What Can You Do to Keep Yourself Healthy and Well?

Wash your hands frequently--especially before preparing food, before eating (or touching your face) and after using the restroom.


Have short and well manicured nails (avoid ragged edges).
Never cut or bite cuticles.
Apply lotion after shower or bath and gently push back cuticles with a dry washcloth or an orange stick.
Apply a nourishing cuticle lotion.
Insist that your health care providers wash their hands and use gloves, especially before any invasive treatment or procedure.
Don't insist that your physician give you antibiotics if you don't need them.


Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses like stomach "flu" and colds or the flu.

If your doctor does give you antibiotics, take them exactly as instructed; do not stop taking them without checking with your physician, even if the medicine makes you feel better--or worse.
Keep your immunizations--and those of your children--up to date.


Td every 5 years if puncture or cut and every 10 years otherwise.
Flu shot annually if you are at risk for geplications from the flu.
Don't send your child to a day care center or to a school with symptoms of an infection--such as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever.
Use good Personal Hygiene


Cover nose and mouth with disposable tissue
Dispose of used tissues appropriately
Bathe daily
Wear clean clothes
Brush your teeth
Use perfume or cologne sparingly
Don't share personal items--such as razor blades, tooth brushes, gebs, and hairbrushes.
Don't eat or drink from others' plates or glasses.
Follow safer sexual practices.
Do not use I.V. drugs; if you do, do not share needles.
Practice food safety.


Keep kitchen surfaces clean, especially when preparing meat, chicken, and fish; disinfect kitchen surfaces between preparing meat and raw vegetables.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially when they will be left out for a long time (dont leave out for over 2 hours).
Cover Up! In the sun. Even in the Winter wear sunscreen on your exposed parts (face