Preventing the Spread of Disease S. Jett, NBCT Montevallo Middle School

Bellringer When do you wash your hands and how do you wash your hands properly?

Answers 1. Wet hands with warm water and apply soap. 2. Rub hands and arms vigorously for 30 seconds or more. 3. Rinse hands well in an downward draining motion and use paper towels to turn the faucet off and open the door. The CDC recommends washing your hands before, during and after handling food, after you use the restroom, handle animals, when your hands are dirty and when someone around you is sick.

Keeping pathogens from spreading Good personal hygiene helps limit the amount of pathogens that you encounter. Eating right, exercising and getting enough rest can help you fight pathogens efficiently. Keeping your environment clean also helps reduce pathogens.

Protecting yourself from pathogens 1. Avoid close contact with infected individuals. 2. Never share personal items. 3. Wash hands thoroughly and often. 4. Keep your fingers away from your body’s openings. Don’t bite nails. 5. Handle and prepare food safely. 6. Wipe surfaces with clean towels. 7. Empty trash and keep cans clean. 8. Keep pets clean and healthy.

Protecting others from pathogens If you feel sick, get treatment and stay away from others as much as possible during your contagious period. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough. What if you don’t have a tissue? Take your medication as prescribed.

A Healthful Lifestyle The more healthful choices you make, the more likely that you will stay well. Practice these habits – 1. Eat a balance diet. 2. Bathe and shower daily. 3. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 4. Get 8-9 hours of rest, especially when sick. 5. Make sure your immunizations are up to date. 6. Manage stress. 7. Visit your physician for check ups.