On May 8, the American Red Cross will join with the other 185 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from around the globe to celebrate World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.
This day marks the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's founder. Motivated by his experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, Henry Dunant began to advocate for the humane treatment of the sick and wounded during wartime. Today, 150 years after the conflict, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is comprised of more than 97 million staff, volunteers and members and assists more than 277 million people worldwide.
This year's theme, in honor of Henry Dunant's vision, is Sister Societies Working Together. The first World Red Cross Red Crescent Day was celebrated in 1948.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Pandemic Flu, Are You Prepared?
As the world continues to monitor the swine flu (H1N1 flu outbreak) situation, you may hear references to “pandemic flu”. Stories in the media are constant as health officials around the globe are watching whether the current flu outbreak evolves into a pandemic.
What is pandemic flu and what does it really mean?
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and humans have little or no immunity toward it. The virus begins to cause serious illness which spreads easily from person to person around the world.
Reports of swine flu outbreaks are growing. Caused by an influenza virus of swine origin, the number of cases continues to develop in the United States and internationally. Whether the situation reaches pandemic status or not, it reminds us that pandemic flu is a reality and we must prepare for it.
The American Red Cross offers a short video to help individuals understand a pandemic flu and how to be prepared. It covers a range of topics from explaining how the flu spreads to offering prevention strategies and tips on developing a family preparedness plan by getting a preparedness kit, making a plan and being informed.
While this video contains references to “bird flu,” the steps it urges the public to take also apply to swine flu (H1N1).
Help others to be prepared, pass the video along to family members and friends.
More information is available on the Red Cross Web site. Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
What is pandemic flu and what does it really mean?
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and humans have little or no immunity toward it. The virus begins to cause serious illness which spreads easily from person to person around the world.
Reports of swine flu outbreaks are growing. Caused by an influenza virus of swine origin, the number of cases continues to develop in the United States and internationally. Whether the situation reaches pandemic status or not, it reminds us that pandemic flu is a reality and we must prepare for it.
The American Red Cross offers a short video to help individuals understand a pandemic flu and how to be prepared. It covers a range of topics from explaining how the flu spreads to offering prevention strategies and tips on developing a family preparedness plan by getting a preparedness kit, making a plan and being informed.
While this video contains references to “bird flu,” the steps it urges the public to take also apply to swine flu (H1N1).
Help others to be prepared, pass the video along to family members and friends.
More information is available on the Red Cross Web site. Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
Red Cross Offers Flu-Prevention Tips for Kids
As parents and teachers know, children have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses at school. As the number of swine flu (H1N1 Flu Outbreak) cases increases in the U.S., it becomes even more important to teach kids how to stay healthy.
Teach Good Health Habits
Proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of flu. Teach kids by example by showing them proper hand washing technique:
* Wet hands with water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands.
* Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn.
* Rinse hands with water.
* Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
* Use towel to turn off faucet.
For younger children who may rush their hand washing, have them sing a short song such as "Row Row Row Your Boat," or the "Happy Birthday"song, which will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. Placing hand-washing reminders at children's eye level will also help them become consistent hand washers.
Teach kids to adopt these other healthy habits in order to prevent the spread of germs:
* Avoid sharing objects such as utensils, cups, and bottles.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards. If tissue-less, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, not your hands.
* Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.
Parents should also prepare for the potential spread of swine flu by talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick. Also ask your child's school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
The Scrub Club
Educational Tools
Parents and teachers can reinforce kids' hand-washing habits by using tools such as The Scrub Club®, an interactive Web site that offers free materials to raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing to fight germs and prevent illness. The fun, Web-based experience is complete with educational materials, music, games and cartoon "Webisodes."
The Scrub Club® is being used by hundreds of schools nationwide, and teachers continue to integrate the Scrub Club educational activities into their daily curriculum. These educational materials are currently available in French, English and Spanish.
The American Red Cross and NSF International (NSF) have collaborated to help protect public health. Collectively, NSF, the Red Cross and seven "soaper-heroes"are teaching children the importance of proper and consistent hand washing through the Scrub Club®. Through this partnership, the two organizations are helping educate communities across the nation about the benefits of handwashing to fight germs and prevent illness.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
Teach Good Health Habits
Proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of flu. Teach kids by example by showing them proper hand washing technique:
* Wet hands with water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands.
* Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn.
* Rinse hands with water.
* Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
* Use towel to turn off faucet.
For younger children who may rush their hand washing, have them sing a short song such as "Row Row Row Your Boat," or the "Happy Birthday"song, which will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. Placing hand-washing reminders at children's eye level will also help them become consistent hand washers.
Teach kids to adopt these other healthy habits in order to prevent the spread of germs:
* Avoid sharing objects such as utensils, cups, and bottles.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards. If tissue-less, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, not your hands.
* Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.
Parents should also prepare for the potential spread of swine flu by talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick. Also ask your child's school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
The Scrub Club
Educational Tools
Parents and teachers can reinforce kids' hand-washing habits by using tools such as The Scrub Club®, an interactive Web site that offers free materials to raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing to fight germs and prevent illness. The fun, Web-based experience is complete with educational materials, music, games and cartoon "Webisodes."
The Scrub Club® is being used by hundreds of schools nationwide, and teachers continue to integrate the Scrub Club educational activities into their daily curriculum. These educational materials are currently available in French, English and Spanish.
The American Red Cross and NSF International (NSF) have collaborated to help protect public health. Collectively, NSF, the Red Cross and seven "soaper-heroes"are teaching children the importance of proper and consistent hand washing through the Scrub Club®. Through this partnership, the two organizations are helping educate communities across the nation about the benefits of handwashing to fight germs and prevent illness.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
Preparing for a Potential Flu Pandemic
Thursday, April 30, 2009 — With the World Health Organization (WHO) raising its pandemic alert level recently and the number of swine flu (H1N1 flu outbreak) cases in the U.S. on the rise, this is a good time for individuals and families to get prepared and learn how to stay healthy.
Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, thereby limiting potential for exposure to the virus. If a person does get sick and has extra supplies on hand, they will help reduce the spread of the flu by staying home.
Gather supplies:
• Assemble or refresh your preparedness kit.
• Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities (such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.). Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Insure that formula for infants and any child's or older person's special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Store an extra supply of food for your pets.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.
Make plans:
• Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of time.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
• Find out your employer's plans to keep the business open if key staff can't come to work.
• Ask your child's school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
• Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, internet or other sources.
Stay healthy:
The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren't available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Influenza (flu) is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
For more information, see the Red Cross Flu Checklist.
To learn more about preparing for a possible pandemic flu, visit the Red Cross Web site.
Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, thereby limiting potential for exposure to the virus. If a person does get sick and has extra supplies on hand, they will help reduce the spread of the flu by staying home.
Gather supplies:
• Assemble or refresh your preparedness kit.
• Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities (such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.). Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Insure that formula for infants and any child's or older person's special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Store an extra supply of food for your pets.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.
Make plans:
• Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of time.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
• Find out your employer's plans to keep the business open if key staff can't come to work.
• Ask your child's school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
• Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, internet or other sources.
Stay healthy:
The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren't available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Influenza (flu) is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
For more information, see the Red Cross Flu Checklist.
To learn more about preparing for a possible pandemic flu, visit the Red Cross Web site.
Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
H1N1 Update
Washing hands and paying close attention to symptoms of illness are just some of the things the public can to do help reduce the risk from the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak.
"This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans," said Scott Conner, Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Health & Safety Services at the American Red Cross. "Taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies in advance can go a long way in making families feel safer."
The American Red Cross urges the public to remember these simple actions:
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren’t available.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.
Children have been greatly impacted by this outbreak, and need to know how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. The Red Cross has partnered with NSF International’s (NSF) Scrub Club® to educate children about the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. The Scrub Club Web site (www.scrubclub.org) is an easy, online tool to teach kids how to wash their hands and why it’s important.
If families are asked to stay home during this outbreak, it’s important to have a plan and supplies in place before that happens. The Red Cross recommends:
* Stock extra food, water and supplies at home to reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, limiting potential for exposure to the virus.
* Be sure to include household necessities such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
* Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members. Include non-prescription medications as well.
Other preparedness steps that can be taken include:
* Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of time.
* Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
* Find out your employer’s plans to keep the business open if key staff can’t come to work.
* Ask your child’s school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
* Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, internet or other sources.
For more tips on how to prepare yourself, your family and community for this and other potential emergencies, visit www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
"This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans," said Scott Conner, Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Health & Safety Services at the American Red Cross. "Taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies in advance can go a long way in making families feel safer."
The American Red Cross urges the public to remember these simple actions:
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren’t available.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.
Children have been greatly impacted by this outbreak, and need to know how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. The Red Cross has partnered with NSF International’s (NSF) Scrub Club® to educate children about the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. The Scrub Club Web site (www.scrubclub.org) is an easy, online tool to teach kids how to wash their hands and why it’s important.
If families are asked to stay home during this outbreak, it’s important to have a plan and supplies in place before that happens. The Red Cross recommends:
* Stock extra food, water and supplies at home to reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, limiting potential for exposure to the virus.
* Be sure to include household necessities such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
* Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members. Include non-prescription medications as well.
Other preparedness steps that can be taken include:
* Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of time.
* Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
* Find out your employer’s plans to keep the business open if key staff can’t come to work.
* Ask your child’s school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
* Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, internet or other sources.
For more tips on how to prepare yourself, your family and community for this and other potential emergencies, visit www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
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