Teach Healthy Habits

As parents and teachers know, children have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses. Teaching children healthy habits now may go a long way in helping to reduce the spread of germs and illness.

Proper Handwashing Technique: Proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of flu:

• Wet hands with soap and water
• Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands
• Rinse hands with water.
• Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
• Use towel to turn off faucet.

TIP: Have younger children sing a short song such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," or the "Happy Birthday" song a few times, which will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds.

Prevent the Spread of Germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not your hands.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.
• Avoid sharing objects such as utensils, cups, and water bottles.

Masters of Disaster® Family Kit
The Masters of Disaster® series has activities that parents and families can use to teach children how to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other emergencies.

• Access the Facing Fear page for age-appropriate activities you can do with children ages 5-14 to teach them how to deal with situations that might provoke fear , such as pandemic flu, war and terrorism.         
• View the entire Masters of Disaster® Family Kit online.

To learn more or to purchase this kit, please contact your local chapter or visit StayWell for pricing and ordering information.