•  Teaching Children About Germs

 •  Bacteria 101: Protect yourself from MRSA, Salmonella, E.coli, flesh eating disease, and more.

 •  Cover Your Cough: How to Stop the Spread of Colds and Flu

 Free E-Books on Infectious Diseases 

From Infectious Disease Workshop: teaching material, lesson plans, and learning activities.

These all teach (at the appropriate age levels) about disease-causing microbes, what you need to know about diseases, infections, viruses and bacteria.

Please note:  We do not recommend using glitter in any of the learning exercises to show how easily germs spread – or your home will "glitter" for years to come!

Unit 2: Disease Prevention

Learn how handwashing and other precautions can prevent infectious diseases.  Plus when and how to clean up blood spills and body fluids.  Also includes handwashing songs for younger ages and healthy habits and the immune system for older ages.

You may not want to expose your children to some of the content in these or other series, but want to be aware of the issues yourself.

 •  Sports and Infectious Diseases Instructor's Background Text (12 pages)

 •  Bioterrorism and Infectious Diseases, Part 1 Instructor's Background Text (42 pages);  Part 2 (29 pages) Includes preparedness and disaster supplies kit.

 •  Curriculum Ideas for Exploring Handwashing includes curriculum, activities, and handwashing songs. (27 pages)

 •  Hand Washing Lesson Plans for K-6 includes curriculum and activities. (15 pages)

Prevent Disease and Outbreak Intervention

Colds and flu are caused by different viruses, have different symptoms, and can have greatly different effects on your health.  Read more at Centers for Disease Control.

The common cold is caused by one of more than 200 viruses and is called an upper respiratory infection because it involves the nose, throat, and surrounding air passages.

Symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Most colds do not include fever, chills or substantial lung involvement.  Read more at mayoclinic.com.

Flu is caused by the influenza virus and infects the entire respiratory tract – nose, throat, and lungs. It can include fever, head and muscle aches, exhaustion, and a cough that can become severe.

A cold can last two or three weeks; most people are better within seven to ten days. On the other hand, without proper care or attention, flu can lead to severe illness and complications which can cause permanent health damage.  Read more at mayoclinic.com.

Prevention and care of both a cold or the flu is similar, except that you need to be more careful and aware of complications with the flu.

Use any medication with caution. Over-the-counter drugs, and even some natural remedies can cause unexpected problems.

Use single-symptom drugs such as cough suppressants, pain relievers, or antihistamines, rather than multisymptom formulas or time-release capsules.

Gargle at the first sign of a scratchy throat with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of salt or 1 tablespoon of vinegar dissolved in 8 oz. warm water and repeat several times a day.

Don't insist that your doctor prescribe antibiotics for a cold or flu; they cannot kill viruses.

Don't give aspirin in any form to children 19 and under due to the risk of contracting Reye's Syndrome if a fever is present.

Administer any medicine carefully, following directions as to amount (by age and weight) and frequency.  Just one overdose can cause damage.  Repeated ibuprofen challenges the kidneys and acetaminophen the liver.  Do not substitute concentrated infant drops for children's liquid; this can be fatal!

Use cough syrup sparingly, as coughing is one of the ways the body gets rid of mucus.

Menthol-based lozenges will help numb the throat and open up nasal passages. Zinc lozenges may also be helpful.

 •  Be prepared with lots of sturdy tissues to avoid getting mucus on your hands. Use tissues once, then throw them away so germs can't multiply in them.

 •  Don't blow your nose too hard or squeeze it while blowing; blocked pressure can force infectious drainage into your ears and sinuses. Instead, press one finger over one nostril and blow gently through the open nostril; repeat on the opposite side.

 •  When coughing or sneezing, turn away from other people. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm or elbow rather than your bare hands.

 •  Don't hold back a sneeze or it can spray germs into your sinuses and ears.

 •  Always wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing!

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My 7-year-old daughter and I were thinking of words to use in making a crossword puzzle and had reached a lull, needing a few more words.  We both sat thinking for a minute until she finally looked at me and asked, "Is your mind empty?"

Submitted by Melanie, Washington.

Send your humorous anecdote to [email protected].

1.  God loves you.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

2.  Man is separated from God by sin.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23)  For the wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23)

3.  The death of Jesus Christ in our place is God's only provision for man's sin.

He (Jesus Christ) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:25)

4.  We must personally receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Eph. 2:8, 9)

You can still read the Bible through in 2013!

Don't be discouraged if you are behind schedule.  You don't have to wait until January 2014 to start over.

Start now by reading just 15 or 20 minutes a day and finish 12 months from now.  See our unique Bible reading schedule starting any month and reading six days a week, plus Bible reading tips.

Remember, the purpose is not just to get through the Bible, but to know and commune with God through His Word.

Convey excitement and anticipation by saying to your children, "Let's see what we can learn about God in our reading today," rather than allowing stress or drudgery to creep into your family Bible reading time.

A lifetime of love for our wonderful Lord God and His Word can be the reward for you and your family.

Listen to the Bible Online.  Choose from six English versions (plus Spanish and other languages) at BibleGateway.com/Audio.

Listen to beautiful traditional, sacred, and inspirational conservative Christian music (commercial free!) when you tune in to these online stations:

 •  Abiding Radio.  Choose from four stations: vocal, instrumental, kids, and seasonal (Christmas). Information for listening on many different devices.

 •  Old Christian Radio

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While there's no cure for the common cold or the flu, some simple guidelines can help your family be as healthy as possible this winter and also prevent more serious diseases.

As home educators, we can use this teaching opportunity for our immediate health and welfare, as well as general health education.

Of course, prevention is the best policy, so you will want to teach your children how to avoid exposure to germs and maintain a strong immune system.

Then there are many things that you can teach your family to do to make them more comfortable while they are sick and help them get well sooner.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment, but we do hope it will help your family enjoy better health this winter!

May the Lord richly bless your family for His glory.

Teach about germs and how they are transferred by air, fluids, and blood.  Use a textbook, an encyclopedia, or the Internet. (See free unit studies and e-books in sidebar.)

Children are adept at picking up and spreading germs.  Teach them how to avoid this at all times, but especially when someone in your home is ill or you are out in public where many unknown and very harmful diseases abound.

 •  Cover skin abrasions and cuts.

 •  Don't touch the face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.

 •  When ill, it is courteous to avoid contact with others so that you don't spread your cold or flu, even if it means missing something you really want to do.

Also, when you are ill and your immune system is weakened, it is easier for you to pick up another, and perhaps worse, illness if you are exposed to crowds and others who are sick.

The simplest and most effective thing that you can do to keep from getting sick yourself, or spreading your sickness to others, is to wash your hands well and often.

 •  Wet hands with warm water and ordinary soap.

 •  When you don't have access to soap and water, use non-alcohol baby wipes.  Use of antibacterial soap can promote growth of more virulent germs and viruses.

 •  Teach your children to scrub all parts of their hands for 20 seconds.  Teach them a handwashing song that lasts that long to sing.

 •  Dry hands well.  In a public restroom, turn off tap with a paper towel or back of wrist, and open door with a paper towel or a corner of clothing.

 •  Wash hands immediately upon returning home after being out in public or playing outside.

 •  Wash hands before preparing food, eating, or handling clean dishes.

 •  Wash after using the toilet, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, blowing nose, and eating.

It is important to practice good hygiene principles and routines at all times, as you or others may be contagious a day before symptoms of illness are evident.

Explain to your children that, although they may not see germs, they are present and can make them sick.  Connect hygiene to illness by reminding them of the last time they were ill.  The memory may be powerful enough to convince them of the importance of hygiene.

 •  Don't share: drinking and eating utensils, food that has been handled or partially eaten by others, or toothbrushes.

 •  When someone in your family is sick, don't share books, games, and toys.

 •  Brush teeth and tongue, and rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash or vinegar between brushings to kill bacteria.

 •  Close toilet lid before flushing so germs cannot spray toothbrushes or other surfaces.

 •  Put dirty clothing or linens into the laundry right away and wash them with regular detergent.

Clean your home regularly, and more when colds and flu are going around.

 •  Disinfect carefully with a solution of bleach and water or use baking soda to clean surfaces.

 •  Also reduce exposure to dust, smoke, and other chemical irritants (such as cleaning compounds) in your home.

 •  Open windows and bring fresh air into your home occasionally, even in winter.

Your own body's immune system is the best way to both stay well and get well!

You are what you eat, and a good, well-balanced diet is essential to building a healthy immune system and to providing sources of energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development.

 •  Choose a variety of whole, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Five or more servings a day are recommended. Try to include an apple each day.

 •  Eat whole grains.

 •  As much as your budget allows, buy natural, organic food, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

 •  Good fats are also necessary. (e.g., cold-pressed, organic canola or olive oil, walnuts, peanuts, and natural peanut butter.) Refrigerate all these items; they oxidize at room temperature.

 •  Avoid bad fats, such as hydrogenated oils, white flour, and sugar, which can depress the immune system.

 •  Eat more foods high in vitamins, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots.

 •  Eat chicken soup, which contains an amino acid that thins mucus and breaks up congestion.  Also, the steam from the soup (or from hot tea) helps open up air passages.

 •  Take good-quality vitamins every day to ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals.

 •  Consider taking one 500 mg capsule of vitamin C twice or more a day when you are sick. Rarely, too much can cause diarrhea and gastric discomfort. If you experience these, simply reduce amount and/or take with meals.

 •  Six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day are recommended for the average person (or one-half ounce per pound of body weight).

 •  Drinking hot beverages helps open up nasal passages and reduces congestion.  Add honey to herbal tea, plain hot water, or diluted lemon juice.

Adequate rest is essential for our bodies to repair our immune systems, as well as to keep our bodies functioning well.

 •  Most adults require 7-8 hours of sleep every night; teens 9-11, and children 10-12.

 •  Extra sleep or rest is an effective treatment.

 •  Put an extra pillow under your head to help congested sinus or nasal passages drain.

A daily walk taken for the benefit of one's constitution (health) used to be called a daily constitutional.

A daily walk with your family can provide many needed health benefits such as the following:

Regular exercise improves circulation, combats many health problems by strengthening the immune system, and can reduce the occurrence of colds and flu.

 •  Wear a hat and scarf to stay warm when outside. Getting chilled compromises your immune system.

 •  If you cannot walk outdoors, exercise on a mini-trampoline either indoors or outside on your porch.

Sunshine is one of nature's healing agents, providing Vitamin D and killing germs.

Clean, oxygen-rich air enhances your ability to fight disease.

 •  Breathing deeply of fresh, outdoor air comes naturally when walking.

 •  Breathing exercises indoors will also send more oxygen to your cells and provide many health benefits.

 •  A break from studies or work and a fresh perspective.

 •  Stress reduction.

 •  An opportunity to observe nature.

 •  An opportunity to talk with your children in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Stress and worry affect the chemistry and function of every body system, and can weaken your immune system.

Meeting the basic needs of your family can make the difference between a stressful and a pleasant home atmosphere. (We can all attest to that!)

 •  Maintain a neat and clean environment by picking up clutter and keeping up with laundry and dishes. Remember that God gave mothers more than two arms, but some of them are attached to your children! Teach and check chore assignments.

 •  Fix simple, healthy meals and serve at regular times before everyone is starving.

 •  Schedule realistically by limiting activities outside your home, allowing extra time between activities, planning ahead, and being prepared the night before.

The opposite of stress is a calm and happy composure, which helps your health as well as being a great gift to your family.

 •  Include humor in your outlook, read a funny book, or watch a funny video when you are sick.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."
(Proverbs 17:22)

 •  Trust in the Lord.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
(I Peter 5:7)

If teacher and/or students are sick, relax and do some easy learning.

1.  Watch educational videos, or turn any video into a learning experience by looking up or talking about things in the story such as location (geography), time period (history), subject matter, character development, and Biblical worldview.

2.  Play an educational board game.

3.  Read aloud or listen to story tapes.

4.  Teach lessons about germs and good health habits.

5.  Review flash cards or fact sheets.

6.  Catch up on Bible reading.

7.  Listen to classical music.

8.  Tell your children stories about your childhood.

These and other relaxed activities can provide unique learning opportunities and reassure you that your down time is not a total loss educationally.