Posted on Jun 7, 2011 in
Healthy Living |
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If your kids love playing in the dirt, getting dirty and being with friends even when not feeling well, and do not know what to do to understand the risks that may involve, here are some recommendations for you to tell them why is important to maintain health and fight germs that can make them sick.
We live surrounded by germs. Both animals, like plants and objects all around us is full of germs. Even our own body contains germs that are often required to maintain good health. But not all germs are healthy, some are responsible for illnesses ranging from some that may be mild, such as the familiar cold, to others that may be severe and even fatal.
But what are germs?, Are all the same?, Can we see with the naked eye? Germs are living organisms of different types, which can be seen with a microscope (they are tiny) and can cause you sick. Maybe that’s why we so difficult for children to understand that something can not come to harm. But yes, there are four types of germs: viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites or protozoa.
Viruses are microorganisms that live, grow and reproduce in the body of humans or animals and can survive for a short time out of a living being. For example, can remain on the surface of a table or a toilet seat or infected body fluids, but if they can not infect another host (person or animal), die immediately. Once entering the body, the virus can multiply rapidly and cause disease. Are responsible for some minor, such as colds or colds, and other more serious, such as smallpox or AIDS.
Bacteria, meanwhile, are organisms composed of a single cell (that are said to be unicellular) that obtain nutrients from the surrounding environment, which may be your body, your child or that of another living being. While some bacteria are good for the body, since for example, help the digestive system work properly, others can cause problems such as cavities, urinary tract infections or sore throat.
Fungi, however, are multicellular organisms (ie consist of several cells) resemble plants that obtain nutrients from plants, food and animals in hot, humid environments. Usually pose no threat to a healthy person, but sometimes they can cause infections. Two of the most common are: athlete’s foot and yeast infections, such as diaper rash.
Finally, the parasites are unicellular organisms that breed in moist environments. Can cause infections such as intestinal infections and other diseases. Often spread through contaminated water.
The only way to avoid transmission of disease through germs is to stay away from them. The germs are spread through body fluids of people who already have, or already infected. For example, when someone who has a cold sneezes or coughs. It is therefore important that you remember your children to be covered (capped) the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, if possible with a tissue (and then thrown away) or inside the elbow, to avoid infecting others .
Also, sometimes the germs stay on surfaces (some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes to 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables and desks) and when someone touches them and then puts his hand the mouth or nose (ie, touches his face), can enter your body and lead to illness. Therefore it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly.
Other measures to protect your children from germs are:
- Teach them and help them to wash their hands frequently and maintain hygiene. For handwashing to be effective, you must first wet your hands and then apply soap, then rub your hands to lather for 20 seconds (what it takes to sing “happy birthday” (happy birthday) two times to take a reference). If you do not have water and soap, you can use disinfectant wipes or gel sanitizers with alcohol, apply it on hands and let it air dry.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and handled frequently and prepare food safely.
- Vaccinate your children according to vaccination schedule recommended for their age.
- Use antibiotics appropriately (ie, take and give your children the exact amount prescribed by your doctor you and respects each feeding schedule so as not to lose the effect.) Only when prescribed by your doctor for the time and in the prescribed dose. Do not stop before.
- If you have pets, make sure your children wash their hands after playing with them and not in contact with their waste.
- Prevents your children are in contact with wild animals.
In addition to this, so that children remain strong is important to consume a healthy, nutritious and varied, to stay physically active and sufficient rest.
Teach from small health is like a treasure to care for and how to care for, and if you are healthy will have more opportunity to go play with his friends.