People the world over seem to be arming themselves with alcohol gel, antibacterial soap and changing the way immune systems, and even nervous systems are developing. The change however, isn’t necessarily for the better.
Studies are beginning to show that completely sheltering your kids from bacteria and infections can actually make them more susceptible to some of them and additionally can actually cause the development of asthma and allergies.
Bacteria are vital to good health. Killing off the normal flora of the body does not assist us in fighting disease but rather, can actually cause it. Recent studies have shown that the more educated a parent is, the more likely their child is to develop asthma and allergies in part because of the parents concern about bacterial infections.
Dr Gerald Callahan, who studies bacteria at Colorado State University explains, "Before we knew the important role of infections, we were concerned about things like polio and rabies and yellow fever. Because of that when Fleming introduced Penicillin we went crazy with joy and began to slather everything with antibiotics. Now we are paying our dues for that over reaction."
New studies show that bacteria is an important part of our every day lives, but that does not mean hygiene is less important. Photo by pyza.
The best method of cleansing for our children is to put the antibacterial things by the wayside, and use plain mild soap and water to wash up, and to toss away the antibacterial sprays unless we are in the presence of something that consistently puts harmful bacteria in our way.
Teach your children to wash their hands thoroughly; for instance try having them wash long enough to sing the ABCs. But toss away your antibacterial soaps and use plain mild hand soap. Teach your kids about preventing disease, by good hand washing, covering their mouth when they cough, not sharing drinks and so on, and leave the antibacterial soap for the surgeons.
Do you have other tips on how to teach kids good hygiene? If so, please leave your comments and help inform others too.
bem
December 16, 2007
This is very interesting. Plus get those kids some pets to ramp up their immune systems as well.
August 23, 2010
Hygeine is so important for staying healthy.
As a lunch recess monitor for the past 9 years, I can decribe the unneccessary handling of food, clothing, and environmental substances. We as Americans figure everything is at our figertips. Not the case – If your inside then germs spread. The handling and constant obsession is continous. I would prefer not to handle the childrens lunch items. Rubber gloves are not supplied. When cleaning tables the gloves are worn. I would prefer not to handle bagels. A napkin is a handly item. It’s always a habit of mine to wash my hands. Yet when I first began my job I experienced airborne allergies. My problems would be tirey eyes and sinuses. The flu shot deffinitely helps my immune system. I am experienced with the K thru 5th. Of course, a child eventually learns to do for themselves. Being a step-mom has proved how people are subject to failure. I am living proof of the hectic problems on the arise in this country. Enter Your Comment