All About Sneezing……
What’s Your Genetic Style?
Sneezing……is it a sign of spring hay fever or that change of weather cold you catch every year? Seems inevitable, but know how to protect yourself and others from more serious consequences.
Bright sunlight, an over-filled stomach, dust, pollens, gasses, fumes, smoke, allergens, and, of course, disease will all cause sneezing. It’s actually a fairly complex physical response that involves the chest, throat and face. The release of air can be upwards of 100 to 160 mph and can expel between 5,000 to 40,000 droplets. We are all programmed genetically in the manner in which we sneeze: one, two, three or more in a row. It’s something we can’t change.
In order to protect yourself and others and minimize your chances of back injury, remember these 3 things:
- Always cover your sneeze, including both your nose and mouth
- Don’t pinch your nose in an attempt to stop or muffle the sound. Trapping all that pressure can damage your ears, including the middle ear and eardrum, or cause an infection
- Always bend your knees slightly and place your hand firmly in the small of your back when you feel a sneeze coming on
