Obama and I Agree :) The Flu is National Threat

 (healthy mind) + (healthy body) = healthy mody

Just a few minutes ago the president released the news that he believes the flu to be a "national emergency." I am happy to hear that he is committed to the spread of the flu. Congrats to our president for taking a stand and making it easier for at-risk populations to seek preventive care and treatment.

As posted on this blog last week, vaccination and information are two key allies in this fight. That said, there is one more preventive act that is easy, inexpensive and mandatory--hand washing.

Washing hands with warm soap and water, up to the wrists, is a crucial part of protecting yourself from bacteria that could harm you. As an added precaution, turn water off (don't leave it running) with a paper towel, your sleeve or some other object that keeps you from immediate contact with the faucet. Also, open the bathroom door with the same object, as it is most likely contaminated with a variety of bacteria that can spread influenza.

I know this may seem elementary--the president was mocked for discussing this earlier--but it is mandatory to stop the spread of the flu, in addition to a variety of other illnesses.