My News 2: How women vote

Woman make up about 55 percent of the national voting electorate and the same is true for South Carolina.  Women also have a slight liberal lean.

Mary Horres and Joan Dehne from the Leauge of Women Voters of the Charleston Area joined me today on My news 2 to take a look at the women’s vote.

To find out more about the league, visit their website at: http://charleston.sc.lwv.org

Facts from Dr. Germ:

Each year, 52.2 million cases of the common cold affect children under the age of 17 , and nearly 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold . As schools across the country kick off the 2009 – 2010 school year, preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus and other such infections is top of mind to parents, teachers, administrators and community members everywhere.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports hand washing as one of the single most preventive measures against the spread of disease. Check out tips below for a complete guide to hand hygiene while away from home and the proper steps to hand washing.

Did you know? Germs that lead to disease and flu are everywhere.

• Bacteria such as those that cause the flu virus can thrive and linger on doorknobs and other surfaces for up to 72 hours. 
(Source: American Journal of Infection Control, August, 2005)

• According to a 2007 survey from Georgia-Pacific Professional, desktops typically have 400 times more bacteria than toilet seats, exposing students to a large surface area for the transfer of germs to the hands.

• 10 million is the average number of bacteria on your desk where you rest your hand. (Source: University of Arizona “Germs in the Workplace” study, February, 2007)

Tips to avoiding flu germs while away from home.

• The CDC reports frequent hand washing as the single most preventive measure against the spread of disease.  So, wash your hands often, especially after sneezing or coughing. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective when soap and water are not available.

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the transfer of germs from the hands to the eyes, nose and mouth is the primary source for getting sick.  So, avoid contact between your hands and other areas of your face as much as possible after contact with public surfaces.

• Government flu prevention guidelines recommend that you cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze or cough. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth with your elbow or shoulder to avoid using your hands. 

• Since the transfer of germs from surfaces to the hands, then others parts of the face is the primary source for the spread of infection, think touchless. Use disposable towels and wipes and opt to use touchless dispensing systems for soap and hand drying whenever available.