Press Release December 22, 2011

Contact: Vicki Duey 402-362-2621

Share your holiday Spirit and not your Germs

The holidays are a wonderful time for sharing with Family and Friends. One thing we do not want to share is our germs. When coming in contact with germs, we can unknowingly become infected by touching our eyes, nose or mouth. And once infected, it’s usually just a matter of time before we become ill. This “sharing” will continue if good hygiene practices are not followed. Wash your Hands!  Proper hand washing can greatly reduce or prevent diseases, such as colds, flu and food poisoning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps for hand-washing:

• Wash your hands with running water and soap.
• Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds (a short song or “Row Row Row Your Boat” or the “Happy Birthday Song ” twice).
• Pay special attention to your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Leave the water running while you dry your hands on a paper towel.
• Use the paper towel as a barrier between the faucet and your clean hands when you turn off the water.

If your hands are not visibly dirty or if soap and water are not available, use gel hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes. Most supermarkets and drugstores carry these products. Carry one or both with you when you travel, and keep them in your car or purse.

How do you use hand sanitizers?

• Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

Wash your hands after:

• Touching parts of your body that are not clean.
• Using the bathroom.
• Coughing, sneezing, or using a handkerchief or disposable tissue.
• Eating, drinking, or using tobacco (for example, smoking).
• Handling soiled kitchen utensils or equipment.
• Handling other soiled or contaminated utensils or equipment.
• Handling or preparing foods, especially after touching raw meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or eggs.
• Changing diapers, handling garbage, using the phone, shaking hands, or playing with pets.

Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office.  Enjoy your family and friends this holiday season while sharing the love and joy of the season.

For more information, contact the Four Corners Health Department at (402) 362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573.