DAB for Better Health

So what’s a “dab?”

I’ve seen lots of kids doing a “dab” when they’ve conquered an impossible feat or gotten something right. What they may not know, is that it’s also the right way to stay impossibly healthy.

In doing a “dab,” a person drops their head towards their elbow while raising their opposite arm to the sky. It looks like sneezing… and, well, it’s a great how-to when doing the real thing. The best way to prevent the spread of germs during the cold and flu season is to “dab.”

Proper cough etiquette

Cough etiquette is especially important for infection control. When you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. If you don’t have one, use your elbow. It looks a lot like a “dab.”

Another way to remember the move, one poster suggests, is to change the dance move’s name to an acronym: 'D(estroy) A(ll) B(acteria) when you sneeze.' A teacher posted the message in his classroom, and while it got lots of giggles and eye rolls from the kids, it was also very effective. It got their attention. 

Education is key when it comes to keeping everyone healthy during cold and flu season. Knowing how to prevent spreading germs is the first step.

Stopping those nasty germs

According to the CDC, besides properly covering your cough, you can also help stop the spread of germs by:

• Avoiding close contact with those who are sick
• Staying home when you are sick
• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water (If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer.)
• Not touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Keeping surfaces clean and disinfected

You can also improve your health by getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

For more ways to stay healthy, and to get your flu shot, make an appointment today with your Methodist Physicians Clinic health care provider.

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