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Don’t Give the Gift of Illness This Year

 
November 22, 2019
Don’t Give the Gift of Illness This Year

Williston, N.D. –The Upper Missouri District Health Unit (UMDHU) wants to help prevent the passing of illness this holiday season. As we move into the holidays with increased travels, more time indoors and the beginning of influenza season illness can often be the unwanted gift we give our loved ones. Especially vulnerable are children, elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

To avoid giving the gift of illness this holiday season UMDHU would like to remind people to: • Wash hands frequently. • When washing your hands remember to scrub your hands well for at least 20 seconds. Singing your ABC’s can assure you wash your hands for the correct amount of time. Some times to wash your hands are: • Before, during and after preparing food especially raw meats, and before you eat. • Before and after you care for a person who is sick or has an open wound. • After you use the toilet, help a child with the toilet or change a diaper. • After you sneeze, cough or blow your nose. • After touching or feeding an animal, or cleaning up animal waste. • After handling trash. • Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. • If you are sick you should stay home from work, school, public gatherings and social occasions to avoid spreading illness to others. • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

You can help to keep your family and friends happy and healthy this holiday season. Please don’t give the gift of illness this year. For more information on disease prevention please see the UMDHU website at www.umdhu.org or call our office at 877-572-3763.