The 21st Century Sneeze
Recently, a friend mentioned that schools are encouraging children
to sneeze on their arm sleeve instead of their hand. The old adage “cover
your mouth when you sneeze” takes on a new perspective. Now to
demonstrate, instead of using a cupped hand, one would need to sweep
your entire arm across your face. The 21st century sneeze.
The theory seems valid enough. A sneeze can send billions of infected
germs flying from the mouth at speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour.
When you cover your mouth with your hand, it become a vector of spread,
as it is often the same hand people use to open doors, handle objects
or shake someone else’s hand. Obviously the best choice is to
sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief (yes, they still make them). Should
you find yourself without one, sneeze into the bend of your elbow. It’s
a good idea to teach children about germs and cleanliness, and their
relationship to hand-washing early on.
During our last doctor’s office visit for vaccines, when we explained
to our 2 year-old that he was going to need a shot: He exclaimed: “But
daddy, I’m not sick!” He does not yet grasp the concept
of "prevention”.
Should you find yourself with an under-the-weather family member this
flu season, remember:
the slowest day of the week to be in your doctors office is Thursday.
Best time of day for an appointment is probably the afternoon. This
means you'll spend less time in the waiting room. Doctors offices have
books, magazines and toys that have been handled by lots of sick people.
Handle with care. When possible, leave well children home with sitters
or other family members.
I do not seek to create a community of o.c.'s (obsessive-compulsive)
or “stepford” children.
Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections are the number one cause of doctors
visits and cost tens of billions of dollars annually. Think of the cost
and effort involved in treatment: sitting in doctors offices, the prescriptions,
the sleepless nights, loss of work and missed school. Antibacterial
soaps and antimicrobial wipes are great but they cannot replace simple
and routine hand-washing with soap and water.
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Readers may send questions to this
email address. This column is for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.
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