Newswise — Worldwide concern over the swine flu outbreak is spurring governments and health agencies into action to keep the public safe.
Closer to home, The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA " www.cleaning101.com) is reminding families that disease prevention is in their hands " literally.
"Cleaning your hands with soap and water is simple, safe, effective and inexpensive," said Nancy Bock, SDA Vice President of Education. "When it comes to preventing the spread of the flu, hygiene is your first line of everyday defense. Very simply put, clean hands save lives.
"Whether you're using bar soap, liquid soap, or foam soap, just make sure you lather your hands and rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds."
Parents' concern over their children's health in school settings may be understandably heightened due to the round-the-clock news coverage of the swine flu outbreak. SDA offers three quick tips for parents to help keep their kids healthy in school:
"¢ Make sure your school has adequate supplies of soap, paper towels and surface cleaning and disinfecting products. It's tough for students to keep their hands clean if bathrooms lack the basics. And make sure there are sufficient and effective cleaning and disinfecting products available for school custodians, who are on the front lines of keeping our schools healthy.
"¢ Tuck some hand wipes along with your child's packed lunch. Sometimes kids are so rushed during the day, they don't wash their hands before they eat. Hands wipes are useful when kids are on the go.
"¢ Consider adding a hand sanitizer into your older child's backpack. Convenient, portable sanitizer products are great to have around when soap and water aren't readily available. (Check with your school to make sure students are allowed to carry along a sanitizer.)
"Take time to explain to your kids why handwashing is important, and stay informed. Proper hygiene, common sense, and good information from credible sources will go a long way to seeing us through this public health challenge," added SDA's Nancy Bock.
Online Resources for Parents, Educators, Health Professionals
SDA's website " www.cleaning101.com " features updated swine flu information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Additionally, a wealth of hygiene resources is available at no cost for parents, educators, and health professionals, on SDA's Hand Hygiene Information Page, at www.cleaning101.com/handhygiene.
The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA " www.cleaning101.com), the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Product and Oleochemical Industries®, is a one-hundred plus member trade association representing the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. SDA members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. SDA and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.
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