With winter coming on we all want to stop infections and avoid the cold and flu bugs that come with them. One of the simplest, best and easiest ways to do this costs little and is worth its weight in gold!

Wash you hands to stop infections spreading

What is it? Simply washing your hands. It sounds obvious but how many people wash their hands regularly with soap and spend 15-20 seconds making sure that it was more than just a rinse! Teaching your kids to do this properly is just as important as learning yourself. So here is our brief instruction guide and video on the correct way to wash and dry your hands:

When should you wash your hands?

• When they are dirty
• When you get home from work or school
• After using the toilet
• Before preparing and eating food
• Before and after visiting someone who is ill
• After changing nappies
• After handling pets or pet waste
• After handling rubbish/putting out the rubbish
• Before and after treating any wound
• After blowing your nose, sneezing, coughing etc especially if you are sick

How should you wash your hands?

Hand washing should take about 15-20 seconds – as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice

• Turn on the tap and wet your hands – leaving the tap running
• Using soap from a dispenser or bar of soap, rub hands together to make a lather and wash all surfaces right up to your wrists (see video below)
• Continue to rub for about 20 seconds
• Rinse hands well under the running water
• Use a paper or hand towel to completely dry your handsUse the towel to turn off the tap to prevent re-contaminating your hands
• Use the paper towel in a public toilet to open the door as you leave, then throw the towel in the rubbish bin

   

What to do to stop infections at the first sign of a ticklish or sore throat

Even with the greatest care it’s not always possible to avoid picking up an infection, especially if you’re in contact with the general public or in the school playground! A cup of lemon and ginger tea with Manuka honey certainly helps. But if that’s not possible, then a throat spray can provide the answer. This is something that you can easily carry in your handbag or schoolbag, or leave in your office drawer.

Mr Vitamins Recommends:

Nature Clinic, one of Australia’s best quality brands of Propolis products introduced a  Propolis liquid in a convenient spray pack. Nature Clinic Propolis Spray also contains Manuka Honey for extra soothing, antiseptic, antibacterial effects. Nature Clinic Propolis and Manuka Honey Spray fits neatly into your handbag to be used when sore throats strike!