Certainly a cleaner work environment helps productivity and employee well--being, but the notion that surface cleanliness on workstations and in break-rooms are the only sanitary issue leaves other office health concerns in the dark. With little change to annual illnesses, research studies suggest we may be overlooking something more influential, and far more unavoidable - the air we breathe.

Airborne Viruses and Bacteria and Their Cost to the Workplace
Bacteria and viruses can travel through the air, causing diseases and worsening allergies or asthma(3). Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk(4). Five to twenty percent of the US population becomes ill from the influenza virus each year(1). For the workplace, that translates into over $220 billion every year that sick employees cost our economy from lost productivity(2).

The Air Filtration Solution
High-efficiency particulate absorption (True HEPA) filters have been clinically proven to be effective at reducing the concentration of airborne germs and allergens. Hospitals, clinics, airlines, and many other industries recognize the necessity to purify air and utilize True HEPA filtration technology to maintain the highest standards of indoor air quality. Using air purifiers designed for workplace environments like the Fellowes® AeraMax Air Purifiers can help minimize airborne germs in the office. AeraMax Air Purifiers are equipped with a True HEPA Filter that safely captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, ragweed and other allergens, viruses, germs, dust mites and mold spores. AeraMax is also extremely effective at removing influenza and cold viruses from indoor air(5).

Workplace air purifiers can also be helpful for removing odors without having to use harsh chemicals like commercial cleaners or air fresheners, which only mask odors with synthetic fragrances. Air purifiers like AeraMax have a carbon filter that effectively captures odors from the air without the need for chemicals.

Simply by adding the initiative of office air purification to regular workplace sanitation, you can help minimize germs and increase well-being and productivity.



1 "Seasonal Flu" Flu.gov http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/seasonal/index.html#
2 "Actions to Improve IAQ." United States Environmental Protection Agency. Last modified April 5, 2012. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actions_to_improve_iaq.html.
3 "Bacteria and Viruses" American Lung Association http://www.lung.org/healthyair/home/resources/bacteria-and-viruses.html
4 "How Flu Spreads" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
5 Based on independent testing      

As fall approaches many of us become concerned about staying healthy for the
winter. Once cold weather hits, we are indoors more and around family, friends
and coworkers typically in tight quarters. The good news is that with a few
simple tips you can stay healthy year-round regardless of what's going ?round
at home or in the office. 

.  Wash often
 Wash your hands regularly for at least 30 seconds with plenty of soap and water as warm as you can
tolerate. If soap is not available, a good hand sanitizer can kill germs in as
little as fifteen seconds. Equally important, keep your hands off your face.
Based on observational studies, the average person touches his/her face sixteen
times an hour. Since your nose, eyes and mouth are key entry points, it's a good
idea to retrain yourself to keep your hands off! 

.  Think fresh
Even in winter you can still find plenty of vitamin-rich fresh fruits and
vegetables to add to your diet. Aim for five servings a day.  If you can't find
your favorites fresh, opt for frozen, the next best.  

.  Reduce your intake of saturated fats and refined sugars
Our American diet of fast foods and processed meals is loaded with fats and sugars that depress your immune
system, add pounds to your waistline, and make you lethargic in general. Pack a
healthy lunch and save money too. 

.  Keep a clean kitchen
Many of us prepare more meals in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, cross contamination
of food like cutting a raw chicken, followed by bread on the same cutting
board is a major source of food-borne digestion problems. Between uses
thoroughly clean with hot water and soap and let air dry. Regularly bleach
cutting surfaces.  

.  De-stress
Stress can measurably depress your immune system. Whether it's indulging in a massage, having dinner with a
friend or listening to music de-stress by taking time every day to do something
just for yourself.  

.  Sleep more
Sleep recharges your system, but with our 24 x 7 lifestyle, few of us actually get our 7-9 hours of shut-eye.
Poor sleep is associated with lower resistance, so practice good sleep hygiene,
get to bed early and wake up refreshed.

.  Play outside
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week, preferably outdoors where
you can also get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Not only does your body benefit
from exercise, but studies show that it's also good for your brain and mood
because it releases feel-good endorphins. Surprisingly, most of us spend 90
percent of our lives indoors, so take every opportunity to get outside.  

.  Laugh it up
Have you noticed that after periods of high stress you feel run down? That's  because our bodies respond to emotions. When you're happy and relaxed, your immune system stays strong. Laughter is  even more
powerful because it actually increases immune cells and decreases stress
hormones. Can't  find anything to laugh about? Rent a funny video, go to a comedy
club, or spend time with your "funny" friend.

.  Sanitize your office
Desktops can be a breeding ground for germs. Antibacterial wipes available in many scents, individually wrapped or in handy canisters make an ideal office cleaner. They work on many different types of surfaces and can kill
up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. Great for wiping down phones, pens,
desktops, light switches, door handles or anywhere you or coworkers touch.  


Make this year your healthiest ever. By choosing just three or four of
the above suggestions and sticking to them you're sure to stay strong this
fall and all year long. Start your wellness plan today! And load up on flu supplies at www.twistop.com

If you work in a school, factory, office or any workplace you need to make sure you have the correct first aid facilities in place.  It isn't as simple as having a box of adhesive bandages anymore.

What many people don't realize is that there are strict rules that govern what is needed and where it should be placed.

In all workplace settings there must be personnel trained to administer first aid when necessary if there is not the option of a hospital, infirmary or clinic.  These standards are set by OSHA which stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  OSHA is a federal agency responsible for the regulation of health and safety at work.

As well as ensuring you have fully trained personnel to administer first aid in your workplace, you must follow the quidelines provided by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) regarding the first aid kits.  A few of the minimum ASNI requirements are:

.  Box of adhesive bandages (Band-Aids)
.  Two large gauze pads (8X10 inches)
.  Gauze pads (4X4 inches)
.  2 triangular bandages
.  1 packaged roller bandage at least 2 inches wide
.  Scissors
.  One blanket
.  Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
.  Tweezers
.  Adhesive tape

And the list goes on...

Of course, it's also dependent of what type of business you work in as to what your first aid requirements are.  If you work in a chemical or pharmaceutical factory your ANSI requirements will be different than those of a retail store.  Following the ANSI and OSHA quidelines will help you know what supplies your first aid kit needs to contain.

At Twist OP we have all the necessary safety supplies to meet any business requirements.  We have our very own Xpress First Aid kit that meets federal law requirements.  All of our kits and supplies are color coded to enable you to buy refills at ease.  We also use a re-order card system to make restocking your first aid kit fast and effortless.  So, go to www.twistop.com and order your Xpress First Aid kit today.

For most of us, winter brings two major concerns - shoveling snow and staying
healthy. While you can't do anything about this year's snowfall, you can
minimize your chance of catching the latest bug by following these six simple
steps.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands. Yes, you're probably
already doing this, but are you washing long enough? Use hot water and lots of
soap, lathering for at least 30 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing
"Happy Birthday" twice. Be sure to "save your work" by using a paper towel to
shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door.

2. Turn away. Turn  your head away from others and cough into your sleeve, elbow or tissue. Be sure
to dispose of your tissue and wash your hands immediately to avoid spreading  germs.

3. Keep moving. Exercise is an excellent way to stay healthy. A
brisk walk of 20 minutes four or five times a week will help strengthen your
immune system to fight off whatever comes your way.

4. Use antibacterial wipes. At work, use antibacterial wipes on your phone and desk.
Regularly wipe everything you frequently touch including your keyboard, mouse,
pens, and desktop. At home, keep kitchen appliances and countertops as well as
bathroom surfaces, and all door handles and light switches wiped clean. At the
store, take advantage of the antibacterial wipes often provided near the carts,
a great place to pick up someone else's bug.

5. Hands off. Did you know that people touch their faces an average of fifteen times an hour? Keep
your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes, three prime germ entry spots.

6. Get your sleep. Sleep helps your body rejuvenate itself.
When you're run-down, your resistance drops, making you more susceptible to
getting sick.

Incorporate these tips into your daily routine and you'll stay ahead of the bug... and stay strong all winter long. 

Twist OP has amazing prices on wipes, cold medicine, tea and more.  Stock up for the flu season at www.twistop.com