nails. Wash before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and when you get home from anywhere public.

Now, think about your phone. You touch it hundreds of times a day, and it goes everywhere with you. When's the last time you wiped it down? A quick swipe with an alcohol wipe can get rid of all the germs it picks up. The same goes for your car's steering wheel, gear shift, and door handles. These get touched constantly but cleaned rarely.

Staying Clean at Work

Your workplace is full of shared surfaces that dozens of people touch daily. Your keyboard, mouse, and desk phone are covered in germs if you really think about it. Keep disinfecting wipes handy and give them a quick clean regularly.

The office kitchen is another hotspot for germs. That microwave handle, coffee pot, and refrigerator door get touched by everyone. Always wash your hands before eating at work, and use hand sanitizer after touching shared appliances. Remember, sanitizer is convenient, but soap and water work better when you can get to a sink.

Avoiding Fall Colds

Nobody wants to spend their fall dealing with a cold or flu. Besides good hygiene, there are simple things you can do to stay healthy. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat well. These basics help your body fight off whatever germs come your way.

Try not to touch your face, especially around your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands first. When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow instead of your hands so you don't spread germs to everything you touch next.

Fresh air helps too. Open windows when the weather's nice, or make sure your heating system has clean filters. Good airflow means fewer germs floating around.

These small changes might not seem like much, but they add up. You're not just protecting yourself; you're also helping to keep your family, coworkers, and community healthier. And honestly, once these become habits, you won't even think about them.