Staying Healthy Every Day
When both grown-ups and children practice simple everyday actions, it leads to staying healthy and keeping germs away, especially those that can lead to the flu. Young children may not understand exactly how germs spread, but they will understand that there are certain things that they can do to stay healthy, especially when they do them with the adults who care for them during their everyday routines!
WASH YOUR HANDS
Wash your hands often and especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating, and after using the bathroom. Make sure that the sink, soap, and towels can be reached easily by children and that grown-ups wash their hands as well. If soap is not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Use a special song such as “Happy Birthday” and sing it twice to make sure that hands are washed really clean, or use the chant below and sing it two times to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
Wash, wash, wash my hands
Make them nice and clean
Rub the bottoms and the tops
And fingers in between
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COVER YOUR COUGH OR SNEEZE
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in a wastebasket after using it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve and not your hand. Practice a couple of times, just to get the hang of it.
AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE, OR MOUTH
Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to help prevent germs from spreading.
STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK
Encourage children to tell a grown-up when they feel sick. If you or your children are sick, stay home so that you do not spread germs that can make others sick.
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HEALTHY HABITS ALL DAY LONG
What can you do to help keep your body healthy? Keep your body moving indoors or outdoors, eat healthy by balancing sometime and anytime foods, eat your colors, get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water.
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KEEP TALKING
Health warnings are issued regularly these days. Children, especially younger ones, may have concerns about these warnings but may not necessarily express their fear or anxiety. Limit exposure to media that may be discussing the H1N1 flu in ways that are not appropriate for young children. Encourage discussion between family members to answer the questions children may have, and assure them that the special grown-ups in their lives are there to keep them safe.
Related Information
Parent Topic: Happy Hygiene
Parent Topic: Doctor Visit
Healthy Habits for Life Initiative Page
You’ll find an informational binder, storybook, caregiver guide, and video featuring Elmo and Rosita.
