- Behavior
- Education
- Health
School nurses: Don't let teens back away from handwashing
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:
1. How to prevent illness?
2. How long should you wash your hands?
3. Should sick children attend school?
Even if you’re ensuring your children exercise, sleep enough and eat well, those efforts may be wasted if they’re not washing their hands - especially in the time of COVID.
1. HOW TO PREVENT ILLNESS?
That’s what more than 270 U.S. school nurses said in a survey by KidsHealth in the Classroom, which emphasizes handwashing as the best way to prevent children from getting sick, whether from a common cold or pandemic virus.
The nurses say parents should teach — and then remind — their children how and when to wash their hands and to not touch their eyes, nose and mouth. They should also cough and sneeze into their elbows to minimize the spread of germs.
All of this becomes even more vital during widespread virus outbreaks, such as the historic COVID-19 pandemic.
2. HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?
Lathering hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — or humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice — is the proper way to kill germs.
The nurses recommend parents help their children learn good hygiene, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep and stay up to date with immunizations, including flu shots.
3. SHOULD SICK CHILDREN ATTEND SCHOOL?
Another key in decreasing illness in schools is for parents to keep their children home when they’re sick, the nurses say. For example, parents shouldn’t feel pressured to send their children to school sick, particularly with a fever, because they have a test.
Most schools require students stay home until at least 24 hours after a fever has broken naturally, which means without medicine.
SOURCES:• KidsHealth in the Classroom
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
You May Also Like
-
- Health
- Parenting
- Safety
How to stow away medicine from little explorers in your home
While it’s important to encourage our kids to explore and discover new things, we want to be careful to keep them safe when it comes to medication. Here are tips from experts on ho …
Read More -
- Behavior
- Education
- Health
Ages 11-14: Giving cold shoulder? Don’t worry, it’s sign of maturing
Moodiness may peak for teens between ages 12 to 14, and independence increases. This is a time of many physical, mental, emotional and social changes. Read on for more insight abou …
Read More -
- Health
- Parenting
- Things to do
BLOG: Local parks offer great way for kids to try organized sports
From baseball and football to cheerleading and rugby, competitive teams can impart a range of skills and benefits that translate beyond the sport realm. Read on for details from ou …
Read More
Related resources
-
- Education
- Health
Health Care District of Palm Beach County
School Health Program — provides more than 200 registered nurses in nearly 170 Palm Beach County public schools
561-659-1270 Website Email -
- Health
- Other
Genesis Community Health
A nonprofit organization providing health-care services, including dental and mental health, for all economic levels in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Patients without insurance are billed on a sliding scale.
561-735-6553 Website Email -
- Health
Florida Community Health Center - Pahokee
Comprehensive health care offered on a sliding fee scale based on annual federal poverty limits
561-924-6100 Website Email -
- Health
- Other
Community Health Center of West Palm Beach
Free non-emergency medical and eye care to people without health insurance
561-840-8681 Website Email -
- Health
- Other
Health Care District of Palm Beach County
C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics — medical, mental and dental services at more than a dozen locations through the county, regardless of your ability to pay or whether you have health coverage, including for the homeless and migrant populations
561-642-1000 Website Email -
- Health
Palm Beach Pediatric Society
Directory of Palm Beach County pediatricians
Website Email