December 22, 2003 Hello! Germs. "[G]erms are tiny
organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they
can creep into your system without you noticing. You even need a
microscope to see them. To stay healthy, it's time you gave some
thought to germs. The term germs is really just a generic word
for four different types of organisms, including bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and protozoa. "A certain number
of bacteria are good for our bodies - they help keep the digestive
system in working order and keep harmful bacteria from moving in.
Some bacteria are even used to produce medicines and vaccines. But
bacteria can cause trouble, too... "Viruses can't live
outside other living cells. But once they've moved in, viruses spread
easily and can make you and other people sick.... "Fungi (pronounced:
fun-jee) are multi-celled, plant-like organisms that usually aren't
dangerous in a healthy person....Two common fungal infections include
athlete's foot and yeast infections.... "Protozoa (pronounced:
pro-toe-zo-uh) are one-celled organisms like bacteria. Protozoa
love moisture, so intestinal infections and other diseases they
cause are often spread through contaminated water...." While you could get completely creeped out by the idea of having all these germs around all the time, you could also take some preventative measures to help limit the chance of them making your life miserable. "Washing your hands
often is absolutely the best way to stop germs from getting into
your body. When should you wash? After using the bathroom, after
blowing your nose or coughing, after touching any pets or animals,
after gardening, or before and after visiting a sick relative or
friend. These are the best times to soap up with warm water, plenty
of lather, and a clean towel....Another way to fight infections
from germs is to make sure you have the right immunizations, especially
if you'll be traveling to countries outside the United States." Mom was right. Hand washing. It's important all year, but just think about all that's out there now. "It's cold and flu
season, and the germs are out there, just waiting tomake you sick
and wreck your plans. Washing your hands frequently is the best
way to protect yourself against infection. Hand washing is more
than just dibbling your fingers under a dribble of water, though.
Soaping up and rinsing for 15 seconds is the way to go." Fifteen seconds? Check it out on the clock. How long is that? How long do you generally spend washing your hands? Is it enough? Is hand washing alone enough? What else can you do? "The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends the following four vaccines for teenagers
and one vaccine for college students.
"Vaccines needed for
college students: Meningococcus vaccine" "Adult Immunization
Schedule (Anyone over 18 years old)
Vaccine Recommendations
for Infants and Children If you would like vaccine
recommendations for those planning international Wash your hands? Get your shots? What else can you do to stay healthy? "You can put yourself IN CONDITION to meet this challenge by doing several simple things:
Sleep right. Eat right. Drink right.
Avoid smoke. Avoid exposure to flu. Wash hands. Get the vaccinations
you need. Anything else? "Holidays mean gatherings with
lots of food. Here are several tips to prevent foodborne illness...." Is that it? Questions of the Week: Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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