My Family & Germs

What Are Germs?
Key Fact:
A single germ can grow to become more than 8 million germs in just one day. Germs are "micro-organisms"—living things that are too small to see with the naked eye. Most micro-organisms are harmless, but some micro-organisms can make us ill. We tend to call these microorganisms "germs". A germ can either be a bacteria, a virus, a fungi or a parasite. When certain bacteria get into your food and proper cooking does not destroy them, they can give you an upset tummy. Some viruses will cause the common cold. Certain fungi can give you a skin infection. Several parasites can cause diarrhoea.

How Do Germs Spread?
Key Fact:
When you sneeze germs can travel at 80 miles per hour across a room. Remember, germs are too small to see, but they can spread easily throughout the environment (where you live).

Germs can be found almost anywhere; in the bathroom, in the refrigerator, in certain foods, on surfaces such as toys, on the floor—even on your pets. To help protect against infection it is important to wash your hands before or after certain activities—especially before and after eating, after going to the toilet, before and after helping in the kitchen, and whenever they look dirty. When you're sick you can easily spread your germs to others by sneezing and touching. Many people catch colds from one another by touching the same things like doorknobs.

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What Is First Aid?
Key Fact:
2.7 million people have to go to hospital every year after having an accident. When someone is hurt in an accident, first aid is an important first step to getting better and can even save a life. Have you ever had an accident where a family member, teacher, friend, nurse or doctor helped treat you? If so, you have experienced first aid.

Every year millions of people need first aid. It is useful if you learn some basic first aid techniques, however if you are ever alone with someone who has had an accident or needs immediate help (such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious accidents, loss of blood, or any other situation where life is at risk) telephone 999.

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What Are Allergies?
When our bodies need to fight off germs they make antibodies to attack the germs, which helps keep us healthy. Just as our bodies make antibodies to fight germs, they may also make antibodies in response to other substances that get inside our bodies. This results in an allergy—an adverse reaction caused by hypersensitivity to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, dust, food, or a drug. Allergens—the substance that causes the allergic reaction—can cause one or several responses:

• Respiratory allergies such as asthma or hay fever.
• Food allergies such as allergy to peanuts.
• Skin allergies such as hives or rash.
• Anaphylactic shock which is a massive allergic reaction in some individuals to certain allergens which can be life-threatening.

Who Gets Allergies?
Anyone can get an allergy at any age. Up to 15 million people in the UK suffer from an allergy. Common allergens include:

• Pollens
• House dust mites
• Moulds
• Pets and other animals
• Stings from bees, wasps and other insects
• Foods such as eggs, kiwi fruit, milk and nuts
• Some industrial and household chemicals
• Latex (in some disposable gloves. for example)
• Some medicine (e.g., penicillin)

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Why Are Air & Water Important to My Health?
Key Fact:
Many diseases are spread through untreated water. Air and water are essential to life. A 10 kg child needs to drink about one litre per day to stay healthy and we all need to breathe clean air. When air and water becomes contaminated with pollutants, we can become ill.

When air pollution levels are high, some people experience eye irritation, coughing and painful or difficult breathing. Individuals with lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or heart disease are at greater risk—especially if they are elderly. If you suffer from asthma, you may find that air pollution triggers an attack. The five main pollutants in air are:

• Sulphur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Ozone
• Carbon monoxide
• Particles

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What is Nutrition?
Key Fact:
A balanced diet can help keep you healthy and fight infections. A healthy balanced diet is one that provides all the energy and nourishment that we need to survive. We should all try to eat the correct amount and types of food to provide our body with all the resources and fuels we need to stay healthy. This is nutrition.

A simple way to help you achieve the balance of good health is to try to eat foods from the following five groups in the right proportions. Eat at least 5 portions every day of fruit and vegetables. Eat 2-3 servings each day of milk and dairy foods, ideally choosing low fat varieties. Eat 2-3 portions a day of meat, fish and protein alternatives such as beans or pulses. Eat plenty of bread, cereals and potatoes for energy. Keep sugary sweets to a minimum.

Can Food Make Me Sick?
Food poisoning can occur when we consume contaminated food or water. Food poisoning most commonly results from:

• Not cooking food properly
• Preparing food too far in advance
• Storing food wrongly
• Cross-contamination in the kitchen

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How Can I Help Take Care of Our New Baby?
Key Fact:
New babies are more at risk of infections than older children. If your family has a new baby, chances are there are lots of things you can do to help. Ask your Mum and Dad what you can do. Here are some ideas:

• New babies are fun but can be a lot of work! Ask your parent or carer if there is anything you can do to help around the house.
• New babies need lots of love. Be especially gentle and kind to your new baby sister or brother. Make sure you wash your hands before touching them.

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