Part
I | Part
II
Winter Safety
Tips Part II
For handwashing
“Go wash your hands”. Don’t you wish
had a dime for every time you reminded your children to wash
their hands? And ‘tis the season to become even
more vigilant about hand washing.
Despite every commercial for a lozenge that will decrease
the signs and symptoms of colds, research continues to confirm
that hand washing is the best way to limit the number of
coughs, colds and other viruses that your child infects himself
with or brings home to the rest of the family.
Good times for handwashing:
- Always after using the bathroom
- When
your child come inside the house – it is also
a good idea to keep non-soap cleansers in your purse/car
to cleanse hands when you are out and not near a sink.
- Before your child eats, even a snack. If
your child helps with baking cookies, setting the table – wash
hands first. This is the time to develop a great
life-long habit.
- After
coughing, sneezing, blowing her nose – another
great life-time habit.
- After playing with an animal
- After being with anyone who seems sick
Encourage
your child to wash hands frequently at school. Send
gel cleansers for him to keep on his desk, in her bookbag
and encourage them to use it. But nothing beats handwashing
to prevent illness.
What is the correct way to wash your hands?
- First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap.
Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
- Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all
surfaces, including under your nails.
- Continue for 10 - 15 seconds or about the length of a
little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing
action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
- Rinse well and dry your hands well.
Washing your hands regularly can certainly
save a lot on medical bills. Because it costs less than a
penny, you could say that this penny's worth of prevention
can save you a $50 visit to the doctor.
See also www.cdc.gov/ncidod/op/handwashing
DISCLAIMER: The
medical information provided in this site is for educational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute
for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician
or healthcare provider prior to starting any new treatment or
with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. |
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A
New Number Could Save Your Child's Life
1-800-222-1222
The American
Association of Poison Control Centers has launched a NEW
national hotline number that is toll-free.
No matter
where in the United States you are, whether at home here in
Rochester or visiting grandma in Florida, and your little one
ingests an unknown substance, calling 1-800-222-1222
automatically connects you to the local poison control
treatment line.
Specially
trained nurses, pharmacists and physicians will provide immediate
emergency help to callers. If
necessary, the poison center will call an ambulance and will
provide advice to the EMT’s when they arrive.
All services
are available for free. Your
call is confidential. The
hearing impaired and non-English speakers will receive help specific to their needs.
Callers may also call the hotline any time for advice about
preventing poisoning. Experts
are available to answer questions about poisonous plants, how to
poison-proof your home, and how to use pesticides safely.
Remember:
just one number, anywhere in the US 1-800-222-1222
Submitted
with information from Rose Ann G. Soloway, R.N. Associate
Director, American Association of Poison Control Centers
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