Back to School Health Tips from the Health Center at Helping Hands

September is...Let's keep the kids healthy so they can stay in school month! It's the start of a new school year, and we all know what that means -- cold and flu season are right around the corner. Flu shots are now available at the Health Center of Helping Hands. Come by any weekday (except for Thursdays) after 2:00pm for the nasal mist or the shot – $20-$25.

In addition to getting your seasonal flu shot, washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of bacteria, parasites and viruses, including the flu, the common cold and some food-borne illnesses.

The Center for Disease Control says that infectious diseases cost the United States $120 billion per year, due in part to schoolteacher absence. School children who wash their hands at least four times a day have half as many absences because of gastrointestinal illnesses as the rest of the school population. So, be sure to teach your children about the importance of proper hand washing and look forward to healthy children this cold and flu season. After all, healthy children mean fewer trips to the doctor!!

REMEMBER, ALWAYS wash your hands:

• After using the bathroom
• After touching animals
• After playing outside
• Before preparing food
• Before eating
• Before going to bed

Come to the Health Center of Helping Hands any weekday (except Thursdays) after 2:00pm for your seasonal flu shot.

Teach your children the importance of good hand washing and prevent the spread of cold and flu this season. Visit www.cdc.gov for more details.

* www.livestrong.com/article/132470-hand-washing-safety

Maggie Fuller
Practice Manager of the Health Center at Helping Hands