Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

A recent article on CNN is worth taking note of (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/24/hand.washing.helpful/). Why? Because it makes one thing very clear — one of the best ways to stop the progression of N1H1 is by ensuring that ill individuals stay home. No one is saying that hand-washing isn’t important. In fact, scrubbing your hands for a good 20 seconds is highly recommended. But, especially in the case of children, how many of us really scrub that long? Or as often as we should? We an make handwashes available in school and tell our children to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth throughout the day — but it takes one uncovered sneeze, in one classroom to spread infection.

Not everyone can stay home with their sick children — that is a serious problem and one that needs to be addressed. If you’ve had the flu, let alone N1H1, think of how terrible you felt. Do you really expect your child to sit in a classroom feeling like that? Now is the time for people to work with their employers to discuss options, and for employers to put in place family-friendly plans that make it possible for parents to tend to their children. If possible, discussion childcare options with family members who may be available. Be proactive.

So be vigilant. Wash your hands. Watch your family for signs of headache, sore throat and fever — keep them home and let them rest. It’s time for us to come together in our communities to make this possible.