Health Tips for Handwashing & Universal Precautions from Dr Feeley
LOWER
MARYKAY FEELEY, Ed.D.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Expanding Horizons Individualizing Excellence
September 21, 2009
Dear Parent(s):
I would like to take this opportunity to share some helpful back-to-school health reminders with you for the 2009-2010 school year.
HANDWASHING
· Always use warm, running water and a mild, preferably liquid, soap. Antibacterial soaps may be used, but are not required. Pre-moistened cleansing towelettes do not effectively clean hands and do not take the place of hand washing.
· Wet the hands and apply a small amount (dime to quarter size) of liquid soap to hands.
· Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for at least 15 seconds. Be sure to scrub between fingers, under fingernails, and around the tops and palms of the hands.
· Rinse hands under warm running water. Leave the water running while drying hands.
· Dry hands with a clean, disposable (or single use) towel, being careful to avoid touching the faucet handles or towel holder with clean hands.
· Turn the faucet off using the towel as a barrier between your hands and the faucet handle.
· Discard the used towel in a trashcan lined with a fluid-resistant (plastic) bag. Trash cans with foot-pedal operated lids are preferable.
When assisting a child in hand washing, either hold the child (if an infant) or have the child stand on a safety step at a height at which the child's hands can hang freely under the running water. Assist the child in performing all of the above steps and then wash your own hands.
COLD & FLU-LIKE ILLNESS
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after
you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand
cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your
fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the
use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making
others sick.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
· If you have an open cut, wound or scrape, please cover your wound. Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain bacteria so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others.
· Clean your hands frequently. You, your family, and others should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing a soiled bandage or touching a wound.
· Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms, that may have had contact with someone elses wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.
Please keep these health tips in mind as we progress through not only cold and flu season, but the entire school year. I wish all of you and your children a healthy and happy year.
Yours truly,
Dr. Feeley