If your manicured hands are starting to grow scales from all the soap washings, take heart. In the past, many contagious diseases like the coronavirus, the flu and even the ho-hum common cold have been prevented by people simply washing their hands for the 20-second countdown.
So even if it’s not your birthday, hum the “Happy Birthday” or the “Alphabet Song” tune for 20 seconds as you wash your hands. Or, if you’re in need of another selection, try these. Love Dolly’s “Jolene” and the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.”
And don’t forget to tune up your youngsters and elders. BTW, they’ve even adapted some old children’s favorite tunes like “Frere Jacques” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” to current-day musical messages.
But hand-washing doesn’t mean slip-and-sliding your hand over some soap and rubbing your hands together. The medical community reports that there is a right way of rub-a-dub-dubbing your hands.
In the meantime, replace air-kissing, hugging and handshaking with waves, elbow bumping and sole clicking.
Another suggestion: Make sure your medicine cabinet has a thermometer. It will help you know if you are suffering from North Texas seasonal allergies or the more devastating and contagious health threats.
If you or a family member have a fever, stay at home and call your doctor. Whether it’s a cold (symptoms – runny nose and less than 101 temperature), the flu (symptoms – a 101+ degree fever, extreme exhaustion, severe muscle or body aches, a dry cough and chills) or the coronavirus (symptoms – fever, coughing and shortness of breath), your temperature is an important factor. As for allergies, they just make you feel miserable with runny eyes and nose, but no temperature change.
And speaking of family, check with your senior-type friends and family. Coronavirus seems to be focusing its daggers on them. They may seem hearty, but your concern will let them know that you care.
These times may seem confusing and frightful, but as the late President Frank D. Roosevelt once stated, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Don’t let fear outweigh good common sense and precautions.