Family

By Christine Hanson, RN, BSN

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WASH IT With flu season fast approaching and H1N1 (Swine Flu) still in the news, everyone wants to know how to stay clear of this virus. As with most seasonal flu strains and infectious disease- the key is hand washing! The H1N1 virus (and other flu strains) is thought to be transmitted from person to person through coughing and sneezing. People may become infected by touching a surface or object with flu virus on it (that someone infected has either coughed/sneezed on or touched with their hands after touching their nose or mouth) then touch their nose or mouth. This leads to an infectious circle where hand washing is the key to breaking the cycle.

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COVER IT Other preventative measures to prevent spreading H1N1 and other flu viruses are "covering your cough" techniques (cough into your elbow so germs are not on your hands or covering your cough with a tissue then throwing the tissue away, and then washing your hands). This is a campaign to prevent illness. More information can be obtained at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site www.cdc.gov.

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STAY HOME Another important measure to protect yourself and family is to try and avoid contact with sick people-incorporate social distancing, avoiding crowds, etc. And, if you are sick with a flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication).

More information on the Novel H1N1 virus and seasonal flu can be obtained by accessing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov. This site contains current information on vaccine recommendations, situation updates, travel precautions, and flu symptoms and treatments.

Author Christine Hanson is a single parent of 3 children. She has been a nurse for 13 years and is currently working at the Pediatric Clinic at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, OK.

Pregnancy

More than half of women who have vaginal birth, at least their first birth, will have some problem in terms of bowel, bladder or sexual dysfunction that can occur, according to Dee Fenner, M.D., director of the University of Michigan Health System's Healthy Healing After Delivery Program.

About 15 percent of new mothers end up needing surgery for various reasons, including leakages of urine or a tear that did not heal correctly.

Many women wrongly believe that postpartum ailments are simply a part of giving birth, and that they need not be addressed. But Fenner urges women to take care of their own health after delivery, not just the health of their newborn.

"Unfortunately, I think many women suffer in silence in that they don't really complain or know that something can be done," Fenner said.

The answer? Fenner suggests new moms experiencing any of the following symptoms after giving birth should talk to their health care provider:

• bowel incontinence
• urinary incontinence
• non-healing episiotomy
• difficulty with intercourse
• deep cuts or lacerations
• rectovaginal fistulas

Don't be too embarrassed to ask for help. Your physician is your advocate for your best health.

Children

In today's fast-paced world, it is sometimes easy to overlook teaching our children some of the basic common courtesies-otherwise known as good manners.

It's not "old-fashioned" or "boring" to use good manners. It isn't hard work either. Taking just a few moments a week to review the basic rules of good etiquette with your child will help ensure that they make a good impression wherever they go.

Basic Politeness. This should be a non-negotiable concept in every home. Children should be expected to say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." It shows consideration for others. It doesn't matter if someone is rude to you. It is always better to be polite to them rather than sinking to their level.

Respect. Children should be taught to have respect for their elders and to speak to them courteously. "Yeah" is not a response. "Yes ma'am" or "yes sir" is. Teachers and other elders should be referred to as Mr. or Mrs. If you have close friends who find being addressed as Mr. or Mrs. too formal, it is acceptable for your children to call them "Miss Mary" or "Mr. Mike," if that adult agrees.

Table Manners. There are a lot of table manners to be learned, but you can start your child off with the basics. They should wash up before coming to dinner. They need to remain seated throughout the meal. It's also important for them to know not to play with their food, not to talk with their mouth full, and never to chew with their mouth open. Children should ask to be excused from the table and should clear their dirty dishes from the table.

Do Not Groom Yourself In Public. Please teach your children that if they have something that needs scratching, combing, or some other form of grooming, to take their personal needs to the rest room or wait until they get home.

Children with good manners are likely to get farther in life than those who are rude. Learning to be courteous to others is a lesson everyone should learn.