Travel-Friendly Tips to Stay Clean and Sanitized on Buses, Trains, and Public Transport
Fordham Institute Inc. • September 12, 2024
Whether you're commuting as a student or worker, staying clean and sanitized on public transportation is essential to maintaining your health. Buses, trains, and other shared spaces can be breeding grounds for germs, especially during busy hours. To help you stay safe while traveling, here are some travel-friendly tips to keep clean and sanitized while on the go.
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1. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes ๐งด๐งป
Public transportation often means touching shared surfaces, like railings, seats, and doors. To minimize your risk of picking up germs, make sure to carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and disinfectant wipes for quick clean-ups.
- How to do it: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag for easy access after touching surfaces. Use disinfectant wipes to clean armrests, tray tables, or any area you’ll be in contact with before sitting down.
2. Wear a Mask in Crowded Spaces ๐ท
Although mask mandates may have been lifted in some areas, wearing a mask in crowded public spaces, especially on buses and trains, can still provide an added layer of protection from airborne germs.
- How to do it: Keep a mask in your bag or pocket and wear it when social distancing isn’t possible, particularly during peak travel hours or flu season. Opt for a comfortable, breathable mask to make wearing it for long periods easier.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face ๐ซ๐คฒ
One of the easiest ways to transfer germs from surfaces to your body is by touching your face. Germs on your hands can quickly enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth, so try to avoid touching your face during your commute.
- How to do it: Stay mindful of your hand movements and, if you need to adjust your glasses, hair, or mask, use the back of your hand or a clean tissue. Always sanitize your hands before eating or touching your face.
4. Opt for Contactless Payments ๐๐ณ
Many public transport systems now offer contactless payment methods, such as using mobile apps or tap-and-go cards. By reducing the need to handle physical money or tickets, you can minimize the number of surfaces you touch.
- How to do it: Whenever possible, use your phone or contactless cards for bus or train fares. Many transit apps also allow you to purchase tickets in advance, so you don’t have to touch kiosks or ticket machines.
5. Keep Your Belongings Clean ๐๐งผ
Your bags, phone, and other personal items can collect germs when placed on public surfaces. Wiping down your belongings after travel can help reduce the spread of bacteria to your hands and home.
- How to do it: Use disinfectant wipes or a sanitizing spray to clean your phone, headphones, and bag handles after each commute. Consider placing a small towel or disposable napkin under your bag on seats to prevent direct contact with potentially dirty surfaces.
6. Wash Your Hands After Traveling ๐๏ธ๐งผ
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove germs. While hand sanitizer is helpful during your trip, washing your hands thoroughly as soon as you reach your destination ensures that any lingering germs are washed away.
- How to do it: As soon as you arrive at your destination, make it a habit to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If you're unable to do so right away, use hand sanitizer until you can.
Staying clean and sanitized while traveling on public transport is essential for protecting your health, especially when you’re navigating crowded buses and trains as a student or worker. By practicing these simple hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to germs and keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember to stay mindful, prepared, and clean during your commute!
As the year winds down, the holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and togetherness—but it can also bring stress, packed schedules, and extra responsibilities. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students in training, balancing work, family, and self-care during this time takes planning and mindfulness. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our caregivers that the holidays don’t have to be about doing everything—they’re about finding balance, gratitude, and peace in the moments that matter most. 1. Plan Ahead for Work and Family The holidays often come with busier schedules at home and work. Check your work schedule early to plan family gatherings around it. Communicate with loved ones about your availability so expectations are clear. Set priorities —you don’t have to attend every event to make the season meaningful. A little organization now saves stress later. 2. Budget with Intention Gifts and celebrations can add financial pressure, especially during the holidays. Create a simple spending plan and stick to it. Thoughtful, low-cost gifts—like handwritten notes, homemade treats, or shared experiences—mean more than expensive ones. 3. Make Time for Yourself Between caring for clients, attending class, and helping family, it’s easy to forget about you. Try to carve out even a few minutes a day to recharge—read, listen to music, or simply rest. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. 4. Keep Up Healthy Habits The holidays can disrupt your normal routine. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and balance festive meals with lighter, nourishing foods. Your energy and focus depend on how well you care for your body. 5. Focus on Gratitude Over Perfection The true spirit of the holidays is connection and appreciation—not perfection. Let go of trying to do everything “just right.” Instead, be present. Enjoy the laughter, the shared meals, and the quiet moments of rest. A Season to Care for Others—and Yourself As a caregiver, you give so much throughout the year. This season, remember to give some of that care back to yourself. With preparation, boundaries, and gratitude, you can create a holiday filled with balance and peace. ๏ปฟ ๐ Ready to take the next step in your career? Call 718-480-1804 Because caring for others begins with caring for yourself—especially during the holidays ๐๐
When people think of great caregivers, they often picture big achievements—certifications, long years of experience, or advanced skills. But in truth, what makes a truly great Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) often comes down to the little things—the quiet moments, the consistent kindness, and the everyday actions that show heart. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see these small acts every day in our students and graduates. They’re proof that greatness in caregiving isn’t about doing everything—it’s about caring deeply in everything you do. 1. Your Smile Makes a Difference A warm smile can instantly make clients feel safe and comfortable. It communicates care before a word is spoken. Even on challenging days, your kindness creates an atmosphere of trust and peace. 2. You Listen with Empathy True listening means more than hearing words—it’s understanding feelings. Whether a client is sharing a story, a worry, or a memory, your patience and attention help them feel valued and respected. 3. You Bring Calm to the Day Caregiving requires patience, and the calm energy you bring helps everyone around you feel more at ease. Staying composed through challenges shows strength, maturity, and compassion. 4. You Notice the Details It’s the small details—adjusting a blanket, remembering a favorite snack, or noticing when someone seems quiet—that show how attentive and thoughtful you are. These moments make clients feel seen and cared for. 5. You Keep Showing Up Even when you’re tired or stretched thin, you keep going. That dedication, reliability, and sense of responsibility are what make you stand out. Consistency is one of the greatest gifts a caregiver can give. It’s the Little Things That Add Up Being a great caregiver isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Every small act of compassion adds up to something powerful: trust, comfort, and healing. ๏ปฟ ๐ Want to begin your own caregiving journey? Call 718-480-1804 Because greatness isn’t built in a moment—it’s built in the little things you do every day ๐ธ
Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes—especially caregivers and students juggling long days, changing schedules, and constant responsibility. Between caring for others, attending classes, and managing personal life, it can feel like your to-do list never ends. At Fordham Institute Inc., we understand that even the most dedicated Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) have moments where staying focused feels difficult. The good news? Focus isn’t about doing everything—it’s about learning how to manage your energy, not just your time. Here are some simple, effective ways to stay centered when life feels heavy. 1. Take One Thing at a Time When your mind is racing, stop and focus on just one task. Instead of looking at the entire list, pick the next best step—like finishing a form, reading one chapter, or organizing your materials. Every completed step brings relief and momentum. 2. Breathe Before You Begin Before diving into a task, pause for a few deep breaths. Breathing helps calm your body’s stress response and clears your thoughts. Try this: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, and exhale for 6. Repeat a few times—you’ll notice your focus sharpening. 3. Write It Down When everything feels like “too much,” get it out of your head and onto paper. Write down your tasks, then organize them by importance. Seeing things clearly makes them easier to manage and prevents mental overload. 4. Take Short Breaks Overworking can make your mind wander. Step away for five minutes—stretch, drink water, or get fresh air. Breaks refresh your concentration and prevent burnout. 5. Speak Kindly to Yourself Self-talk matters. Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this,” try, “I’m doing my best right now.” You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going. Encouraging words build resilience and focus. 6. Ask for Support If you’re struggling, reach out to an instructor, coworker, or friend. Sometimes, a quick chat or small bit of advice can help you see things more clearly. Remember—you’re not alone. You’re Doing Better Than You Think Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re caring deeply and doing a lot. Take things one day at a time, focus on what’s in front of you, and trust that you’re moving forward, even when it feels slow. ๐ Need a fresh start? Call 718-480-1804 Because even on your busiest days, staying focused starts with believing in yourself๐ผ