Teachers often refer to school children as "germ factories."

Young noses and mouths are a perfect environment for bad germs to multiply. When bad germs are multiplying there, children are contagious.

They can bring germs to school and spread them to others even a day before any sign of being sick themselves.

When the child touches their nose or mouth, the bad germs get on their on their fingers and hands. From their fingers and hands, the germs get on everything the child touches at school.

When other kids touch those same things, they pick up some of those bad germs. Soon they touch their own nose or mouth and give the germs another great place to multiply.

It only takes a few hours for bad germs to get on practically every surface in a classroom that kids touch.

That's why when kids go back to school, many of them soon come down with colds or flu or other respiratory illnesses.

And, of course, they bring the bad germs home with them, even when they are not yet sick themselves.

Kids leave germs on every surface they touch in the home, including dishes and utensils. Soon the illness is spreading to everyone in the family.

BREAK THE CHAIN!

Kids should use a CopperZap® on their hands and fingers as soon as they get home, and again before family meals. Adults should use a CopperZap® on hands and fingers and in the nose, too, especially if anyone in the home shows any sign of illness.

Older children can use a CopperZap® in the nose if the parents think they are old enough to use it gently and not move around or play while using it. Remember, it is a stiff piece of metal that might cause damage if a child's elbow is bumped while using it.

It's best if everyone in the home has their own CopperZap® when they are old enough to keep it with them or in a special place. That way they can get in the habit of using it when needed to help keep everyone safe from bad germs.

Happy Zapping!

- Doug Cornell, PhD