Dear Diane,

With my children back in school, I am somewhat concerned about the amount of flus and colds they will be exposed to. Is there anything I can do to protect them by controlling the spread of germs at home?

- Nancy, Brantford, ON

Dear Nancy,

These days with so many illnesses making the headlines, it’s easy to feel nervous, especially when it comes to your children. But don’t panic, with a few simple steps you can limit the spread of germs and keep your kids healthy and happy.

Hand washing
Teach your children the importance of hand washing because when done properly, it’s one of the best ways to prevent illness. Simply place hands under warm, running water, rubbing vigorously with soap for at least 15 to 20 seconds, making sure to include the backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails. Then rinse well.

Be polite
By covering the mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, you can significantly reduce the spread of germs. Alternately, if you don’t have a tissue close by, just use your hand to cover your cough or sneeze, making sure to wash hands afterward.

Supreme Clean
Use an antibacterial cleaner such as Windex® Antibacterial Disinfectant make sure you leave your house sparkling clean. Be sure to pay special attention to door handles, plumbing fixtures and any other surface your children come into contact with.

Hopefully, these simple tips will help you protect your family, ensuring a healthy and productive school year.

Warm Regards,
Diane