In December join the Stone County Health Department in celebrating National Handwashing Awareness Week. Imagine with us what it would be like to enjoy a cold and sickness free holiday season. Now imagine how great it would be for you and your loved ones to never get sick again from a respiratory infection. These illnesses include the flu, RSV, common cold, bronchitis, Strep throat, TB, and more.
How is this possible? One of the very best ways to prevent viral infections like the common cold and the flu is to simply wash your hands with soapy, hot water. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. When washing your hands remember the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating;
- DO NOT cough into your hands;
- DO NOT sneeze into your hands; and
- Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.
Additionally, the organisms that cause these irritating and sometimes life-threatening illnesses enter primarily through the “T-zone” which is the area around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Children particularly are at risk because they often touch their faces and put their unwashed hands and other objects in their mouths. Lead by example and help children practice these 4 Principles of Hand Awareness:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating;
- DO NOT cough into your hands;
- DO NOT sneeze into your hands; and
- Above all, DO NOT put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth!
Finally, if you are sick or if your child is sick please stay at home and rest. Remember to frequently wash your hands, disinfect contaminated surface areas like doorknobs, computer keyboards, and cell phones. Together we can reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses in our community by practicing these simple principles.
Make health a choice this December by always washing your hands! For more information on this topic and the Community Education services provided by Stone County Health Department please call (417) 357-6134 for the Galena office or (417) 272-0050 for Branson West or visit our website www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com.