Winter Wellness Update: A New Approach to Sneezing in Public

by | Jan 22, 2013 | Wellness Tips & Information, Workplace Wellness


By Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS

 

Adults sometime need a refresher course about the basics we learned as children.  Occasionally we forget what mom and dad taught us. Other times, especially with health, the gold standard changes as medical experts learn more or improve their understanding of established information.  That’s why public health professionals now promote a new, more sanitary way to sneeze

Most people know it’s polite-and sanitary-to cover your mouth when you sneeze. No one wants your germs propelled at them at high speed. It’s also rude to leave lingering in the air for unsuspecting souls who walk into the room after the sneeze.

The new understanding, however, is that it’s now considered best practice to use the crook of your arm (the inner part of your elbow) to cover your mouth, not your hand.  That’s because sneezing into your hand puts the germs onto the part of your body that can spread them most effectively.  Germs linger after a sneeze. If you touch a door knob or shake someone’s hand after sneezing into your had you’ve just spread cooties.

Speaking of cooties, the best way to help kids remember to cover their mouth this new way is to tell them to make a duck beak.  Older kids who like vampires might prefer the “vampire hiding their face in a cape” image.

In addition to sneezing politely, it’s also a good idea to wash your hands after sneezing.  Frequent hand washing offers the best defense against spreading germs to yourself or others. If you don’t have access to clean water and soap then use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

It goes without saying, but since it’s better to state the obvious than assume, this information also applies to coughing in public.

Be well.

 

Holistic Wellness Speaker and  Wellness Luminary Donna Hamilton, MD has a mission to help everyone live the healthy, satisfying lives they’re meant to lead. She passionately teaches what being healthy really means and how to do it in a way that fits your unique needs. Her comprehensive approach to health and wellness addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being. Dr. Hamilton-a former board certified pediatrician-now specializes in health optimization. She retired her white coat and stethoscope and now speaks nationally about holistically improving health and well-being.  To book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com

 

 

© 2013

 

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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