Red Cross educates Elkhart kindergarteners about flu prevention

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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The Red Cross visited Cleveland elementary school to educate students about flu prevention.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 5, 2009 at 4:54 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 16, 2009 at 8:18 AM EST

ELKHART ― The Red Cross in Elkhart is going on the road to keep young and old alike from coming down with the flu. On Thursday they talked with students.

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The group is taking the message of clean hands to schools, churches and businesses.

Kindergarteners at Cleveland Elementary School are learning all about flu germs and how they are spread with they help of “Scrubby Bear,” a stuffed animal. Through demonstrations in the classroom and on video, they found out it is important to wash your hands often during the day.

"Soap and water is our best defense, soap and warm water,” said Judy Christophell from the American Red Cross.” I notice a lot of schools are also keeping hand sanitizers in their room, which is also a good defense."

Their teacher says the visual hands-on program helps get the message across in a lighthearted way, but in a way they will remember.

"Because they are such a young group, having them visually be able to see that ― having them see that on the TV with Scrubby Bear ― that is a fantastic way for them to actually retain the information,” said Michelle Crussmeyer, kindergarten teacher at Cleveland Elementary.

The five-year-olds in the class took away important information from the program.

"It is important to wash your hands, because germs are bad and they are everywhere." Said Mariska Haugen, Cleveland kindergartner.

"Germs are bad. They are everywhere on dogs, cats and couches," said Setefano Sefe, Cleveland kindergartner.

For adults, the program contains specific information about the spread of the flu, symptoms, what to do if you get sick, and preventative measures in the workplace and home.

Contact the Red Cross to bring the program to your school, church or business.

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