Health Updates

HAND WASHING TIPS

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

What happens if you do not wash your hands frequently? You pick up germs from other sources and then you infect yourself when you - Touch your eyes, nose or mouth

One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus.

The important thing to remember is that, in addition to colds, some pretty serious diseases - like Hepatitis A, Meningitis, and infectious diarrhea - can easily be prevented if people make the habit of washing their hands.

When should you wash your hands? You should wash your hands often.

You should always wash your hands: - Before eating - After using the restroom - Before, during, and after preparing food - After sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose - After playing outside or after recess - More frequently when someone in your home is sick

What is the correct way to wash your hands? 1. Wet hands under running water. 2. Use soap and vigorously rub hands together and scrub all areas including backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails. 3. Continue scrubbing for 15 - 30 seconds. 4. Rinse well with warm water and dry your hands. 5. Turn off the faucet with your paper towel, not your hands.

It is estimated that one out of every three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom. These tips are very important when you are out in public.

Bus Safety for Motorists

The most common questions ??

When traveling on a four lane divided highway and a school bus approaches in the opposite direction with its flashers on, when is a driver suppose to stop? If there is a physical barrier between the lanes of traffic, motorist do not have to stop. However it there is no barrier - grassy medians do not count - then motorists must stop.

Busses are relatively safe vehicles on the road. They are the only vehicles stat mandated to carry certain equipment such as flashing warning lights, strobe lights and the stop bar. The vehicles are highly visible, being bright yellow in color, and the drivers are specially trained to handle the important job.

Most problems occur before and after the ride, during the loading and unloading. There is a 10 foot "danger zone" the entire way around the bus where the driver cannot see. Young riders must know how important it is to get clear of this danger zone when exiting the bus, also when boarding. An example - if a child drips something that rolls under the bus, the student must report to the bus driver and let him handle it.

Motorists are reminded that the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus is $100 fine, plus court costs, 60 day loss of driving privileges and five points on the driving record.

On the Net: PennDot: www.dot.state.pa.us

Student Safety Rules

Safety on the Bus:	Board the bus single file without shoving and pushing Take a seat promptly and stay seated Never stick hands or arms outside the window Don't throw things about the bus
Safety on the Street:	Walk on sidewalks Cross only at the marked crosswalks Look carefully in both directions
Safety after School:	Never accept a ride from a stranger Learn how to use the phone and call for help Know your paren't work and cell phone number
Safety for Drivers:	Never pass a stopped school bus when it's picking up and dropping off children Be prepared to stop quickly near schools, playgrounds and other areas where children may dart across the street Obey all speed limits and traffic signals, especially in school and library zones.