Often we think of winter as flu season and it is but the truth is that the germs that make us sick can be found and make us sick anytime of year. Although we have wonderfully designed immune systems, we still must be ever vigilant in the fight against germs on our bodies, in our work spaces, our vehicles, schools, homes etc,  It is a never ending fight between us and them. Thankfully most of them can be defeated easily if we just will take the time and caution to fight the battle wisely. 

One of the biggest and most effective defenses against germs for you personally is efficent, consistent handwashing.   it seems so simply and yet we often forget it.  One of the main ways germs get from out there to inside our body is via our two hands.  I encourage you to watch my short video on handwashing below.

Handwashing - Some quick tips:

• Use a good solid stream of running water to force those pesky germs from your hands, 
• Using friction under the running stream is imperative. Rub your hands together. Don't forget between the fingers and even rubbing your nails as germs can be sneaky and avoid being washed away by hiding under nails. (Especially longer nails.)
• Soap is helpful as it makes the surface of your hands slippery making it harder for germs to hang on. 
• Wash for at least 10 seconds.

When drying, use a clean towel.  So often we defeat the purpose of washing when we use a dirty towel.  This is especially prevalent in our homes.  As an example, let's say your 8 year old is in a hurry after potty time.  He only wets his hands briefly in the sing for a second or two (in order to please you that he "washed" after potty) 
He did not keep them under the running water long enough to wash the germs away, only to make them wet. Now he grabs the towel and applies friction in order to dry them.  Where do those germs end up? That is right. They are on the towel.  The next time others with wet hands use that towel, germs are likely spread.  That bathroom towel is always a bit suspect for hidden and sneaky germs.  Change it often especially when people are sick in your home.  Consider using paper towels especially during sick days. 

Watch my short video for more ideas.

Beating germs around the house.

Germs hang out in many places around the house.  

Knobs
Rails
Pet fur 
Sinks
TV remotes
Game Controllers
Mobile Devices
Dish rags hanging around the kitchen sink where everyone places dirty dishes or tosses half empty glasses.
​

Here is a great slide show we found on WebMD that will give you fantastic guidance for beating germs at home.

Click here to view the slideshow....

Here are some other article and resource on our website to help keep you and those you love healthy.

Looking for a medical professional you can trust with something as crucial as health?  We have been in the area since 1977.  Call to request an appointment.  We also perform many tests and services in our office which can often save you money. Click here to request an appointment and click here to view our services. 

Mayo published an article I think is a helpful reminder that it is not just one thing we do that can keep us healthy, but a combination of many.  From exercise to eating to less commonly talked about things like laughing, there are many factors that can help us keep well.

Click here to read the article from Mayo.  


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Too Much Sitting Can Be Deadly



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Most of us have heard it for years, Vitamin C is good for preventing colds or sore throats or...
Is Vitamin C really a help or is the whole thing a hoax?  Listen in to Dr. Loewen uncover the facts about vitamin C.  Click below to listen in. 

Surprisingly perhaps, but the answer is yes! Not only that, we can give infections to our pets too. Listen to my Health Advantage Program below for more information on what you can and can't get from your pets and which pets may be cause for extra precautions. 

What about the flu? According to Veterinarian Vanessa Yeager, ... flu viruses are tricky. Sometimes they obey the rules and sometimes they don’t, but under normal circumstances, the chance of passing on your human flu virus to your furry cuddle buddy is quite low. Canines cannot normally catch the type B and C influenza viruses we suffer from each year.However, there is always a chance of rebellious influenza A viruses! According to a March 2010 article in the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases, a cat was diagnosed with H1N1 in 2009 that presumably caught it from the owner. Since then, a handful of domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, were diagnosed with H1N1 that all supposedly contracted the illness from their ill owners. However alarming this may be, these were isolated cases and certainly not reflective of the norm.
So is it possible? Yes, but it's not likely. 

Click Here to Read the full article at Quick and Dirty Tips

Of a more likely scenario is that you will spread the flu to someone in your family via your pet. When we are sick, those of us with pets enjoy the comfort of a pet close by. However germs can be transferred to our pet and then transferred to others in the home who spend time petting the dog in the next little while. 

Here are more tips from WebMD on avoiding the spread of germs when you're sick. Follow These Rules so You Don't Spread the Flu. 

With some of the tests that we can run now, early diagnosis and treatment of many life-threatening illnesses is more probable than ever before.  However, Doctors can only suggest these tests. You have to decide to take action and follow through.  Here are 6 such tests that were recently highlighted in AARP Health.

Click Here to read the article and let us know if we can be for help to you. 



Here are some other articles you may be interested in:

6 Allergic Reaction Myths and Facts


Dealing with Pet Allergies


Heart Attack ! Women's Symptoms May Be Different. What to Watch for


Too Much Sitting Can Be Deadly



Learn about our staff


Here are some Frequently Asked Questions Around our Office


Services We Provide for our Patients 

We've all heard the old attage that all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. However a recent study from University College in London indicates that type A work minded folks have a higher risk for health problems.  I think you'll find this article from WebMD article like I did.  Ok, I have to go play now. <Smile>

Read more...


Here are some other articles you may be interested in on our website.


6 Allergic Reaction Myths and Facts


Dealing with Pet Allergies


Heart Attack ! Women's Symptoms May Be Different. What to Watch for


Too Much Sitting Can Be Deadly


Learn about our staff


Here are some Frequently Asked Questions Around our Office


Services We Provide for our Patients 

Does Thanksgiving equal a healthier heart? No we aren't talking about low-fat gravy or sugar free cranberry sauce. We came across this article from NPR this week. The article states that "Paul Mills, a professor of family medicine and public health at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. Mills specializes in disease processes and has been researching behavior and heart health for decades. He wondered if the very specific feeling of gratitude made a difference, too."  It is an interesting read and one we thought you would appreciate as you celebrate this Thanksgiving week with those you love.

Click here to read the article on the NPR website.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week.

Here are more articles and information you may be interested in from our resources

Learn about our staff


Here are some Frequently Asked Questions Around our Office


Services We Provide for our Patients 

Listen as Dr. Loewen divulges some facts about a common immunization misconception.