For many families in poor countries, soap is a luxury that they do without, a new study finds. Hand-washing with soap can help prevent the spread of diseases, especially pneumonia and diarrhea. These ills caused about 1.6 million child deaths worldwide in 2013, the researchers said. “Hand-washing prevents leading causes of the 6 million deaths…

Organized sports provide a wide range of benefits for children and teens. But there’s a risk of infections if certain safety measures aren’t followed, a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns. “Joining an athletic team is a fun, physically challenging and healthy way for kids to practice teamwork and sportsmanship, but…

When one child gets sick, you might brace yourself for everyone getting sick. But it’s possible to keep healthy family members from falling ill, too. When taking care of a sick child, handwashing is more important than ever. All healthy family members should wash frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.…

A study of home health care nurses in the United States has found that attitudes and organizational policies, rather than knowledge base was much more likely to lead to greater compliance with infection control. The study, “Factors for Compliance with Infection Control Practices in Home Health Care: Findings from a Survey of Nurses’ Knowledge and…

The influenza virus can evolve resistance to an anti-flu drug currently in development for use in pandemics but only if there are multiple genetic mutations, a study has found. Scientists at Imperial College London, in collaboration with Public Health England, have discovered that two genetic mutations would be needed for the virus to develop resistance…

Is your kitchen towel making you sick? The answer could be yes if you use the towel for many purposes, have a large family and are not a vegetarian, according to a new study of germs lurking on towels. Forty-nine percent of the kitchen towels collected for the study were laden with bacteria, and the…

With flu season looming, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated,” said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. “When it comes to you and your family’s health, it’s best to take the…

Hand washing with soap and warm water is an effective way to prevent the spread of germs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing your hands at these key times: Before, during and after preparing food. Before eating. Before and after caring for someone who is sick. Before and aftertreating a wound.…

A battle is waging about how often and how carefully we should wash our hands. Many allergy experts say it is vital for our future health and that of our children to reduce hand washing and allow friendly microbes back into our mouths. Some authors go as far as urging us to eat dirt. But…

As facility managers focus on cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the flu, employers can do their part to keep staff healthy by providing sick leave and encouraging workers to use it. A new survey from Staples Business Advantage found that 44 percent of employed adults reported contracting the flu last and 45 percent of those…