Kick Those Germs!
Aside from the busy schedules, unpredictable weather, and the return of Pumpkin Spice, the other sure sign that school is back in session is germs. They are everywhere. We carry millions of them on our hands. Some are harmful, many are not. Â tarting in the fall, many illnesses increase, like colds, the flu, diarrhea, and some that are food related. Many of these outbreaks are caused by poor hygiene, usually unwashed or poorly washed hands. Proper hand washing is the single most effective way to decrease these illnesses.
Did you know:
- 50% of Americans do not wash their hands after using the restroom? Another 25% only use cold water and soap, which does not remove germs well. Only 25% of the population washes their hands appropriately to remove these illness causing germs.
- 50% of many illnesses could be eliminated by proper hand washing.
- 30% of people who cough or sneeze into their hands wash them afterwards
- Kids who wash their hands at least four times per day experience up to 51% less sick days.
- Over-use of anti-bacterial gels can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- There are more germs in your kitchen sink, on your steering wheel, and your cell phone then in your toilet.
When should you wash your hands?
- Before preparing or eating meal
- After going to the restroom
- After playing with a pet
- When you are around an ill person
- Anytime you touch your hair, face, mouth or other body parts
- After you blow your nose or take out the garbage
- After changing a diaper
- After shopping
- Any time your hands may come into contact with something unclean
Stay healthy this winter-get your flu shot and WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS!
Source: Cindy Brison MS RD LMNT, Nebraska Extension. For more information, go to food.unl.edu.
Food Allergy Training for Child Care Providers
Food allergies and sensitivities in children are a growing concern. According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011. More than 15 million Americans have food allergies including 1 in 13 children.
The University of Nebraska-Extension will be offering “Food Allergies – Keeping Children Safe†training for Child Care Providers this fall in York and Seward. Class instructor is Amy Peterson MS, RDN from UNL Extension in Polk County. Classes will be on September 20th in York at the York County 4-H Building and on October 11th at the Seward County Extension. Both classes are free to child care providers and are from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.Â
This class has been certified by the Nebraska Department of Education for 2 hours of credit towards licensing requirements (Nebraska Core Competency Area: Health, Safety & Nutrition). This two hour class will discuss food allergies in children and the impact this has on child care facilities. Participants will learn facts about food allergies, symptoms of food allergies and intolerances, and how to keep your child care facility safe for children with food allergies.
To register please email Amy Peterson MS RDN at amy.peterson@unl.edu or call at 402-747-2321 at five days prior to class date.Â
