For 3rd graders By Rhonda Hughes-Rettig, MSN, BSN, RN Personal Health For 3rd graders By Rhonda Hughes-Rettig, MSN, BSN, RN

Germs

What are germs? Germs are microscopic organisms that can cause disease Germs are everywhere and on everything Some germs make us sick Some germs make us smell bad Some germs live on and in our bodies

How are germs spread? Respiratory Contact Gastrointestinal Germs are spread by coughing or sneezing Contact Germs are spread by touching Gastrointestinal Germs are spread by eating

How do we stay healthy?

Wash your hands Our hands touch everything everyday Hand washing is the #1 way to stay healthy When to wash your hands before you eat, after you use bathroom, when they are dirty, after playing with pets or after practices. Wash your hands at least 30 seconds with soap and water

Wash your body Germs live on our bodies Shower or bathe every day Wash your hair at least every other day Use soap and water Wash your face with soap and water Wash your armpits with soap and water

Brush your teeth Germs live in your mouth Germs cause bad breath Brush your teeth 2 times per day Use toothpaste Floss Do NOT put things in your mouth such as pencils/pens/etc. Nothing in your mouth but food!

Cough/sneeze into your sleeve This keeps germs off your hands if you sneeze or cough Use a tissue Blow your nose when congested How to blow your nose correctly Throw tissue away and wash your hands Do not pick your nose

Don’t pick Don’t lick Nose germs Nothing in your mouth but food Staphylococcus lives in our noses When you pick your nose, you get this germ on your fingers Touching things spreads this germ around This germ causes bad infections Nothing in your mouth but food Objects contain germs If they get in our mouths, you will get sick

Change your clothes Germs get on clothes and make them dirty Dirty clothes smell bad Clean clothes need to be worn every day Clean underwear needs to be worn every day Clean socks need to be worn every day Clean laundry needs to be put away or hung up to avoid wrinkly clothes

Body odor What is body odor? How to prevent body odor? Sweat glands in our bodies How to prevent body odor? When to expect body odor

Other Change pillow case and bed sheets weekly Do not share hairbrushes, hats, helmets etc Keep room clean Get plenty of exercise Sleep Nutrition Hydration

Basic first aid

Skin Skin Our largest body organ Barrier to germs Cuts and scrapes can become infected as they allow germs to get into our bodies Clean Apply Neosporin Cover with band aid

Nosebleeds Occur when small cut happens in nose If hit in nose If nose is dry If it’s picked Pinch your nose and look at your toes Never look up as blood will go down throat and into stomach and you will vomit

Bruises Bruise How to treat When soft tissue is injured Bleeding under skin makes purple color Changes color as blood is absorbed back into body How to treat Not every bump/bruise needs treatment Ice can help with swelling only