Taking steps to avoid germs and viruses

This year of tackling illness-causing viruses has presented its own unique challenges. Figuring out how to avoid such viruses as COVID-19 and other germs has never been more important. When one considers that viruses can live outside the human body between 24 hours to a full week depending on the environment and the virus, it seems that no place is safe.

Here are a few ways to help reduce the chances of infection.

Cover up your meal – If you are eating out in public at a restaurant, in the office lunchroom or at your desk, cover up your food and drink. Put a lid on your beverage and cover your meal with a napkin between bites, especially if the people around you are ill.

Get some fresh air – Breathing in the same recirculated air from many people can increase your chances of breathing in germs. Try to open a window if possible to let fresh air in or go outside and fill your lungs with fresh air.

Use heat – If someone in your home has a virus or the flu, toss their pillows, blankets and other possibly infected items into the dryer. Run the items at high heat for about 30 minutes. The heat will kill any viruses that may have landed on them. Be sure to check to make sure the items are safe to go into the dryer. This same high heat disinfection can work on gloves, scarves and other clothing.

Add humidity – Flu viruses do not circulate as well in humid environments so turn up the humidity level on your furnace or plug in a humidifier to discourage those viruses from reaching others.

Go for a walk outside – Exercise is a great way to fight off viruses. When you are moving, the blood flow increases and accelerates the process of pushing toxins out of the body. The increased activity also increases the body’s ability to produce white blood cells and antibodies that fight off infection. Exercising outdoors allows you to breathe in fresh air. The sun also increases the amount of Vitamin D in the body, an important factor in a strong immune system. Try to spend at least 20 minutes a day exercising for the best results.

Stay hydrated – When you drink fluids, toxins are washed from the body before they can cause trouble. Decaffeinated teas or water are good choices. Avoid high sugar or alcoholic beverages since they can stress out the immune system.

Join the germ police force – Think about your environment and take steps to disinfect it. Invest in antibacterial wipes and use them to disinfect areas that might harbor germs. Wipe down your phones. Clean off the handle of the shopping cart. Wipe off doorknobs, light switches, remote controls and any other surfaces that have been touched. Carry your own ink pen to use rather than using a communal pen. Take a few minutes to wipe off your desk top at work and the equipment you use at the gym. If you see someone coughing, move 6 feet or more away from the area. When you are out among others, try not to touch your face. When you return home, wash your hands properly. Wet your hands with any temperature of water, then lather with soap for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to clean between your fingers, under your fingernails and on the back of your hands. Rinse completely.

One less worry — Recovering from surgery or an unexpected medical event is challenging enough without having to worry about getting the corona virus or a cold. Since the immune system is already stressed trying to repair the body, additional illnesses can be hard to battle. A prudent option is choosing to recover in a short-term care facility where experienced staff work to limit infection.

For a safe and effective recovery experience, choose Glenview Terrace where you’ll find an aggressive blend of traditional and advanced rehabilitation services to help you recover quickly and thoroughly from your hospital stay.

During your stay at Glenview Terrace, you can be sure your environment meets the strictest level of cleanliness and safety. In addition, you’ll receive around-the-clock nursing care, medications, wound care and other needs by an attentive staff who works closely with the hospital and physicians. You’ll also receive one-on-one therapy from Glenview Terrace’s top rehabilitation team to help you regain the strength, mobility and the confidence you need to return to your regular schedule. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment in Glenview Terrace’s gyms during your entire stay.

Glenview Terrace delivers this top-notch care in a clean, safe and elegant setting that begins with beautifully landscaped grounds and continues into the spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy nutritious meals designed to enhance the healing process. Guests can also relax in their rooms with an impressive array of amenities and services to pamper them during their stay. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.