Continuing last week’s column concerning outdoor safety measures to avoid COVID-19, let’s begin with another hand-protection option – disposable gloves. Good luck on finding the gloves in many stores these days or even online, but perseverance is key so keep looking. Gloves create a nice barrier between you and surfaces, especially in mega-use places like gas stations or public transportation. However, another method to maintain safety is removing them properly. Peel one glove from the wrist and then remove the other glove by reaching up underneath it and pulling it off; sanitize immediately after removing them. (Hubby and I go one step further and sanitize the gloves themselves before removal as well as afterwards.
I’ve also begun to always carry little packs of tissues with me. Yes, they’re good for sneezing and coughing into and blowing our noses. What I like, however, is using one to maintain a barrier from my hand to unsanitary surfaces, such as stair railings, doorknobs, etc. Just be sure to immediately toss the dirty tissues and instantly and thoroughly sanitize your hands.
If readers are like me, their cell phones are in use multiple times a day and, in fact, our phones are one of the nastiest, germ-infested items we carry at all times. Whether sitting one down in a public restroom, on the floor or a counter somewhere, that ring-ring-ring makes us answer or an instant call to a friend (or otherwise) often occurs. Bacteria and all kinds of disgusting grossness mandate an effective method to thoroughly clean our phones. Though not proven to kill coronavirus, USA Today’s Courtney Campbell found that the best phone sanitizer around is PhoneSoap. Not only does the product destroy close to 99.99 percent of bacteria but, additionally, it could be a good substitute to us constantly wiping down our phones; moreover, it doubles as a phone charger. Though not cheap at $79.95, it’s a great invention for these scary times.
While airlines, trains, restaurants, and other businesses are supposedly wiping down and sanitizing on a regular basis since so many re-openings, again I do stick to my “Ellen-CDC” guidelines and bring my own. Sanitizers and Clorox or generic wipes are perfect for cleaning my table, chair, and menu (that nauseatingly filthy menu!). Just think about the many items we do touch when dining, out; for example, the salt and pepper shakers, condiments, door handles, and tables – all can be contaminated by droplets. So each time you touch something, whether the ketchup bottle when loading up your burger or adjusting the sugar bowl for your after-dinner coffee, avoid touching your face or even eating until you wash your hands or rub them well with hand sanitizer.
And, finally, call or FaceTime to a friend or family member. Mental and physical well-being with social interactions, and even a longer lifespan, is backed up by research. High-quality, close relationships and feelings of social connection are associated with a range of benefits. While we should be careful of close physical contacts until a vaccine is available, phone calls and, better, actually seeing the person as well as talking to him or her really should be required. Regularly scheduled “visits” can vastly improve our mental state and stress levels, which in turn increases our physical health benefits.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com