Perhaps the most precious resource we have is our health – a resource we really need to protect.  There are several preventive measures you can take to improve and protect your health.

The most important step to prevent the spread of germs and infection is hand washing.  Always wash your hands before you handle or prepare food, after using the bathroom, or after coughing or sneezing.  Wash your hands after touching a sick person.

• 1)       Wet your hands under running water.
• 2)       Apply soap and rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
• 3)       Rinse with running water.
• 4)       Dry your hands with a paper towel or under an air dryer.
• 5)       Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door.

Follow these additional steps to protect yourself from other people’s germs:

• Stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.
• Sanitize common surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets, telephones, computer keyboards and handrails.
• Do not share personal items like towels, lipstick, food, eating utensils, drinking glasses, or anything else that might be contaminated with germs.

If you are sick, use common sense precautions to keep your germs contained and protect other people:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue every time you sneeze, blow your nose, or cough.  Put used tissues into the nearest trashcan after use.
• If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve or the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose.  Do not use your bare hands.
• Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or touching used tissues.
• Stay home if you have a cough or fever.

Many chronic diseases are preventable as well.  Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating are responsible for at least 300,000 deaths each year, but by changing your activity level and making better food choices, you can reduce your risk of obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

Another healthy behavior that is often overlooked is adequate sleep.  Sleeping gives your body time to relax and re-energize.  Adults should get at least eight hours of sleep per night and children should get at least nine hours of sleep per night.

Wash your hands, get some sleep and choose a healthier lifestyle.  Start today to protect your most import asset – your health. 

For more information, contact Texas County Health Department at 417-967-4131.