Help lower your family’s risk of catching and spreading colds or flu by taking these preventative steps:

Give Staying Healthy A Shot

An easy way to help prevent your kids from getting the flu is to give them a flu shot. The flu shot can reduce the average child's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the flu season. The CDC's Flu "Fact Sheet" recommends that people who are at "high risk" for catching the flu, those between 50 and 64 years of age, and those who can transmit the flu to people in these categories, should get vaccinated each year.

Practice Good Health Habits
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following for helping to prevent the spread of cold and flu:

* Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to help protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Your kids need to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs. Kids can measure the time by singing "Happy Birthday" song twice.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Keep Your Home Clean AND Disinfected

Germs can live on surfaces for long periods of time. Cleaning with soap and water only removes dirt, it does not kill germs. Use some type of disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill germs on commonly touched surfaces throughout the home.

Disinfectant Spray

* Kills 99.9% of germs on commonly touched surfaces around the home (when used as directed)
* Easy to use in every room
* Keeps germs off areas your family comes in contact with every day

Sanitizing Wipes

* Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed
* Now with Micro-Lock™ fibers that trap and hold the germs instead of pushing it around
* The convenient way to clean and disinfect your household surfaces, no sponges and no mess

Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and it is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for the cold or flu.
Have more questions about the flu?

* Click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.


Household Germ Holders or “Hot Spots”

* Doorknobs
* Toilets handles
* Telephone Receivers
* Countertops
* Faucets
* TV and Game Remotes
* Keyboard

This year, make some resolutions you’ll want to keep! Vow to live healthier—you’ll be happier! Try our tips for staying healthy, including starting a diet and exercise program that’s right for you.

Practice Good Health Habits Every Day
Photo of CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Any type of Disinfectant Spray and Sanitizing Wipes

* Try to wash your hands as much as possible to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illness. Try CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap to kill germs and bacteria, leaving your hands smooth and clean.

* Kill household germs. Soap and water alone won’t do the trick—try disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* on commonly-touched surfaces.

Eating Right

* Before starting any diet, consult with your physician. He or she can help you decide what program is right for your health needs.

* Take it one step at a time. Start by making small changes in your diet—like adding two more fruits or vegetables to your daily meals or cutting down on snacks.

* Always eat breakfast. Eating in the morning can help you stay satisfied until lunch and prevent you from overeating the rest of the day. Avoid sugary cereals that will leave you wanting more—try oatmeal or a low-calorie breakfast bar.

* Take it home. When dining out, ask for a doggy bag as soon as you get your meal. Pack up half right away so you won’t be tempted to eat the whole dish in one sitting.

* Skip dessert. Okay, you don’t always have to miss out—but just don’t indulge every day! And when you do sneak in some sweets, eat a smaller portion or share with a friend.

Get Moving!

* You don't have to be a marathon runner to exercise a fast walk in the morning and an evening stroll can help you burn lots of calories.

* Find a plan that works for you. Whether it’s joining a gym, jogging, taking aerobics classes, or riding your bike, do what you enjoy. You’ll see better results in the long run if you find activities that you can keep doing over time.

* Even after you figure out what works for you, don’t be afraid to try some new things! Take a new class, exercise with a friend, or try a different machine at the gym. You’ll keep your routine fresh and interesting!

* Don’t give up. Miss a few days of exercise? Don’t throw away the whole week! Today’s a new day—give yourself another chance to improve your workout routine.

I hope and pray that this information is helpful to someone today and in the future.