Fall is here and let us enjoy every minute of it before that first significant cold blast knocks us to the ground. Parents and children should be ready for winter chills and sniffles by following a few basic hygiene tips that we teach at the American Red Cross in Greater New York. These include:
COVER YOUR MOUTH: Your mother was right all those years ago when she said those three words. Covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze can prevent the spread of illness. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm. Sneezing into your hand will spread germs to everything you touch.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN: Washing your hands is the easiest way to prevent illness and spreading germs. Wash your hands before you eat, when you return home, before and after handling food, after using the bathroom, if you have been near someone who is sick and after touching things handled by others. The cleanest hands are washed with hot water and soap.
USE HAND SANITIZER GELS: Keep a supply of alcohol based antibacterial hand sanitizing gels or wipes to clean hands when water is not available. Sanitizing wipes can be used to clean your face and body when extra cleaning is needed.
KEEP SURFACES CLEAN: Germs are spread when infected people touch commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, sinks and handles. Keep these surfaces clean to prevent germs from spreading.
AVOID CLOSE CONTACT: If you have the flu, stay home to avoid giving it to someone else. Try to stay away from others who may be sick. Germs can be spread from being in close proximity with someone who is ill.
GET A FLU SHOT: Now is the best time to be vaccinated for flu season. The elderly, young children, pregnant women and those who are chronically ill are the most vulnerable and should be vaccinated annually.
MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS: Eat nutritious whole meals including foods with vitamin C, fruits and vegetables and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body well hydrated. Doing this can boost the body’s immunity to infections and viruses.
Looking For Volunteer Instructors
The Red Cross always is looking for volunteers to teach hygiene and other programs for our children. Current and retired teachers and nurses, among others, are perfect to help us visit schools and youth groups. Red Cross programs include:
Scrubby Bear Hand Washing Program (ages 5-8 years)
Water Habits Are Learned Early (ages 5-12 years)
Basic Aid Training (ages 8-10 years)
First Aid for Children Today (ages 5-8 years)
Learn more about these programs on our web site. Contact us to learn how to become a trained volunteer instructor.
Classes for Parents
Many classes are available at the American Red Cross in Greater New York - Queens. Our location is undergoing some modifications and we hope our safety and preparedness classes will resume during November. Contact us to enroll and to ensure that all scheduled November classes remain on the calendar.
Joan Foley is director of the American Red Cross in Greater New York - Queens. The Red Cross responds to emergencies such as fires, floods and power outages. It also helps residents prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies by offering first aid, CPR, aquatics and other classes along with free emergency preparedness training programs and resources. The Red Cross is located at 138-02 Queens Boulevard in Briarwood. More information can be obtained by calling 718-558-0053, or visiting www.nyredcross.org.
