The Bug Stops Here!

It's now official!

The world will soon start to hear about this fantastic and innovative social behavioral program,
‘The Bug Stops Here©TM' .

For the past few months, much of my time has been consumed with this worthwhile project; we have worked with Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and key staff members in Infection Control and Communications.

It’s certainly not a new idea, but it’s an initiative whose timing is perfect. At the end of the day, it’s all about improving hand hygiene everywhere. In our homes; in restaurants; in health care facilities; everywhere. While this program is PRHC-centric and addresses hospital-acquired infections, specifically Clostridium difficile (C. diff), with the recent activity in the media and health care centres the world over regarding H1N1, hand washing is something everyone needs to be more vigilant and diligent on an ongoing basis.

At the end of the day, washing hands needs to be second nature, just as buckling a seat belt, securing a child in an infant car seat or even not drinking and driving.

Don’t even think about it. Everyday it should be second nature.

1. Whenever your hands are obviously soiled
2. After using a toilet
3. After blowing your nose or even covering a cough or a sneeze and,
4. Before eating, drinking or even handling any food

Obvious? Of course it is, but all of us is likely guilty of NOT washing as often as we should. Regardless of whether it’s with soap and water or using a hand-sanitizing lotion or gel, we all need to do our part to protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other.

Remember, ‘The Bug Stops Here©TM’ – and it all starts with you!