▶health Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year A new school year is starting and as many parents know, kids are likely to bring home more than their homework at some point. Many catch cold and flu viruses from their classmates, which can then spread to other family members at home. When kids are sick, they miss out on valuable learning experiences and social interactions in the classroom. On average, elementary school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of the flu each school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the older kids, it is about half that. That’s why it’s important that parents, teachers and kids work together to stop the spread of germs in the classroom. Everyone can follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread of germs that can cause cold and flu viruses this school year: Get vaccinated: Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in flu prevention. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year to protect against the flu virus. Stay home when sick: If possible, keep kids home from school when they are sick to help prevent teachers and classmates from catching their illness. Sing and scrub: Make sure kids wash their hands the right way. They should wash frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Do the elbow cough: Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands, since hands are more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch. Disinfect germ hot spots: The CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched surfaces or objects when someone is ill. In the classroom teachers can use a disinfectant approved to kill cold and flu viruses on desks, computer mice and doorknobs. “Creating a healthier learning environment starts with small actions that add up to a big impact,” says Dr. Howell Wechsler, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children thrive. “Parents play an important role and can lend a hand to teachers by reinforcing healthy lessons at home and donating useful items like tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.” To provide teachers with the resources they need to help stop the spread of germs in the classroom, the Clorox Company is partnering with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for “Canisters for Classrooms.” For every parent that takes the “Canisters for Classrooms” pledge, Clorox will donate a canister of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to a school in need and $1 to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, which creates healthier learning environments in more than 18,000 schools, reaching 11 million students across the country. To take the pledge and learn ways to help keep your family healthier this school year, visit www.CloroxClassrooms.com. Parents that take the pledge will also receive a coupon, so that they can donate disinfecting wipes and make a difference in their child’s classroom, too. Courtesy BPT M o u n t S i n a i Q u e e n S Free Health & Wellness Events Varicose Veins Screening thursday, 5 pm Paul S. Lajos, MD | Varicose veins and spider veins usually aren’t serious but can sometimes signal a blockage in the deeper veins. Join our Associate Chief, Vascular Surgery as he helps you learn about the health of your veins. Free screening by appointment only. Department of Vascular Surgery, 30-74 31st Street, 5th Floor, Astoria, 11102 New Trends in Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention: A Multidisciplinary Symposium tuesday, 6:30 pm Howard Greenberg, MD; Panagiotis Manolas, MD, FACS; Gloria J. Morris, MD, PhD; Nima Patel, MD; Scott Stickles, DO; Che-Kai Tsao, MD; Craig Youner, MD | A medical and surgical symposium on breast health and cancer prevention. Additional support provided by SHAREing & CAREing. Registration needed. Refreshments will be served. Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 24th Avenue, Long Island City, 11102 oCtoBeR Community CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training Class tuesday, 6 pm David Weissman, EMT; Michael Koenke, EMT | This CPR class is designed for the general public and teaches core skill of CPR: chest compressions, proper breathing, and examining signs of circulation. Registration needed. Church of the Redeemer, 30-14 Crescent Street, Astoria, 11102 Breast Health Screening and Education Wednesday, 5 – 7 pm George Tsioulias, MD, PhD | Comprehensive clinical breast exams and mammograms for women 40 years of age and older. No charge to eligible patients. Presented with support from The Louis and Rachel Rudin Foundation, Inc., with educational support provided by SHAREing & CAREing. By appointment only. Call 718-808-7727. Mount Sinai Queens, Family Health Associates, 31-60 21st Street, Astoria, 11105 S M t W t F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 oCtoBeR 2013 October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Call 718-267-4333 to register for e vents and screenings. For more information about Yoga and Blood Pressure events, go to www.mshq.org/events. 36 The Courier sun • health • OCTOBER 3, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com
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