Spread Cheer, Not Sickness This Season!

Avoiding Health Hazards from Your Shower to Suitcase

Whether you’re traveling or staying home, you’ll likely be exposed to a plethora of different pathogens this holiday season. While many people are cognizant of their own healthy hygiene and self-care habits such as washing their hands, chances are, there are plenty of people who don’t share the same concern for their health (or yours).

In addition, there are often places where you have little control over your exposure to germs such as planes or offices, or unlikely spots in your home or hotel room that you may not consider that are harboring bacteria, viruses, or worse. Stay safe by being aware of potential health threats that could wreak havoc on your holiday plans!

Show Disease the Door

There are few places you can enter without being forced to touch a doorknob, but the Centers for Disease Control report that you should be more aware of your next grand entrance (or exit), as colds, the influenza virus, staph germs, and even HPV (the human papillomavirus) can be transmitted via a common doorknob.   
 
While you can’t live in fear of all doorknobs, taking extra precautions can help keep you healthy. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or right as you get home, and avoid touching your face.

“Friends” Who Follow You Home

At home or on the road, few women go anywhere without their purse. An ABC News investigation inspected many handbags, and many had thousands of bacteria present, with one whopper having 6.7 million present! Over half of the bags tested were contaminated with fecal bacteria. As purses are thrown on the bathroom floor to the car seat to the kitchen counter, the potential for illness is high, as cross contamination to food preparation areas or even hands-to-face contact occurs.

The same risk of bacteria and germs could therefore likely be associated with suitcases, as they are transferred many times from baggage handlers to taxis to hotel rooms. Keep antibacterial wipes handy and clean your handbag and suitcase, especially the handles and bottom.

In addition, travelers should be especially careful in hotels, as the Environmental Protection Agency says bedbugs are on the rise and becoming an increasing health problem. When returning home, don’t throw your suitcase right on the bed. Instead, clean it with a brush and vacuum inside, and wash all its contents.

Showers, Saunas & Swimming Pools – Not Safe Havens

	Remedy Reminder Be sure to stay consistent with dosage of natural remedies during the holiday break. As herbal and homeopathic remedies work to support balance in the body, taking a 'break' may leave you or your child at a disadvantage when school or work begins again, with the first few weeks spent trying to get back the full therapeutic effect. In addition, consider having extra doses of remedies where recommended when additional support is needed, especially during late nights of festivities!

After a long day of traveling or dealing with demanding family members, escaping to the comfort of a steamy shower may seem like just the trick to wash away the worries of the day. However, a recent study from the University of Colorado found dirty showerheads to be full of bacteria, while other reports from the CDC and hotel case studies showed bacteria and diseases transmitted via hot tubs and saunas, from pneumonia originating from legionella bacteria via inhalation of water aerosols to digestive, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and even neurological infections from bacteria, parasites and other pathogens that can even survive chlorine in swimming pools. 

While some may find it laughable, the best way to stay safe is to stay clear of any pool, sauna or hot tub unless you know it’s properly maintained. At home, be sure to thoroughly clean your showerheads regularly, and while away, if you’re unsure of cleanliness, request an extra cleaning.

5-Star Ratings Don’t Always
Equate to Safety

The CDC estimates that 76 million cases of foodborne infections occur annually in the United States, leading to 323,000 hospitalizations. From contaminated work surfaces to dirty hands, improper food preparation is the main culprit of infection.

While the FDA has reported 15 foodborne illness-inducing organisms, five are responsible for the worst illnesses: Salmonella, E. coli O157 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria, and Toxoplasma.

You might want to check out your local restaurant inspection reports online before ordering takeout or heading to that pricey bistro up the street, or offer to lend a (clean) hand to your hostess who is preparing your holiday meal. And if you’re staying at a hotel, don’t be shy to ask for a new water glass. Fox 5 in Atlanta uncovered hotel room glasses that had never been properly sanitized in a dishwasher, but simply clothed off by housekeeping and returned to the sink counter or nightstand.

	Voting Begins Soon! PetAlive’s Favorite Pet Photo Contest Begins December 16th.

Stay Well All Year

Your main concern should be boosting immunity, as it’s your body’s first line of defense against illness. Natural remedies can provide the added support the body needs. Astragalus membranaceous (also called 'huang qi') is a natural rejuvenating tonic shown to have an excellent effect on immune system health and functioning. Viscum album is also commonly known to enhance the immune-stimulating properties of other ingredients, and it encourages repair of damaged cells.
Other natural ingredients with immune boosting properties are Inula helenium, Withania somnifera, Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato), Mentha piperita, Solidago virgaurea, Crataegus oxycanthoides, Schizandra chinensis, and Olea europea (extract of Olive leaf).

All of these powerful ingredients are found in nature’s medicine chest and will go a long way in helping you strengthen your immune system against illness, disease, and infection, so you can make the most of the holiday season and everyday.

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