about

I am 48 years old (yes that's old compared to some of you).


I have worked in nursing and/or healthcare management positions for 24 years. Primarily OB, Neonatal, Mental Health, Occupational Health and Geriatrics. In Jan 2008 I started my own business to board horses and do equine/human education. I am also a certified dog trainer.


I've been around the block so to speak and seem to be always helping others. I've been told that the reason people seek me out for advice is that I am approachable and caring. But on the same token even though I consider the person's feelings. I tell it like I see it. I've dealt with people in trouble with the law, dysfunctional families such as those with abuse & marriage problems. Not to mention problems with employees and employers.


I don't ever claim to know it all, and always keep an open mind.

advice

I have a deep fear of germs and getting sick. Even the thought of catching a regular cold drives me crazy. I was my hands for 10 minutes, and at school, I wear a bandanna that covers my nose and mouth to help keep the germs away. I mean, hey it's not my fault that kids at my school go swimming in 10 degree weather over the weekend, and then catch a cold. Basically Everyone is sick at my school ALL the time.

Some of my teachers get mad at me when I wear my bandanna, but if they make me sit next to, talk to, and help out sick people, why shouldn't I be able to wear it? I'm not going to get sick because of one stupid person. Last week, I skipped alot of my classes just because I sat next to sick people in them and I don't want to get sick. Mainly because I just started working out, and if I'm sick, I won't be able to work out. (yes, working out is REALLY important to me.)

Now my question, I guess my question is, is there anything else I can do from getting sick? Any healthy tips that you can inform me on? (Besides obvious stuff like washing your hands.) Do you think the bandanna is a good idea? I've actually considered wearing a surgical mask but then people would think I'm even weirder.

Also, how possible is it that I'm going to get sick if I sit next to someone sick, for about 45 minutes every day? (Keep in mind that I'm wearing my bandanna over my nose and mouth.) ANY advice you have would be helpful.

Hello,

The bandana might not keep you from getting sick. Germs are tiny and can pass through the fibers, plus it's warm and moist from breathing on the fabric, which is a perfect place for germs. A surgical mask would be better, but not practical in school.

The best defense against catching most any illness is hand hygiene and a strong immune system. There's no need to wash your hands for 10 minutes. Sing the abc's to yourself twice, rinse and dry well and turn the faucet off with a paper towel. (otherwise you will touch a contaminated handle with clean hands). If you over wash your hands they become dry which is another avenue for germs, so use hand lotion frequently. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and use it when you can't use soap and water. Don't share pens with someone who is ill and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth while in school. If someone is coughing or sneezing, hand them a Kleenex with anitviral protection--they are new and work really good. As you hand it to them say "please cover your mouth and nose when you cough" They might be offended..but oh well! If you don't feel comfortable asking them to cover their mouth at least turn your head away from them and even cover your nose and mouth with your arm. This will protect you more than the bandana.

Drink the recommended amount of water and juice daily, which will keep your respiratory system moist and protect against infection. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies and get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. A stronger immune system will make you less likely to get ill, and if you do, you will recover much faster. Keep up on all vaccines and get a flu shot if you are able.

It's a myth that people get sick from being in the cold or getting chilled. It's bacteria or virus germs that make us ill--not the cold. Germs actually love a warm environment, this is why we get sick more often in the winter because we are inside more and the windows are closed.

If you think that your school is a breeding ground for germs, speak to the school nurse, public health or the state health department. They can do some infection control education and perhaps review housekeeping protocols. I know that since our new school was built it seems as if illnesses are passed around more frequently. I think the building is too tight and the ventilation is poor. The old building was drafty which was probably a good thing!

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