Medicare begins a major change next month that could save older diabetics money and time when they buy crucial supplies to test their blood sugar – but it also may cause some confusion as patients figure out the new system.The flu has hit, and it has hit hard.
The Centers for Disease Control shows 47 states with widespread flu outbreak. In some states, more people are sick today than they have been in years past – and children can be infectious for more than 10 days.
Though covering your mouth and washing your hands remain the top ways to prevent the spread of flu, it doesn’t hurt to keep your gadgets clean.
Here are some tips to avoid spreading illness this season by touching cellphones and other electronics:
•Try not to share your cellphone or other accessories that come in contact with hands or mouth.
•Be sure to clean your devices regularly, especially if you’re using them in a school or office.
•Most alcohol wipes work on touch-screen surfaces, but make sure to squeeze the excess liquid out before wiping a device so you don’t get any liquid inside its operating system.
•A simple air spray can be used to clear makeup or other debris from a QWERTY keyboard or traditional dial pad. Most air spray products that clean computer screens and keyboards can also be used for wireless phones.
•Remember to wash your hands or use anti-bacterial lotions after using public office or school electronics, including charging cords that plug into the wall.
•And if you’re shopping, take advantage of anti-bacterial lotions that many retailers now provide for use on sales counters or near registers as purchases are made. (The flu is actually a virus and anti-bacterials don’t kill viruses, but it doesn’t hurt to keep hands clean of other potential bugs.)
