Have you washed your hands today?  How about every day?  October 15th is Global Handwashing Day, a reminder for all of us to protect ourselves from germs.

Hand washing is an important step we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others, especially during flu season. Flu season begins in early October and can run as late in the year as May. Estimates of 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from flu-related health complications, according to the CDC.

Did you know, for instance, that cellphones actually carry more germs than a toilet seat? Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your cell phone clean:

1. Say “No” to bathroom texting – The path to a clean phone begins with not taking it into the restroom.
2. Change Glass Screen protector – Try changing your protector every couple of weeks as bacteria builds on it.
3. Disinfect your phone with alcohol and water – Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe your phone. You can also use a Q-tip to clean hard-to-reach areas. Here’s more from Grady Newsource reporter Caroline Elliott.

 

By Shayla Strange