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KEEPING A
ENVIRONMENT
A C C O R D I N G TO T H E C E N T E R S F O R D I S E A S E
“the exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October.” From computers and phones to shared kitchens, the workplace is a breeding ground for bacteria, and sickness can spread throughout an office in as little as a few hours. One study conducted at the University of Arizona in Tucson found that “within four hours, more than 50 percent of surfaces and employees were contaminated with the virus” after one person came to work sick. Here are some musts for keeping healthy at your office— CONTROL AND PREVENTION,
TOO MANY COOKS IN THE Harmful microorganisms thrive on refrigerators, microwaves, and faucet handles as well as on water fountain and vending machine buttons/knobs. Dish cloths and sponges in the kitchen are particularly germy, so wash often in dishwasher or scald with hot water after every use.
kitchen
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YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY & REGULARLY. It cannot be emphasized enough that washing hands is the single best way to keep germs at bay … for at least 20 seconds in hot, soapy water.
do
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= HEALTHY & PRODUCTIVE. Desks, phones, keyboards, etc. are major culprits for germs. And, as a recent study revealed, for those who ate at their desks, their work areas showed higher levels of bacterial contamination.
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52 LKN
| OCTOBER 2018
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When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with the crook of your elbow, not your hand(s). As a general rule, avoid touching your hands to your face.
SANITIZERS WORK. Ask management to provide disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer in all common areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. While these products do not take the place of a good handwashing, they do kill and prevent the spreading of germs.
For more information on keeping healthy in the workplace, visit www.Webmd.com.