It is estimated that the average commuter spends 42 hours per week in their cars. Along that path they often stop to grab a coffee here or a latte there, fill up the gas tank, and grab some breakfast at the local donut shop. Add to that the number of hours that people spend traveling each year and it’s easy to see that as a nation, we are seriously on the go, and often. Being so busy can put people on a germ-filled path as they make their way to and from their destinations. The good news is that there are things people can do help avoid those nasty germs and keep healthy.
“We come across a lot of germs in a day, especially if we are on the go and making stops at stores, gas stations, or are traveling,” explains Tina Aldatz, a travel expert and chief executive officer of travel wellness company, Savvy Travelers. “If you don’t take any type of precautions there is a good chance you will come in contact with some nasty germs that can make you sick. Nobody wants to be sick, so it just makes sense to try and avoid some of those germs.”
Although we may not able to always avoid the harmful germs, there are precautions we can take to help reduce the risks associated with them. Here are some tips that can help keep people safe and healthy:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect against getting the flu is to be vaccinated for it each year.
- Use sanitizers. In today’s world there are sanitizers that can eliminate 99 percent of the flu and cold germs that they come in contact with. Be sure to have hand sanitizers and wipes handy and use them often. Especially keep them with you when you travel, so they can be used to wipe down things like the airplane arm rest, tray table, and vent knobs.
- Keep clean. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching things like your eyes and mouth when your hands are not clean. Many people will touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eye or mouth, transferring the harmful germ.
- Disinfect at work. Workplaces also spread a lot of germs around, making it a priority to carry sanitizing wipes and use them frequently. They should especially be used on such things as telephones, computer keyboards, door knobs, vending machine buttons, and other areas that a lot of people come in contact with.
- Be aware. Some of the most common places that germs lurk include water fountains, community candy dishes, salt and pepper shakers at restaurants, restaurant menus, ATM buttons, handrails, and elevator buttons. If you can avoid these things, do. If you can’t, then revert back to the tips above to help avoid getting sick from the germs.
“You don’t have to become a germaphobe in order to help keep yourself safe and healthy,” says Margie Floris, a travel expert and co-founder of Savvy Travelers, a marketing expert who also helped Foot Petals to become globally successful. “Just be aware of where the germs may be lurking and try to avoid them, and use sanitizers. They are going to be your best defense when you are on the go. They work even if you don’t have access to water to be able to wash your hands.”
Savvy Travelers offers a line of products that help to keep travelers healthy and comfortable. The company offers a line of pre-packaged individual sanitizing personal and surface luxe sheets, antiperspirant deodorant sheets, mouth cleansing sheets, and more. Their products have been expertly designed for helping people avoid the germs on the go or when traveling. Savvy Travelers is a minority and women owned company, holds a “Southern California Minority Business Development” certification, and is Cal Tran certified. For more information, visit the site at: www.savvytravelers.com.