FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2014
Contact: Deanna Krautner, DOH-Pasco (727) 861-5250 ext, 162
Doug Tobin, Pasco County Government (727) 815-7177
Linda Cobbe, District School Board of Pasco County (813) 794-2717
PASCO – Local efforts are under way to encourage healthy habits to avoid illness. Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against the flu.
“While a flu shot is the most effective measure against getting the flu” said Kathleen Yeater, Executive Director of Nursing at the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, “good prevention habits help reduce more than just the spread of flu.”
The school district, county government and health department are pushing out reminders to practice healthy habits for prevention. “We are working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco to help families stay healthy during this flu season.” said Pasco School Superintendent Kurt Browning.
Pasco County Parks and Libraries have teamed up with characters they developed called, “Nate & Wendy” to get the message out about flu prevention. Thousands of people have watched the “Nate & Wendy” shows that address a variety of topics from Pasco County Government The latest episode will focus on school children washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough. The video can be seen at http://youtu.be/nPHV5mesjMY.
The messages are the same for adults. “If you do catch the flu it’s important that you stay home and fight the illness,” said Randy TeBeest, Pasco County Assistant County Administrator for Public Safety and Administration. “We encourage our County employees not to spread the illness around by coming to work. Stay home, get better, then come back.”
We encourage everyone to take the following everyday preventative actions.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
For more information http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/health on healthy prevention habits visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm or http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/index.html
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