Why is there a Global Handwashing Day? We all practice perfect hand hygiene, right?

Maybe not. Especially the children among us.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that handwashing with soap could protect one of every three children who get sick with diarrhea and one of every six young children who get respiratory infections like pneumonia. It’s also one of the most effective ways to prevent a host of other diseases we pass from person to person – from colds and flu to more serious infections.

You know the drill, but in honor Global Handwashing Day’s fifth birthday Oct. 15 – and more than 121 million children around the world who will also turn 5 that day – here is a refresher.

Wash hands after you do anything icky, like changing a diaper, using the toilet, blowing your nose, taking out or handling the trash, or cleaning up after a pet. Amd be sure to wash before fun stuff like cooking, eating, or playing with or feeding your little ones.

• Douse your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).

• Lather up with soap and scrub thoroughly, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice through to make sure you’ve washed long enough.

• Rinse well under clean, running water.

• Dry with a clean towel, or air dry.

Soap and water are the gold standard for getting hands germ-free, but in a pinch hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol will do. Just remember that they will not be effective on hands that are visibly dirty, and that they can irritate children’s sensitive skin.

There’s good news on the healthcare front today for millions of American women. A provision of the Affordable Care Act takes effect that will make eight prevention-related health services available to some 47 million women free of charge.

The newly covered services, based on recommendations by the Institute of Medicine, are:

• Well-woman visits

• Gestational diabetes screening for pregnant women

• Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling

• FDA-approved contraceptive methods, education and counseling

• Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling

• HPV testing for women age 30 and older

• Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually active women

• HIV screening and counseling for sexually active women

Some insurance companies previously didn’t cover these services, while others charged deductibles or co-pays that women had to pay out of pocket. But federal law now requires that this coverage become available at no charge, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is reporting that approximately 47 million women are in health plans that fall under this requirement effective with their next insurance coverage renewal date on or after Aug. 1, 2012.

Keep in mind that some group health plans and issuers have grandfathered status and will not be required to cover the services. Neither will some nonprofit religious organizations, such as churches and religious schools, because of their objections to providing access to contraception.

You can learn more about the services you may be eligible for at healthcare.gov/prevention.

In 2007, rare-cancer patient Jennifer Goodman Linn held a small cycling event with a few friends at an Equinox club in New York City, hoping to raise $10,000 for research into rare cancers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Jen had been diagnosed with sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, a few years earlier, and she and her husband, Dave, were surprised to learn that research into rare cancers is often underfunded, leaving patients with limited treatment options – even though they account for more than half of all cancer diagnoses and are well-recognized by name. In fact, leukemia, lymphoma, brain, pancreatic, ovarian and all pediatric cancers are considered rare forms of the disease.

What started out as a small event among friends quickly grew into a national movement called Cycle for Survival. In just five years, Cycle for Survival has raised more than $12 million to fund more than 25 clinical trials and research studies led by MSK. What sets Cycle apart is that within six months of the events, every dollar raised is allocated to research projects led by MSK. This means patients quickly see the benefits of donations in the form of new clinical trials and investigational treatment options.

Sadly, Jen passed away in July 2011, but thousands of Cycle for Survival participants are carrying on Jen’s vision in her honor. This year, Cycle for Survival will be held at Equinox clubs (the event’s founding sponsor) in New York City, Long Island, Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco – and on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.

Keith Ayers, a 31-year-old immigration lawyer and writer from Brentwood, will be riding in the L.A. event and told us a bit about his connection to Cycle for Survival.

What is your personal experience with rare cancer and your connection with the cause?

I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, when I was 22. My diagnosis came two weeks before finals during my first year of law school in 2002. In the middle of treatment my friend from high school, Alan, who was also 22, was also diagnosed with a rare sarcoma and also underwent his treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

I have been cancer free for over nine years now. Unfortunately, Alan’s cancer came back and he passed away in 2004. It was a tough couple of years with treatment and its aftermath, with Alan’s passing and the constant fear of the cancer coming back. But what got me through it was focusing on others. I realized that I had to pay it forward to patients and families who were in the same position Alan and I were in. My sister befriended the founder of Cycle For Survival, and once we heard about their cause and how it targeted rare cancers specifically, we were all in.

What is your involvement this year? Describe your team and what you hope to raise.

We have a bike in NYC and L.A. this year and I will be riding with friends and family from both coasts. Our team goal is to raise $10,000 this year and we’re very close to reaching it. I invite everyone that I know to come out and ride the day of cycle.

Why do you think it is important for people in L.A. to get involved with Cycle For Survival?

Cancer touches every family and I think it empowers people when you let them get involved in events and fundraisers that make such a difference like Cycle. MSKCC is one of the top cancer hospitals in the world, especially when it comes to rare cancers. When I was in treatment, there were kids from all over the country and world being flown in to get treatment there. When MSKCC makes a breakthrough and comes up with more effective ways to treat cancer, that knowledge spreads to hospitals throughout the country. The drugs and treatments have already improved since I ended my treatment in 2003. It’s great way to get involved and make a difference.

What makes the Feb. 4 ride fun?

The energy and passion in the room is exhilarating. It’s a great place to meet people, get a good workout, meet with friends and family, share war stories, cope and inspire. There is something for everyone and it’s a great atmosphere.

What does the event offer for families?

While cyclists participating in the event must be 18 to ride, there will be kids’ activities on-site (and kids can cheer on their parents or teenage siblings too!). Plus, many parents/families ride to raise funds for kids with cancer. In fact, pediatric cancers are all rare cancers.

Cycle for Survival teams register to ride for a four-hour shift, with a maximum of eight riders per bike. Teams may register multiple bikes. The event also features complimentary yoga classes, massage therapy and children’s activities.

Cycle for Survival, 8 a.m.-noon Feb. 4, Equinox Westwood, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; www.cycleforsurvival.org.

Cold and flu season is a great time to meet this little bear, the Bed Buddy Warming Bear from Carex. For your little one’s earache, or a grown-up’s aching back or menstrual cramps, pop this little guy in the microwave for a few seconds and his warm tummy and paws are ready to soothe.

 
For fever or to cool bumps and bruises (or even sports injuries), let him hibernate in the freezer. He’s so cute and cuddly, he’ll make it all better in more ways than one.

 
Available at carex.com for $19.99.

Most of us think of the bathroom sink as a place to wash away dangerous germs. But many sink drains harbor disease-causing fungus, a Penn State study released this week found.

The fungus Fusarium is known for causing diseases in crops such as tomatoes and wheat, and one strain, Fusarium venantum, is even produced for use as human food under the name Quorn.

But some strains are dangerous to humans, causing infections in the nails and cornea in people with healthy immune systems, and fatal bloodstream infections in people with weakened immune systems. A 2005-06 outbreak of corneal infections among contact lens wearers in the U.S. was blamed on Fusarium.

Taking samples from nearly 500 bathroom sink drains in homes, businesses, university dormitories and public facilities across eight states – including California – reasearchers found traces of the bacteria in 66 percent of the drains and 82 percent of the buildings. Around 70 percent of the strains isolated were those likely to infect humans. Fusarium is resistant to many antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat.

Thorough hand washing, drying feet thoroughly after showering, and careful contact lens hygiene are the best preventive measures.

As you plan what to give up or take on in 2012, consider a resolution that could help you live a few years longer – and be happier doing it. The California Department of Public Health has a few suggestions:

1. Quit smoking. Who still smokes in California? Almost 4 million people, that’s who (says the CDC). If you’re one of them, you probably know the health risks, and you’ve felt the $2,000-a-year hit to your wallet. Consider calling 1-800-NO BUTTS or visiting NoButts.org for help quitting. People who love you will thank you.

2. Know your numbers. Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. If these numbers are in healthy range, you lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes and other health problems. If you’re overweight, losing just 5-7% of your body weight (10-14 pounds for a 200-pound person) can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50%.

3. Eat to live. Make half your plate at each meal fruits and vegetables, eat more whole grains and fewer processed foods and sugary drinks. www.ChooseMyPlate.gov can help.

4. Get moving. Even if you can just fit in 10 minutes of moderate physical activity at a time, three times a day, you’ll help keep your bones, muscles and joints healthy, imrove your heart health and reduce stress. Check out the CDC Physical Activity for Everyone  guidelines for ideas.

5. See your doctor. Protect your health by getting vaccinated against flu, whooping cough and other dangerous diseases, and get screenings for colon (everyone), and cervical and breast cancer (women).

6. Be prepared. From earthquakes to wildfires, mudslides to windstorms, our state has disasters for all seasons. Keep your supplies stocked and have a plan for communicating during a crisis. Get more info here.

And if you slip a little after the first week or so, don’t give up. Good health is worth working at all year.

Mothers who work part-time during their children’s infancy and preschool years are healthier and happier than those who work full time – and those who stay home, says a study of more than 1,300 mothers out this week from the American Psychological Association.

Compared with stay-at-home moms and those employed full time, researchers found that moms working part time (one to 32 hours per week):

• reported better overall health and fewer symptoms of depression

• appeared more sensitive in interactions with their preschoolers

• provided more learning opportunities for their toddlers

Mothers working part time were also just as involved with their children’s schools as stay-at-home moms, and more involved than moms working full time. The study appeared in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology.

As I enjoy day two of no power at home due to the violent windstorms in Southern California, I’ve come across some helpful tips from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. There are so many things that can throw our power grid out of whack – from earthquakes to wildfires to winds – that it pays to know how to respond.

I was already well-stocked with candles, matches and flashlights, and our hand-crank radio came in pretty handy for info and entertainment. I’ll be replenishing those supplies shortly. Also on my to-do list (once power is restored) is to pick up an appliance thermometer for my refrigerator and freezer. I use a meat thermometer to make sure my food is cooked to a safe temperature. This new thermometer will tell me the temperature inside my appliance so I know whether the food there is safe to eat if the power has been off. They cost as little as $4.

I’ll also check to make sure my freezer is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fridge at 40 degrees or below.

Next time the wind starts to blow, I’ll fill some containers with water and park them in the freezer in case I need the extra ice to keep things cold. I’ll also bunch items in the freezer together to help them stay cold longer. And I might move some leftovers from the fridge to the freezer to help keep them cold as long as possible.

The USDA says the refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened, and a full freezer will hold its temperature for around 48 hours if you keep the door closed. If your outage goes beyond those time limits, you’re going to lose some perishables. Food from the freezer that still contains ice crystals or measures 40 degrees Fahrenheit on a food thermometer is safe to re-freeze. But if in doubt, throw it out!

Got prescriptions, but can’t remember to take them? Or can’t remember to take them at the same time every day? Plastic pill organizers will help you notice you’ve missed a dose, but what you really need is someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, take your meds.”

Short of hiring a personal assistant, Pillzie is the next best thing. Slip the colorful Rx Pillzie ($8.99) sleeve over your prescription bottle and register online (www.scriptconcepts.com), and you’ll receive a text message when it’s time to take each dose. You get to keep your prescription in the original package, with the original prescribing information (and safety cap) but can bring it along inconspicuously.

There’s also Birth Control Pillzie ($14.99), designed to fit over plastic birth-control pill cases. It features an alarm right on top of the sleeve, which you can set to go off at the same time every day. In your purse or on your nightstand, the case discreetly reminds you it’s time for your next dose.