Autumn 2020 seems like it was here just the other day. Masks were mainstream and the scariest part of Halloween was potential COVID-19 infection. For that reason, that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) advised against door-to-door trick-or-treating. With climbing vaccination rates and reduced COVID-19 cases, could trick-or-treating be safe this year?

Various health experts don’t advise gathering in large crowds this year, but they do expect kids to enjoy some semblance of normalcy this Halloween. In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that children can enjoy a safe, fun Halloween this year. That means one thing and one thing only: ready your buckets because trick-or-treating is on!

Given that trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity and many children over the age of 12 are getting vaccinated, Fauci considers it a safe activity. Children under the age of 12 already spend time together on the playground and in the classroom at school. Trick-or-treating doesn’t pose an additional risk to them, according to hygienists and clinical professors. There is one variable, however, and it’s the door-to-door interaction with strangers. Nobody can know how safe other people are, but experts want to assure people that being outside significantly reduces the rate of infection. Plus, there are several steps you can take to stay safe while collecting candy. 

Avoid Indoor Trick-Or-Treating

In colder areas of the country, it’s common for parents to take children to trick-or-treat in malls, or indoors at an apartment building. The reality is that these places do not have great ventilation, which puts younger children, or the unvaccinated people, at risk. To limit your risk of COVID-19, it’s best to focus your efforts on outdoor candy collection. If the only option is to trick-or-treat indoors, it’s best to wear a mask. 

Keep The Mask On

The great thing about Halloween costumes is that many come with masks! The only downside is that costume masks do not replace masks with three to five layers of fabric. Costume masks are not designed to limit the spread of viral particles. Parents can, however, get creative and make a face mask a part of a child’s costume. Surgeon costumes, anyone? It’s also possible for children to wear masks under their costume masks, but parents should make sure children can breathe comfortably. 

Inspect Treat Before Indulging

It’s hard to resist a bag or bucket full of candy when you are a child. Some adults have that same problem! Try to feed your child(ren) a large meal before you venture out to trick-or-treat in order to reduce the urge to savagely consume candy. Upon arriving home from a successful night, discard any candies that have torn packaging, or ones that don’t have a seal. As a general safety measure unrelated to COVID-19, inspect labels if your child suffers from food allergies. 

Keep Hands Clean

Between railings, fences, candy, and the other things kids may come in contact with on Halloween, it’s important to keep hands clean. Since you’ll be out with children away from soap and water, keep hand sanitizer at the ready. It’s not necessary to sanitize after every house you visit, but every once in a while is beneficial. The risk of contracting COVID-19 via candy wrappers is very low, but keeping hands clean decreases the risk even further. Additionally, experts advise that children wash their hands before they eat some of the candy they picked. This reduces the risk of ingesting any germs they picked up while trick-or-treating. You don’t have to quarantine the candy, by the way.

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There’s an excitement that kids experience when the time comes to return to school. This is an interesting phenomenon considering the elation kids feel when summer break rolls around and they get to leave for a couple months. The start of the school year, however, gives kids the opportunity to catch up, reconnect, and share all sorts of germs. That’s great news for parents, right? 

Back to school is a challenging time for families, and the 2021 fall semester is no different. With delta variant surges occurring all over the United States, sending kids back to school can be a terrifying thought. Millions of students are preparing for fully in-person education for the first time in over a year. In addition to shopping for school supplies, there are health issues to consider. Ensuring that children understand the importance of hygiene and masking policies is one primary job. While the physical health of children is something that parents need to worry about, mental health may also be a topic of discussion. 

Returning To School: A Mental Struggle

Clinical psychologists have been receiving calls about assisting children with their reentry to in-person classes. Each child has their own set of concerns, worries, or fears about heading back to school in general. Lack of enthusiasm to go to class, developing a morning routine, and cementing an after-school homework ritual are all things that require work, but this year presents a different challenge. The coronavirus is still in the air, spreading rapidly with the newer delta variant. Kids may feel worried or nervous to be around their peers. Will kids abide by masking guidelines and practice proper hand-washing? Kids who are old enough understand that it’s much easier to get sick, and that worry may make it difficult to head back to the classroom. 

Whether you are an educator, parent, administrator, or counselor, the following tips may help students start the year off right. There will be inevitable challenges, but you can tackle them as they come. 

Create A Morning Checklist

Heading back to in-person school involves a much different routine than heading to the dining room table to start Zoom classes. Aside from equipping kids with a mask, hand sanitizer, and lunch, there may be other things to pack. Consider after-school programs, sports, or musical instruments that also have to go with them. Create a daily checklist for children to reference every morning. This will be interactive and fun, and it will help get them ready for each day. 

Refresh Proper Coughing & Sneezing Etiquette

Everyone coughs and sneezes, which can make people nervous in today’s day and age. Remind children to sneeze and cough into their bent elbow, not their hands. This is to help prevent germs from clinging to their hands, which can inevitably touch their face. 

Prioritize Mental Health

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that mental health can dictate how you feel overall. Encourage your children to speak up if they experience too much stress, pressure, or anxiety about returning to school. Remind them that counselors and educators are there to help. Tackling mental health problems in their early stages is the best way to combat the issue. Children have demonstrated incredible resilience during the pandemic, so make sure they know to speak up about anything and everything. There may be learning gaps or loss, but children became resilient and learned to cope with how the world changed. 

Read School Emails

This tip is for parents because there will undoubtedly be more emails this coming school year. Schools will most likely update parents via email about events, COVID-19 concerns, or learning opportunities. Always keep an eye out for new information, especially before classes start and during the first month of schooling. 

Remind Them Of Proper Hand-Washing

A classroom is a breeding ground for bacteria, even if kids are wearing masks. Touching any surface in school, even if there are enhanced cleaning measures, means that germs end up on hands. Failure to keep hands clean can cause anything from pink eye to COVID-19. Make sure children have hand sanitizer and that they wash hands after dirtying them. Encourage frequent hand-washing by practicing this at home. In fact, making children wash their hands upon returning from school is also a healthy reminder and good idea. 

Know When Staying Home Is Best

Now more than ever, staying home during sickness is paramount. If you notice the subtlest hint of illness, keep the child at home and away from other kids at school. If a fever, cough, or congestion develops, consider getting a COVID-19 test to confirm whether or not that is the cause. Determining this will dictate how soon or if they go back to school or not. 

Always err on the side of caution with children, especially this year. Be the voice of reason and roll with the punches, just like we’ve been doing since the beginning of the pandemic. Your kids are resilient and they will persevere. 

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Summer travel is returning after more than one year of quarantine. Most people are ready to escape their homes and travel to a new and exciting destination, be it the Grand Canyon or The Colosseum. Fortunately, many countries continue to open their boarders to U.S. citizens, and travel within the U.S. is getting easier. As more Americans continue to get COVID-19 vaccines, travel is a lot safer than it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. 

If you are fully vaccinated, traveling isn’t as big of a risk as it was pre-vaccination. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not an immunity shield that will protect you against everything you encounter. It’s still your responsibility to take some precautions to keep yourself and others healthy and safe. The good news is that it’s much safer to travel now than it was before. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) stated that vaccinated individuals can safely travel within the United States. 

If you plan on traveling or getting away this summer, the following tips can keep you healthy, safe, and happy. Enjoy the summer and wherever you visit!

Be Prepared To Prove Your Vaccination Status

According to a recent report, it’s not a HIPAA violation for businesses or people to ask about your vaccination status. Travelers who are fully vaccinated may need to provide proof of vaccination. This applies for both domestic and international travels, but it will ultimately depend on your destination. Make sure to keep your vaccine card with you while you travel.

Assess COVID-19 Rates Where You’re Going

When you decide on a destination, it’s important to consider the COVID-19 infection rate. Some places have higher numbers than others and some places have lower vaccination rates. It’s very easy to look up the state’s public health department’s information online and assess the risk by looking at the color-coded map. 

Keep That Sanitizer On Hand

It’s tempting to toss your stash of sanitizer, but don’t do it just yet, especially if you decide to travel over summer. Taking an airport shuttle, flying in an airplane, grabbing door handles or handrails at attractions you visit call for sanitation. You don’t have to sanitize every ten minutes, but keeping clean hands is one way to keep yourself safe. Make sure that sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol. You can also wash your hands with soap and water when available. 

Don’t Sacrifice Sleep

There tends to be two types of travelers: those who want to sleep as much as possible, and those who want to do as much as possible. Health experts advise that you should not neglect sleep when you travel. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor immune function and body recovery, which increases your chances of getting sick. If you plan on taking a road trip this summer, make sure to get that sleep. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk.

Take Tests If Necessary

Some countries, which recently opened borders to U.S. citizens, still require negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of departure. If you show up to an international departure without this test, they may not allow you to travel. Keep in mind that travelers arriving back to the U.S. from international destinations have to show a negative COVID-19 test. Always check travel restrictions or requirements for wherever you travel.

Consider Private Accommodations

If you normally stay in hostels, hotels or resorts when you travel, you may want to try something different. Limiting contact or interactions with others in those environments may be the perfect way to ease back in to safe travels. Consider booking a small apartment, guest house, or home as a safer and more private accommodation. There are many apps and sites that can help you book these stays. 

Be Smart About Activities

Many activities are safe, especially if you are vaccinated or outdoors. COVID-19 rates continue to decline in the U.S., but this is not the case in certain countries, where vaccination rates are very low. Depending on your destination, you may need to exercise higher safety measures. You may want to do certain activities while on vacation that are not so safe right now. Going out to bars, concerts, karaoke cafes, or other crowded indoor spaces comes with increased risk of COVID-19 exposure. Your odds of getting sick are always much lower if you are outside. By the way, there’s no shame in wearing a mask even if mask mandates end. Do what is necessary to feel comfortable and safe.

Have Fun

While traveling may come with risks you never considered before, it’s still important to have fun. It may take a full day or so to relax and feel comfortable at your travel destination, but that’s completely normal. Enjoy your travels, especially if you received the vaccine. Be smart and careful, but make sure to embrace the culture, city, or place you visit.

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Depending on which state you live in, you are either approaching or passing the one year anniversary of COVID-19 lockdowns. We all remember the empty shelves of canned goods, toilet paper, disinfectant sprays, and paper towels. There were long lines outside grocery stores and people scrambled to get as much bleach as possible. Times were tough, businesses went under, and the virus unfortunately claimed the lives of millions worldwide. The good news is that we have made a tremendous amount of progress and the future looks brighter and promising.

It’s safe to say that people never experienced anything like this pandemic ever before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended limited gatherings, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. For many Americans, March 2020 was a time of relearning, acclimating to the new times. “Uncertain times” and “social distancing” became part of the lexicon, and people worried like crazy. Would we ever emerge from COVID-19? Could we ever return to some sense of normalcy?

More Than One Year Later

It’s not over, but the ride will hopefully be a little less bumpy from now on. Numbers continue to drop and vaccines roll out daily. Additionally, health experts know so much more about the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, than they did back in March 2020. Infectious disease specialists always knew that something like COVID-19 could happen, but it’s different when it happens on a global scale. It’s even worse when nobody is ready for it. 

We Learned About Its Origins

The theory that is still most plausible is that the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated in bats and was passed to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a month-long investigation and this is the conclusion they arrived at. There are other narratives and conspiracy theories in existence, but this theory is the most valid. Virologists also think people should know that seven different human coronaviruses are also exist. Four mild strains circulate among humans and are likely responsible for 30% of common colds. SARS-CoV-2 is more like a combination of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). SARS-CoV-2 is less lethal than SARS and MERS is more global, according to scientists. 

We Learned That Asymptomatic People Can Spread It

It’s not uncommon for someone to experience a flu or common cold with less severe symptoms. At the first sign of these symptoms, it’s always been best to isolate until they diminish. This is not the case for COVID-19. A high percentage of infected people experienced no symptoms, but they could still transmit the virus to others. Infectious disease specialists found it common for younger, healthier people to contract it, walk by a more at-risk person, and pass it to them. That person could then become very sick. According to a study published on January 7th, 2021, roughly 59% of transmission occurs from asymptomatic carriers. That’s why health experts agree that temperature checks are not enough for detection.

We Learned That It Affects Children Differently

Children and adults experience COVID-19 differently. It’s common for children between ages 5 and 17 to have much lower infection rates. The current estimate is that children in that age bracket make up 10% of all confirmed cases, while children between 2 to 4 accounted for only 2% of confirmed cases. Virologists suspect that this has to do with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein found in human cells. Children have less ACE2 than adults, which is a physiological difference. Since SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 to enter cells, this explains the lower infection rate in children. This remains a hypothesis and there is still no definitive answer. 

We Learned Misinformation Slowed The Fight

People will believe what they want to believe, be it legitimate or fake news. Unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation surrounding COVID-19, in part because of the myriad unknown factors. Remember the joking bleach injections? Disinfectant consumption spiked the next day. Some people decided to drink turpentine and others thought masks didn’t help slow the spread. Unfortunately, medical misinformation is nothing new, but the media only made matters worse and more mainstream. 

We Know It Is Not Going Away

The goal behind mass vaccinations is to achieve herd immunity. In order to reach that goal in the United States, 75-80% of Americans have to receive the vaccine. That doesn’t mean that COVID-19 goes away; rather, it simply becomes more manageable and doesn’t spread rapidly. The more people who get vaccinated worldwide, the more COVID-19 becomes a minor illness. Let’s not forget that it has already mutated, so new vaccines will most likely come in the future. The hope is that it will be more like the seasonal flu, as opposed to an illness that cripples the world. 

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The only downfall to frequently washing hands is that the skin dries out quickly. Most of the time, the temperature of the water has a lot to do with maintaining optimal moisture, but ingredients in commercial hand soaps also dry out the skin. Even if you use a nourishing hand soap, it can seem like all the lotion in the world cannot remedy the problem. 

If you suffer from dry hands, trust us when we tell you that you are not alone. During the colder, dryer months, skin is more prone to drying out, which is why you have to invite moisture back in. It’s always possible to use natural lotions or moisturizers that hydrate the skin, but why not kill two birds with one stone by using a moisturizing hand soap. You’ll clean your hands and moisturize at the same time! See how the moisturizing ingredients help your skin below. 

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is often praised for being an all natural toner and all-around superstar for your skin care routine. The polyphenols in witch hazel help to fight the signs of premature aging. By fighting free radical damage that comes from harmful UV rays, witch hazel works to fight the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Additionally, the natural tannins help to reduce inflammation, calming the appearance of red or irritated skin. These tannins also fight any greasiness on the hands that builds up from environmental pollutants. This recipe only calls for a small amount because too much witch hazel can strip the skin of moisture. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is technically a group of oil-soluble compounds that are commonly added to serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and more. When it comes to topical application, dermatologists agree that vitamin E oil can benefit numerous skin disorders. It works to repair the skin by assisting with cellular restoration. Vitamin E oil also works to moisturize the skin and improve the exterior of the epidermis. It actually establishes a protective barrier that helps to seal in moisture and reduce potential inflammation. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil typically remains on the skin’s surface, creating a protective layer of moisture on the skin. Dermatologists believe that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in sweet almond oil also contribute to wound or acne healing. More research is necessary to prove this, though. People with dry skin can greatly benefit from using sweet almond oil because it is a natural emollient. This means that it works to smooth the skin by filling in dry gaps with moisture. In doing so, the skin’s barrier improves and it is able to retain more moisture for a lot longer. 

DIY Moisturizing Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup purified water
• 3/4 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 15 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the water, Castile soap, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, witch hazel, and lemon essential oil to a soap bottle with a dispenser lid. Make sure to pour them into the bottle in that order. 
• Shake well before each use. When you use the soap, make sure to dispense a small amount onto your hands, scrub together for 20 seconds, and then rinse with lukewarm water. 
• Pat hands dry and feel the difference. If you notice a little oily residue, this is completely fine and you should not rub it off. Those oils are working hard to moisturize your hands!

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The frequent hand washing continues in 2021 as we continue to battle the novel coronavirus. We mentioned this in 2020, but regular hand washing, especially with hot water, can dry out the skin on your hands. Add the excessive use of hand sanitizer on top of that and your skin looks like that of a reptile. Now that we are in the middle of winter, the dry and cold weather also contributes to dry skin on the hands. 

When the cold weather arrives, many people start applying more lip balm on their lips than normal. Well, your hands deserve equal love and attention. It’s not practical to rub lip balm all over your hands, but that’s what hand creams are for! There is one problem, though, and it’s that most store bought hand creams or lotions contain contain fragrances. Some people don’t like fragrances and others do, but most people are unaware of why fragrances are bad for the skin.

The Problem With Fragrances

You see, fragrances are signature scents, and companies don’t have to list what ingredients are in those blends for copyright reasons. That means that some fragrances can contain non-FDA approved ingredients, or ingredients that are considered unsafe by the EPA. Fragrances are in about 50% of beauty products and they contain myriad toxic chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalances, cancer, and skin irritation. 

Fortunately for you, the hand cream in this article is free of fragrance blends, but the cream does smell delicious. You’ll find a brief explanation of how the ingredients benefit your skin below. 

Calendula

Known as the “Pot Marigold,” the calendula plant is native to the Mediterranean, but it grows abundantly around the world. The plant contains natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties, and it has been used in alternative healing practices for years. If you suffer from dry or itchy skin, calendula is an excellent ingredient for you. It helps to soothe and hydrate the skin by promoting the growth of collagen, an essential protein for your skin. 

Shea Butter

When it comes to ingredients that nourish dry skin, shea butter is the first one you need to know about. It’s a moisturizing emollient, meaning that it helps to seal in moisture in the skin by establishing a barrier on the skin. Don’t worry, it won’t clog your pores! According to several studies, shea butter contains palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids, all of which help to strengthen the skin’s barrier to help it hold moisture. 

Lavender Essential Oil

The first rule of thumb about essential oils is that you should not apply them directly on the skin. You have to mix them with carrier oils or incorporate them into a recipe with other skin-soothing ingredients that help dilute the oils. Lavender essential oil has a wonderful aroma and it works to nourish all skin types. Many reports found that it works to brighten and moisturize the skin, making it great for anyone experiencing dry skin. It also has wound-healing properties, which is beneficial if your hands are cracked, dry, or have little cuts from all the hand washing.

DIY Hand Cream

Ingredients For Calendula Infused Oil:

• Calendula flower
• Olive oil
• Glass Mason jar
• Cheesecloth

Instructions For Calendula Infused Oil:

• Fill your Mason jar about 3/4 of the way with calendula flowers. Pour in enough olive oil to fill the Mason jar. 
• The amount of infused oil you make will depend on the size of the Mason jar, but you only need 1 tablespoon of infused oil for the hand cream recipe. 
• Cover the jar and store it in a cool, dry place for six weeks. Don’t forget about it. 
• After six weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into another jar. Discard the flowers. 

Ingredients For Hand Cream:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon calendula infused olive oil
• 6-10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions For Hand Cream:

• Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until thoroughly mixed. 
• Spoon the mixture into a container and store in a cool dry place. 
• Apply a small amount to your hands and rub it into the dryer areas. You should only need to apply it once a day. 

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Frosty mornings and less daylight doesn’t mean that you sink into a pit of depression or throw all health practices out the window. Unfortunately, the holiday season leads to a series of unhealthy habits, including excessive screen time and the consumption of more junk food. This is especially dangerous for the upcoming holidays because most people have been doing exactly that since the coronavirus pandemic started in March 2020. 

What are your normal winter habits? We’re going to make a safe bet and say that one of your habits is curling up under a fuzzy blanket on the couch to watch TV for hours on end. Who knows, maybe you don’t shower for a couple days since you’re in the house. The lack of daylight is a common cause for the lethargy during winter. When it’s dark at 5 p.m., you don’t feel as inspired to go for a neighborhood run or work on a project. On top of all this laziness and lack of self-care, winter marks cold and flu season. Neglecting your physical and mental health can increase your risk of getting sick, so use the following winter wellness tips to stay as healthy as possible.

Soak Up Some Natural Vitamin D

Around one billion people worldwide experience vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the global population experiences vitamin D insufficiency. In the United States, about 35% of the adult population is deficient in vitamin D. Given that vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, immune function, and bone health, it’s a good idea to stand in the sun during winter. The unfortunate reality is that it’s hard for people in certain states to get a lot of sun, and many people stay inside because of the colder temperatures. If you are not able to get at least 15-30 minutes of sunlight daily, consider supplementing with vitamin D. 

Don’t Stop Moving

It’s so easy to avoid exercise during the winter because the sun begins to set at 4 p.m. It’s easy to say, “I’ll just exercise at home later,” but how many people actually follow through with that statement? More often than not, people wind up sipping hot cocoa and eating popcorn while watching movies. Exercising releases endorphins, which are feel good hormones that can help combat seasonal affective disorder or depression. Additionally, exercising benefits the immune system, making you less prone to contracting winter colds. Go on a hike on the weekend or try to hit the slopes if you ski or snowboard. Get the blood pumping and you’ll feel healthier. 

Don’t Neglect Your Sleep

We know we just told you to stay active, but it’s equally important to make time for sleep during the holidays. Sleep is the body’s way of recovering, but it also contributes to better mental health. Several sleep studies found that sleep-deprived people are more prone to chronic inflammation and reduced immune function as a result. It’s easy to stay up late binge-watching your new favorite show, but sleep is more important than Netflix or Hulu. One hour before you go to sleep, turn off the TV and put away your phone. Try to read a book, meditate, or engage in some restorative yoga poses to contribute to healthier sleep. 

Load Up On Vitamin C

As we’ve mentioned in this article, winter is notorious for colds and flus. On top of those viruses, you have to worry about COVID-19. There has never been a better time to load up on vitamin C, which plays a big role in immune function. According to several studies, vitamin C helps to shorten the duration of colds and works to decrease the severity of symptoms. If you need to increase your vitamin C intake, start eating bell peppers, kiwis, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, guavas, berries, parsley, thyme, and Brussels sprouts.

Keep Washing Those Hands

Both the CDC and the WHO advise that people be diligent about hand washing during the holidays. Proper hand washing with soap and water helps you limit the presence of bacteria and germs on your hands. When your hands are clean, your risk of transmitting germs from your hands to your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears decreases. You should wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the restroom, and after being out in public. A pro tip for keeping hands from drying out after incessant hand washing: wash with lukewarm to cold water instead of scalding hot water. The hot water feels nice, but it dries out your skin. And don’t forget to moisturize after washing.

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Let’s keep the strange going as we round out 2020, which has been something unimaginable to say the least. We don’t know about you, but does it ever feel like you’re in a surreal movie? Well, we can only do our best to provide you with advice to stay as healthy as possible as we progress through these trying times. 

Now, we face a time of year when the masses typically gather in malls, stores, restaurants, and houses: the holidays. Given that social distancing, mask wearing, and being outdoors help prevent the spread of COVID-19, holiday shopping poses a couple problems. For starters, most holiday shopping occurs indoors, where ventilation is minimal. On top of that, you have people crowding in stores, which may or may not limit capacity due to county regulations. The good news is that there are easy ways to reduce you risk of contracting COVID-19 during holiday shopping. 

#1: Take Advantage Of Online Shopping

One of the best parts about living in a digital age is that we have access to almost every single store from the comfort of our own homes. We can sit in pajamas and buy everything we could ever want. The great thing about online shopping during COVID-19 is that most retailers have an extended return policy, so you can return the items if they don’t fit or match the description. The only thing to keep in mind is that shipping during the holidays will be a nightmare, so you need to do your shopping like yesterday. This is the safest way to shop during the holidays. 

#2: Use Curbside Service

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, many businesses offer curbside pickup. Avoid the crowds, remain in your vehicle, and simply pick up your items by taking advantage of curbside services. You can order online and select curbside pickup, or you can call ahead to order. This is a great option to minimize interaction with the public. 

#3: B.Y.O.S

What does that stand for? Bring your own sanitizer, of course! This is a must if you plan on shopping in stores this holiday season. Fortunately, most stores and malls installed many hand sanitizer stations and regularly disinfect the store to ensure customer safety. While holiday shopping typically takes place at malls, which have bathrooms, it’s a good idea to bring hand sanitizer. Even though bathrooms offer soap and water (the best option for hand washing), those bathrooms will probably be crowded. If you do bring sanitizer, make sure that it contains at least 60% alcohol.

#4: Use Contactless Payment Options

Most stores encourage the use of contactless payment options to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. When paying for your in-store purchases, try to pay with a contactless credit card. Simply hold the card above the payment terminal or tap the appropriate area. This helps you avoid physical contact with payment terminals, which are high-touch items, and cashiers. You can find out if you have contactless payment by asking your card issuer or looking for the wave symbol on the card. 

#5: Follow CDC Safety Recommendations

Depending on which stores or malls you visit, this may be easy or difficult. Any time that you venture out into the world, always take a mask, bring hand sanitizer, and be prepared to socially distance. The most important rule is to wear a mask. You may even see people who decide to wear a surgical mask and cloth mask. Anytime you leave a store, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, provided that option is available. If you visit the CDC’s website, you can find more tips about staying safe during holiday shopping. 

#6: Try To Shop Locally

Where do most people shop during the holidays? They head to malls and big commercial stores that sell popular items. The smaller local businesses, which sell handmade products, are in need of your support. Plus, they offer unique gifts that often match the sensibilities of the people you are shopping for. Not only does shopping locally make your gift more personal, but it also supports the community. Additionally, these stores will probably be less crowded, and they’ll do a better job at regulating capacity. 

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There are some serious hurdles to overcome if a person living in your home contracts COVID-19. You never thought that it would make it into your home, but it did and now you have to avoid it like the plague that it is. What can you do to keep yourself and others safe? Now more than ever, it is paramount to understand how to deal with a COVID-19 positive person in your home. 

Since household members have a 50% risk of contracting the virus if someone in the house has it, you need to know how to act. We gathered some information to help you stay as safe and healthy as possible. Keep in mind that some of this information may go against your core beliefs, but these steps are necessary for your health. 

Get Tested

If the person in your house comes home with a positive test, wear a mask and gloves around them at all times and quarantine them in a room as best you can. They may only experience mild symptoms, but you still need to get a COVID-19 PCR test ASAP. Now, it’s possible for the test to come back negative because the virus may or may not be present in your system in the first couple days. Because of that, you should get a second test about five to seven days after the person came home with a positive COVID-19 test. Testing is readily available in every state and you can find testing sites on city websites. Lastly, any person who came in contact with that person prior to testing positive should be informed so that they can all take tests. 

Designate A Sick Room And Bathroom

If you have a spare room and bathroom, that makes this step a whole lot easier. The infected person needs to use a separate bedroom and bathroom from you. Children and pets should avoid the sick person’s areas at all costs and you should only enter with personal protective gear when absolutely necessary. If you don’t have a second bathroom, you will have to disinfect every single surface after the sick person uses it to ensure that it is 100% clean. You can google which disinfectants are the best to get rid of germs. 

Let Fresh Air In Whenever Possible

This gets trickier as the days get colder, but fresh air is necessary, especially if your living quarters are tight. Keep those windows open whenever possible, even if you have to turn on the heat simultaneously. The virus spreads rapidly indoors, so avoid stagnant air by increase airflow into the home. 

Eat Healthy

We’re putting this recommendation before mask wearing and hand washing for a reason. Not enough people have put emphasis on healthy eating during the pandemic, which is very upsetting. One of the best ways to improve immune function is by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. If you must eat animal protein, obtain grass-fed/grass-finished beef or wild caught fish. These foods can help decrease your risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which are conditions that make a COVID-19 infection more life-threatening. 

Disinfect Like You’ve Never Disinfected Before

Nobody likes to clean the house all the time, but you also don’t want to get COVID-19. Exert the extra effort and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces and items. These include doorknobs, countertops, light switches, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and tables. You need to disinfect at least once or twice daily, depending on how many people live in the house and touch these items. 

Always Wear A Mask

If someone in your house contracts COVID-19, that mask better not come off your face, unless you’re sectioned off in your own room away from the infected person. Additionally, the person who is sick should wear a mask if they enter common areas and leave their quarantined bedroom. According to health experts, there is a low risk of transmission if both you and the infected person wear masks. Masks help to block respiratory droplets and aerosols from exiting or entering. Wearing a mask does not make you 100% safe from COVID-19, but it does dramatically reduce your risk of contracting it. 

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It’s that time of year again, folks…and we couldn’t be happier to start the fall season with a pumpkin spice foaming hand soap. The pumpkin-flavored or pumpkin-infused recipes will be coming soon, but regular hand washing takes precedence at the moment. Rather than just using the same old boring unscented soap, this pumpkin spice soap embraces the fall season.

One of the things to know about store bought scented soaps is that they contain dangerous chemicals. In fact, several studies found that the artificial ingredients and chemicals in those soaps disrupted endocrine function. The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones that the body uses to carry out various functions, so disrupting this system can lead to hormonal imbalances. Keep your endocrine system healthy by taking 10 minutes to make a homemade, all-natural, scented soap.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove has a signature spicy aroma and the essential oil has powerful anti-aging properties. That’s why you see clove essential oil on a lot of cosmetic creams or oils. It works to remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation, which contributes to healthier, youthful skin.

Ginger Essential Oil

Another staple spice in the pumpkin spice blend, ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant activity. In fact, ginger essential oil has some of the highest antioxidant activity, according to several studies. It can actually help to moisten your skin, reducing roughness, which is more common as a result of increased hand washing protocol.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon essential oil can stop the creation of protein biomarkers that contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. If you experience any rash or acne, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are very beneficial. Just make sure to mix it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Nutmeg is a signature baking space, but it has a history of use in traditional medicine. Many people have used nutmeg essential oil to ease digestive discomfort or muscle spasms. This spicy oil has a woody aroma and a little goes a long way. Nutmeg essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it a great ingredient for hand soaps.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Foaming Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unscented Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 5 drops vitamin E oil
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 6 drops clove essential oil
• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• Foam soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Pour the Castile soap into the foam soap dispenser bottle and stir in the fractionated coconut oil. 
• Add in the vitamin E oil and essential oils. Give the bottle a few swirls to blend the mixture together. 
• Next, fill the bottle with distilled water, place the pump on, give the bottle a good shake to combine the ingredients, and then you’re good to go!
• Pump the soap when you wash your hands and you’ll smell that pumpkin spice deliciousness. 

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