It can be difficult when wee ones are sick,or even adults for that matter,to know weather it’s a cold,or the flu,and if you need to get to the hospital,or to just keep managing at home. The government of Ontario has posted a new handy self-assessment tool online that can help,along with these handy tips for keeping the flu away. Do you have any tips to share for keeping the flu away? Please drop a comment below with your ideas,and let’s keep everyone healthy this year!
1. The best way to avoid the flu: Get the flu shot. It's free.
The flu shot helps your body build the defences it needs to protect you from the flu. It can prevent the flu from taking hold up to 90 per cent of the time among healthy adults and children.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
Proper hand cleaning guards against and limits the spread of many illnesses. Viruses can live on your hands for up to five minutes and they can live on hard surfaces - like counter tops and telephones - for up to two days. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds.
3. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.
Hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60 per cent alcohol to be effective. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are as good as soap and water to clean your hands. But if your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water.
4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue. The droplets that come out when we cough or sneeze can carry the flu virus and land on other people or surfaces.
5. Stay home from work if you are sick.
When you're not feeling well, the best thing you can do for your own health and the health of your co-workers is to stay home.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The flu virus usually enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth, and your hands touch objects and surfaces that may have viruses on them, including the flu virus.
7. Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily.
This might be a challenge when you're shopping and socializing during the holidays. Stay aware of your health and the health of others when you're out and about. Avoid people who are sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.
8. Clean germ-spreading surfaces like purses or gloves.
These items come in contact with contaminated surfaces when you set them down on areas like tables and countertops, spreading germs and viruses. Wipe these surfaces with disinfecting cleaner regularly.
9. Eat well, exercise and get enough rest.
Keeping your immune system strong will lessen your chances of getting sick. Eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep your health in top shape.
10. Did we mention get your flu shot?
We can't emphasize this enough. The flu shot is the most effective way to avoid the flu. Get the vaccine for free at your doctor's office.
'We've all learned a lot about reducing the spread of flu in our communities. I see people taking these precautions all the time and I encourage everyone to keep it up.' offered Dr. Arlene King, Chief Medical Officer of Health, adding 'We owe it to the people we spend time with to do what we can to stay healthy and avoid catching the flu.'
To figure out if you have the flu, or a cold, use the handy online flu self assessment tool .
'Having a dedicated place to breastfeed a baby makes it a lot easier for nursing mothers, especially if they are out shopping or running errands at the mall,' says Tracey Westlake, a breastfeeding coalition member and a Family Health Nurse with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. adding,'We’re really pleased the mall is providing this space for breastfeeding mothers in the lead up to the holidays.'Health Canada recommends women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Studies show breast milk is best for babies, as it helps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, asthma, ear and upper respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and certain types of cancer.
'One of the main goals of the Coalition is to increase breastfeeding awareness in the City of Kawartha Lakes,' says Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, the local La Leche League Coordinator.adding By creating breastfeeding-friendly public places, like the one at Lindsay Square, we hope to support and encourage more women to breastfeed their babies.'Earlier this year the HKPR Health unit participated in a flash mob to get the word out that supporting breastfeeding is everyon’s responsibility. Here is the video of the flash mob event..
