Trade Secrets

The skills you use on the job can help another member with a dilemma on the home front.

Stave Off Sniffles And Sneezes

This month: Health Occupations teacher Wendy Wilson, R.N., of South Boston, Virginia, offers tips on avoiding colds and the flu.

Handwashing. This is your first line of defense in preventing infection. Alcohol-based antibacterial gels are okay, but excessive use actually can make skin more susceptible to germs. Good old soap and water will do the trick.

Cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm. And encourage your students to do the same! For a classroom lesson, I've taped together an 8-foot paper chain and asked the kids to guess why. You can imagine their looks when I tell them germs can travel 8 feet in a cough or sneeze. Now they think about what I said in class, and cover their mouths!

Keep well-hydrated and eat right. I know everyone gets tired of hearing "eat right, and drink plenty of fluids." But a healthy body is your best defense against colds and flu. If you eat junk, expect to feel like junk. If you don't drink enough non-carbonated fluids, your resistance to infection decreases, which opens the door to a cold taking over. But, if you provide your body with the proper nutrition, it can perform as it was designed to.

Got a tip to share?

We're looking for forensics or theater teachers to advise fellow members on how to calm your nerves and speak in public.
If you'd like to be considered, e-mail Cynthia Long with your name and local, a brief description of what you do, and your top three tip.