Together we are all doing our part with social distancing and staying home, but what if that wasn't enough to protect you and your family from COVID-19. What if four every day acts could easily be exposing you to infection? We wanted to share a few ways you can elevate your protection and decrease exposure to the corona virus.

We want to start out with a disclosure that we are not doctors or medical professionals. Always do your research when it comes to what you find to be true or false. Now, let's talk about how you can elevate your protection for the ones you love or live with.

TOOTHBRUSHES

This one is tricky because brushing our teeth is a great way to protect from COVID-19, however, what if you are infected and asymptomatic? Where do you keep your toothbrushes as a family? We used to keep ours all together, but now we have quarantined our toothbrushes for many reasons.

We found an amazing read by the Cranford Dental practice that gives you an easy to read guideline on what you should be doing for your toothbrushes and other dental devices.

Actions: Disinfect your toothbrushes once a week

Store toothbrushes individually and not together

Read the article by Cranford Dental

CELL PHONES

The main focus currently is washing our hands, but how many of us place our cell phones to our face. We take our cell phones EVERY WHERE, even to the bathroom. How many times since the outbreak have your wiped down your phone?

Action: Wipe your phone down at least 2-3 times a day with a Clorox wipe or alcohol solution

SHOES

There has been resent chatter about what we should be doing with our shoes once you get home. This is especially true if you are in the medical field or going to frequented places like the grocery store. Once you return home, you need to remove your shoes (and clothes in some instances) at the door and spray them down with alcohol solution. It has recently been reported that the virus can live on certain surfaces for 17 days.

Action: Remove your shoes when you arrive home by the door.

*ADDITIONAL EMPHASIS ON THIS BEING EXTREMELY IMPORTANT*

This is one of the contributing factors as to why Italy has experienced such a horrific outbreak of COVID-19 versus China. Most Asian cultures require you to remove your shoes before entering the home.

CARS

Our cars expose us to many of germs, because we go about our day and then get in the car and touch the steering wheel. If you have to go on any errand, you don't know if someone coughs or sneezes near your car and if any germs land on your car door handle. Also, if you are pumping gas and touch the gas pump handle, think about all the other hands that have touched the pump. Be safe and vigiliant by remembering to protect yourself.

Actions: Wipe down your car door handles and steering wheel with Clorox wipes or alcohol solution.

Wear gloves when pumping gas

There you have it! We are not trying to frighten you, but help you elevate your ability to protect yourself and the ones you love. Please do your research and know you have to be vigilant along with staying home. Some families have members that have to still go to work and serve our society. We want to provide as much info to the community so everyone can be safe.

Please share with those you love.