Keeping The Cold Virus At Bay

By Ashlie Hardway

EL PASO — Cold and flu season has come totown with a vengeance, and some elementary students are learning some lessons in preventive health.

Glen Cove Elementary students were recently featured in U.S. News and World Report for their Healthy Learning Program and how an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

“I wash my hands before I go eat and before I play with my friends,” said third-grader Dania Gonzalez.

Elementary schools are havens for germs and one of the easiest places where microbes get passed from hands to noses, ears and throats. Kindergarteners at Barron Elementary are learning the importance of hand-washing in preventing the spread of cold germs.

Nicole Tepsick’s students stretch, dance and even do yoga to remind them that healthy living and activity is essential part of a strong immune system.

“If we teach them now then they’re gonna become better adults and the habits we teach them now, they’ll take throughout their life,” Tepsick said.

A spokeswoman with the city noted that her office had a rise in call-in’s due to illness. Perhaps everyone could take a lesson from the littlest ones in our own community.

“Wash your hands so other people don’t get sick because why should they suffer because of your mistake?” said third-grader Robert Tejada.