19
May
2017
Public Health

Superbugs and Sewage at the Beach
31
Mar
2017
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Preventing Infection with Environmental Controls: A “Broad-spectrum” Approach

As reports of the dangers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and “superbug” infections continue to make headlines, we think the time is right to consider the environmental controls at our disposal for fighting the spread of infectious illness. Environmental controls lower the risk of infection by taking the fight against pathogens into the environment. Once implemented, environmental... Read More »
10
Mar
2017
Preventing Infection
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

Superbugs: Rising from Hospital Drainpipes

Superbugs are sneaky creatures. A new University of Virginia (UVA) study reveals how these microbes, once washed down the drains of hospital sinks, colonize the drainpipe and rise up slowly along the sides of the pipe, eventually reaching the sink strainer. The researchers hypothesize that when the sink faucet is operated, the potential pathogens and... Read More »
10
Feb
2017
Public Health
by Fred Reiff, PE, and Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA

Antimicrobial Resistance: “Nothing in Our Medicine Cabinet”

A “superbug” infection contracted in a hospital in India killed a Nevada woman in September 2016 as doctors stood by, powerless to intervene with an effective antibiotic drug. The woman in her 70’s had fractured her leg in India, leading to multiple hospitalizations in that country. She returned to the US in early August 2016... Read More »
23
Dec
2016
Child Care
by Water Quality & Health Council

A Fun Holiday Hand-washing Activity for Kids

As our families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays, we look forward to enjoying good company, delicious food and exchanging gifts.  One aspect of the holidays we don’t enjoy, however, is exchanging the germ du jour. Many adults are aware that frequent hand-washing—and hand sanitizer use in a pinch–can help avoid the “re-gifted” germs... Read More »
09
Dec
2016
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Handkerchief or Tissues? That is the Question!

Ah-choo! How do you handle sneezes and a runny nose? Do you reach for a handkerchief or tissues? Which option is more sanitary? Which option is most environmentally responsible? How do affordability, comfort and convenience factor into your decision? More men than women may prefer handkerchiefs, but that may be changing. Rather than endorse one... Read More »
23
Nov
2016
Public Health
by Water Quality & Health Council

The Black Friday Shoppers’ Health and Safety Survival Guide

Determined to brave the traffic, crowds and general madness of Black Friday, many shoppers strike out to take advantage of deep discounts on holiday goods. We offer tips to help ensure shoppers return home from these shopping adventures safely and in good health. Safety First As exciting as it is to get to the sales... Read More »
30
Sep
2016
Preventing Infection
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands! The parental command echoes in my memory. It is also the public health message we hear most often when the subject is preventing the spread of infectious illness. Hand washing may be one of the easiest things we can do to ward off sickness, but the casual observer in any public restroom... Read More »