Even adults sometime need a refresher course on the basics we learned as children. Sometimes we forget what was taught. Other times, especially with health, the gold standard changes as medical experts learn new information. That’s why there have recently been big public health campaigns to teach people the best way to sneeze.

Most people know it’s polite-and sanitary-to cover your mouth when you sneeze. No one wants your germs propelled at them at high speed. It’s also rude to leave them to linger in the air for unsuspecting souls who walk into the room after the sneeze.

The new information, however, is that it’s now considered best practice to use the crook of your arm (the inner part of your elbow) to cover your mouth, not your hand. That’s because sneezing into your hand puts the germs onto the part of your body that can spread them most effectively. Germs linger after a sneeze so if you touch a door knob or shake someone’s hand you’ve just spread your cooties.

Speaking of cooties, the best way to help kids remember to cover their mouth the preferred way is to tell them to make a duck beak. Older kids who like vampires might prefer the “vampire hiding their face in a cape” image.

It’s also best practice to wash your hands after sneezing. If you don’t have access to clean water and soap then use an alcohol based hand cleaner.

It goes without saying, but since it’s better to state the obvious than assume, this information also applies to coughing in public.

Be well.

This article was written by Dr. Donna Hamilton. To get more great advice from Diva Toolbox Media Diva Dr. Donna Hamilton, visit her website at: www.ManifestExcellence.com