Staying healthy at work, school, everywhere in between Posted On: Monday, Sep. 28 2009 04:35 AM By Rebecca Hertz
Killeen Daily Herald

Cold and flu season has arrived, and as much as we try to keep ourselves and our families healthy, there are some things that are just out of our control.

Getting a flu shot and washing your hands regularly may be no-brainers, but how do you protect yourself from the folks in the workplace or what your children bring home from school?

Lindsey Peplinski, the Metroplex Health System wellness coordinator, said germs can live on surfaces for up to eight hours. It is important to clean and disinfect surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms and even on toys.

Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes; don't share food or drinks even in the household; and be sure children are getting enough sleep and good nutrition to maintain a healthy immune system, she said.

"Educate kids on washing their hands and give them hand sanitizer," Peplinski said.

Tracy Barnes, the director of safety and waste management for the Copperas Cove Independent School District, said the custodial staff is extra diligent this year in keeping surfaces disinfected, especially areas that are in constant touch like doorknobs and computer keyboards.

"We encourage students to practice hand washing and use of hand sanitizers," Barnes said.

Contact Rebecca Hertz at rhertz@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7469.