Teaching Children Hygiene

Dirt can be fun and kids would agree! However, when it comes to their health, there is no room for compromise. Keeping them safe from illness and disease can be as simple as teaching them the difference between bad and good germs.

- Peta Daniel

Every day illnesses like the common cold, skin infections and even diarrhoea may not be life threatening to the average child, but as they are the most commonly occurring types of infectious disease in South Africa, and according to studies conducted by the Global Hygiene Council Study, they can have far-reaching consequences on your child’s life and your family.

THE DANGERS OF REGULAR ILLNESS

A child who misses school regularly will not progress as well as a child who attends school academically or socially. Dr Kelly Gate, 2012 Rural Doctor of the Year recipient from Bethesda Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, says: “…common illness, which affects a child on a regular basis, can also impinge on their long-term development.” Absenteeism, not only in school children but also in adults in the workplace, can have very serious consequences. Parents will need to stay home to take care of their ailing children and regular illness resulting in a sick day every month or so can eventually escalate and add up to negative pressure on the economy.