HAND WASHING SAVES THE DAY

There's a war going on in our public schools, and it has nothing to do with fighting, soldiers or differences of opinion. Now that school is back in session, germs have invaded the curriculum and added another subject that must be taught.

Germs are sneaky little creatures that get inside your body through cuts and scratches, through your nose, mouth and your eyes. Germs are plentiful, but thanks to our skin, which helps protect us, and our immune system, which uses antibodies to recognize old enemies who have invaded before, we aren't sick all the time.

Kids at school are in close contact with one another, which promotes the spread of germs. Something as innocent and simple as sharing a pencil can send germs from one student to another. So, what are we supposed to do?

There are several germ-fighting products on the market that claim to kill the majority of germs on skin. In an emergency, these products will help. There is a better way to kill the germs though.

"Nothing can compare to good, old-fashioned handwashing," said Linda Brotherton, school nurse at Jefferson School.

Sounds simple enough. However, there's one problem. Most kids, and even some adults, don't wash their hands properly. A quick swipe under running water isn't considered handwashing. Neither is rubbing grimy hands down pant legs until they're "clean."

School nurses and teachers use products and programs aimed at teaching children the proper way to wash hands. Glo-Germ is one product that lets kids get an idea of how easily germs are transmitted and what must be done to get rid of them. A small amount of Glo-Germ is rubbed thoroughly into the hands and then the students are sent off to do a good handwashing. After the washing, hands are held under an ultraviolet light. Most kids are amazed to see that amount of "germs" left behind. Spraying a small amount on doorknobs, pencils and desks lets students realize how easily germs are passed from one person to another.

Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze helps prevent the spread of airborne germs. If the hands aren't washed after the cough or sneeze, however, the germs can be easily spread.

Southeast Hospital's Generations offers a program to schools that helps teach students about germs and diseases. Nutrition tips are offered to keep students from becoming ill and bring germs to school.

Proper handwashing techniques should be followed to prevent the transmission of germs

* Wet hands thoroughly under warm, running water.

* Dispense soap into wet hands; bar soap may be used when dispensed soap is unavailable.

* Vigorously rub hands together for at least 10 to 15 seconds (minute is better), paying particular attention to nails, cuticles, wrists, palms, back of hands, between the fingers and under jewelry.

* Rinse hands thoroughly and shake off excess water.

* Dry hands using disposable towels (avoid the use of common towels as germs from improperly washed hands can remain on the towel.)

* If the water does not shut off automatically, use the twoell to turn off the faucet to prevent recontamination.

* Dispose of towels in a proper waste receptacle.