Simple healthy habits that prevent disease spread

Healthy habits prevent germs and infectious diseases from spreading. Continuous practice of simple healthy habits can go a long way to curtail the spread of communicable diseases. Here are some simple healthy habits one needs to practice regularly:-

#1 Handle & Prepare Food Safely

Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food, especially raw meat. Always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and keep foods at proper temperatures. Don't leave food out - refrigerate promptly.

#2 Wash Hands Often

1. Wet hands and apply soap.
2. Rub hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces.
3. Rinse hands.
4. Dry hands with a clean cloth or paper towel. If in a public place, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. Then, throw in the trash.

 *When helping a child, wash their hands first, and then your own. 

#3 Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces

Germs can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. However, you should disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly. Disinfect other areas if someone in the house is ill. 

#4 Cough & Sneeze Into a tissue

If you are sick, the air that comes out of your mouth when you cough or sneeze may contain germs. Someone close by can breathe in your air, or touch a surface contaminated with your germs, and become ill. Cough or sneeze into a tissue not into your hands. Remember to throw away the tissue and wash your hands.

#5 Don't Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing personal items that can't be disinfected, like toothbrushes and razors, or sharing towels between washes. Needles should never be shared, should only be used once, and then thrown away properly.