This feature is Part 1 of 3 of our “Stay Healthy Tip of the Day” series, presented with Coldrops®. Coldrops® for Symptom Relief in Just One Drop®.

Backpack? Check.  Back to school clothes? Check. School supplies? Check?  Back to school germs? No thank you!

As our schedules start to pick up with back to school activities and the temperature slowly drops while fall approaches, there are a few steps that we can take to help combat the impending cold season.

Check out the simple tips below to keep you healthy and germ free as we get ready for another school year:

  • Wash your hands for a minimum of twenty seconds several times throughout the day and… don’t forget to scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails for a complete clean.
  • Use sanitary wipes or reusable cloths with a disinfectant to clean door knobs and light switches daily to knock away germs trying to sneak into your house
  • Clean re-useable water bottles daily to help prevent germs from accumulating and keep you healthy
  • Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. With the kids back in school, it may be tricky to squeeze in the recommended 8-10 hours a night, but with everyone’s busy schedules proper sleep should be a priority to give your body energy to fight off any incoming bugs.
  • Use a handbag that can be easily wiped down or washed. If you don’t clean your handbag, it’ll hold onto germs and pass them back to you day after day.  This goes for kids’ backpacks and lunch bags too!
  • Disinfect cell phones and tablets daily. The average cell phone carries more germs than a toilet seat – and you put it against your face! (yuck!)
  • Unless you’ve just washed your hands, avoid touching your face.  Your nose and eyes are easy entry points for germs to invade your system and make you sick.
  • Keep a travel pack of tissues handy for your kids while they’re at school to prevent them from wiping their runny nose on their sleeve.
  • Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting or cooking them to remove germs and bacteria
  • Wash and disinfect dish cloths and sponges after each use to prevent bacteria from growing.

There’s not yet a cure for the common cold once you have one, but you may be able to shorten the amount of time you’re sick by practicing good self-care. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest to get through your cold as quick as possible.

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