Staying Infection Free at the Workplace

Whether you work with a group of 20, or 820 co-workers, you are bound to share germs like the Flu down the road with one another. I have some tips that can keep that down to a bare minimum if the proper precautions are taken every day, every time.

1.Wash your hands.

Proper hand washing is essential in every job that you can think of; From healthcare to horticulture, from factory workers to farming. If you go through the day without washing your hands, you are at a 90% chance of getting a really nasty bug, because germs are spread from the hands, by touching your face. Proper hand washing consists of antibacterial soap, and water the temperature of 101 to 110 degrees. Start with wetting your hands, and lathering up the soap in the center of your hands. Work soap between your fingers, under the nails, and around any rings you are wearing. wash all the way up to your elbows if possible. How long to wash your hands is a debate that will go on until the end of time.

A good rule of thumb- sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice (To yourself of course) and that should give you an adequate washing time (About 50 seconds). Dry with an air dryer (Preferably) or a disposable hand towel if air dryers are not available. Do not touch the door handle on your way out. Instead, use a separate paper towel to open the bathroom door, and dispose of once the door is open. Use hand sanitizer after you are out of the bathroom for extra protection.

2. Get a good night's rest-

The average American worker sleeps an average of 7 hours per night. The recommended sleep time we need is 8 to 8 1/2 hours. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies enough time to replenish energy stores we need to function properly throughout the day. If we do not get adequate sleep, we are sluggish, posture is poor, and our immune system is at risk to take a dive. To get your body in the mood to sleep earlier, be sure to stop eating 2 hours before bedtime, no caffeine drinks 4 hours before bed, and take a hot bath or shower 1 hour before bed. Reading or watching TV should be done outside the bedroom, and temperatures in your bedroom should be between 60 and 62 degrees.

3. Take a multi-vitamin-

Staying healthy means getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs, even in a fast paced society such as ours. Find a vitamin that we receive at least 60 mg of Vitamin C per day. Vitamin C gives our immune systems the "firewall" protection it needs to fight infections BEFORE they start. Vitamin C can be found in most citrus fruits, spinach, and broccoli. If those foods are not appealing to you, a Multi-vitamin is the next best thing.

4. Get outdoors

Even if it is a quick stroll to your car and back, getting outside in the sun is very beneficial for your body, and your sense of well being. Office jobs mandate that we are inside 95% of the time the sun is shining, and a lack of sunshine could lead to depression, vitamin D deficiencies, and an increase risk of an infection setting in. If at all possible, eat your lunch outside, or read a book outside when the weather permits it. You will be amazed at how good you feel if you can just step out for 10 minutes during the day when you are normally under the frazzle of fluorescent.

5. Clean off desk clutter-

Did you know that if you work in an office, your keyboard mouse and monitor can have more than 2,000 different types of germs on it at one time? It is startling to think that a toilet seat could be cleaner than your office desk, especially if you are in an office where it is common practice that you share a computer.
Note-Before you clean your computer, be sure it is turned off. Store a can of Lysol disinfectant wipes and spray in your office space. Spray the Lysol on a cotton swab and swab in between your keys and all those hard to reach areas. Your monitor can be wiped down with the sanitizing wipes, and be sure to get the screen with a wipe made specifically for electronic equipment. Most retail stores carry such products. Throw away papers you don't need, and wipe down books and manuals that may be kept at your desk. The entire desk, mouse and it's cord should also be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe and not touched until dry. Wipes should also be used in the desk itself to kill any germs and dust mites that could cause illness.

Sport a green thumb-

Studies show that having just one small plant at your work space promotes better oxygenation of the air around you, and cleaner air means better health. Choose a plant that is to be watered once a week or less, so you don't have to worry about your plant in case of vacation time, or if circumstances keep you from work a few days.

Utilizing these helpful tips each and everyday will lower your chances of having to take sick time, and boost company morale because the less we are sick, the more productive we are. Live, laugh, and Stay healthy!