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Seasonal tip: Clean hands, fewer germs As the weather turns colder and we spend more time indoors, one of the simplest ways to stay healthy is also one of the best: washing your hands with soap and water. The CDC recommends five easy steps: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. That's humming "Happy Birthday" twice. Ri

Seasonal tip: Keep medicines up and away The CDC reminds us that children are curious, and in less than a minute they can get into things that could hurt them. Put medicines, vitamins and other supplements, including gummies, away every time. Pick a storage place children can't reach or see. Never leave medicine out on a kitchen counter or at a family member's bedside. Always relock the safety cap. If it turns, twist until you hear the click or can't twist anymore. Even with

Seasonal tip: Why a flu shot every year The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older in the United States, with rare exception, get a flu vaccine every season. Flu is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to help reduce your risk of getting flu and its potentially serious complications. Why every year? The CDC gives two reasons: Immune protection from vaccination declines over time

Seasonal tip: Keep an up-to-date medication list The FDA says a medication list helps your health care team know about your current health and minimize medication errors and drug interactions, and it can be a lifesaving tool in an emergency. Your list should include: Every prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamin and supplement you take. The name and strength of each one, and what you take it for. When, how and how much you take. Your allergies and emergency contac