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6 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM’s Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Health and Hygiene sessions in Knysna

Media Release: GRDM’s Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Health and Hygiene sessions in Knysna

For immediate release
6 October 2023

Recently, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from Knysna reached out and presented health and hygiene training sessions to early childhood development facilities in their region.

Mendy Tyhawana, GRDM’s EHP, conducted sessions at the northern area of Knysna, as well as at Isiseko Creche situated in the Damsebos residential area.

More than 50 children and their caretakers participated in the sessions. The focus area was again the washing of hands and overall hygiene practices.

The following topics were addressed during the session:

Why is it important to wash hands?

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and is one of the most important steps to take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

What are good and bad bacteria, and bad bacteria – how do these affect humans?

  • Most types of bacteria are not harmful, and some are even helpful.
  • Some bacteria, called pathogens, can cause infections that require treatment with antibiotics. Harmful bacteria e.g., salmonella and E. coli can cause illness.

When should hands be washed?

  • Before, during and after preparing food.
  • Before and after eating food.
  • Before and after caring for someone at home.
  • Before treating an open wound.
  • After using the toilet.
  • After changing diapers.
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
  • After touching waste.

What are the IMPORTANT steps linked to washing hands properly?

  •  Wet hands with clean, preferably running water.
  • Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of hands and wrists.
  • Rub hands together briskly and thoroughly. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
  • Scrub hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse hands and wrists under clean, preferably running water.
  • Dry hands and wrists with a clean towel or let them air-dry.
  • Use a towel to turn off the tap.

Ends