Current Health News

Head Lice Information

Click to view and print important information about Head Lice.

Cold...Facts

About Colds

Getting chilled or wet won't give you a cold. Viruses, not weather, cause colds. Study after study has shown that people exposed to bone-chilling temperatures, icy baths, and drafts don't catch a cold unless they are exposed to viruses. Colds are more common in winter because people (especially children in school) spend more time indoors and thus are exposed to more germs.

Wash Your Hands

One way to cut down on your risk of catching or spreading colds and other viruses is to wash your hands frequently, using warm water and soap. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention calls hand-washing the single most important step for preventing infections.

Sore Throats

Gargling with warm water offers temporary relief for a sore throat, and a little added salt can help soothe it. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.

Antibiotics

If you cut short the antibiotic treatment period (i.e., if you don't finish 100% of your medication), or if you take less medicine than prescribed - you could be setting yourself up for a recurrence of the same bacteria or a more potent strain. This is because taking a little antibiotic kills only the most sensitive bacteria in your system - which allows the strongest, drug-resistant bacteria to multiply and wreak havoc. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses - never have, never will. Antibiotics can only kill bacteria.

Dental Health

Here are some suggestions on how you can take better care of your teeth:

  • Use a good quality toothbrush with soft, end-rounded bristles and change it every two to three months or sooner if the bristles get worn or bent.  Also use a new toothbrush if you’ve just gotten over a cold. 
     
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride and ask your dentist if you should use one with tartar control. 
     
  • Try keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste at work so that you can brush after lunch. 
     
  • Make flossing part of your night-time routine. 
     
  • What you eat also affects your dental health – chew only sugarless gum and stay away from sugary candy.  Sucking on a piece of hard candy is like giving your teeth a bath in sugar – so if you do, try to brush afterwards.
Of course you can’t go through life avoiding everything that causes tooth decay, but you can try to develop good habits that help prevent cavities and gum disease.  After all, don’t you want your teeth to last a lifetime?

Measles: Preventing the Spread in School Settings

Click to view and print important information about Measles.

Enterovirus

Click to view and print important information about Enterovirus.

 

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