Enterovirus (EV-D68) Tips from Dr. Will's

The T Zone: Your First Line of Defense to Prevent Contraction of Enterovirus! The outbreak of Enterorvirus D68 (EV-D68) that's suspected of sickening children in a dozen states most likely will get worse before it gets better. "Respiratory infections like this can spread quite quickly across the U.S.," according to CDC's Anne Schuchat, M.D.    Join Henry the Hand Foundation's campaign for "T Zone Teaching Moment" and help others in your community (family, friends and work place) understand the importance of not touching your T Zone. It is your second line of defense preventing infectious diseases including Enterovirus as proper hand washing is still the #1 prevenative!   The T Zone is a common area that people touch throughout the day "unconsciously" and we are trying to help put an end to this unhealthy habit! Risky behavior puts you at risk for unintended consequence! What many do not realize is that you are inoculating YOURSELF with whatever germs are on your hands.   This is the time for YOU to discover the "T Zone Teaching Moment" and help others to break this unhealthy habit.   Remember it is Back to School time when many infections are brought into the classroom to be shared with others! The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness 1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating 2. DO NOT cough into your hands 3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands 4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth Special thanks goes out to Dr. Will's healthful tips! Nurse Donna

Hand Washing IS #1 Prevenative Against Illnesses

Germs are so small that you can not see them and they are found almost everywhere. There are many types of germs (bacteria and viruses). Bacteria and viruses can cause illnesses and diseases such as: colds, influenza, pneumonia,hepatitis A and shigellosis. Washing your hands is the best prevention against these illnesses and diseases! How to Wash Your Hands: Use warm, running water. Use liquid or pump soap whenever possible. Rub hands together vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Pay special attention to the cuticles and underneath the fingernails. Rinse thoroughly and dry off hands with a dry paper towel or hand dryer. When to Wash Your Hands: After using the toilet. After playing with animals, handling money and coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Before preparing, touching or eating food. Importance of Handwashing: Illnesses and diseases caused by bacteria and viruses can be very serious and can even cause death if not properly treated. Germs can be spread four ways: fecal-oral contact (e.g., hepatitis A and shigellosis), direct/close contact (e.g ., lice), blood contact (e.g., HIVIAIDS and hepatitis B), and respiratorylairborne contact (e.g., influenza and colds). Nurse Donna