At the BACC: "An abundance of Caution"

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health  and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (  3 John 2 )   

For church and children’s ministry, the following simple guidelines should be communicated to the entire church community and used during any flu season, including the current Swine Flu outbreak.  There is no value in panic, but there is value in wisdom, discipline and teamwork. We will be providing tissues and hand sanitizing lotion at church this Sunday as well as prepackaged individual communion supplies.  Your job is to communicate and put into practice the following:

1.      Be aware and keep symptomatic people away from the body

a.      Flu like symptoms include the following:  Fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.  If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms please keep this person at home on Sunday’s, or Devotionals, Mid-weeks and bible studies, both individual and group studies or any event that might expose others.  

b.      If your child is not drinking enough fluids, is experiencing fast or troubled breathing or not waking up or not interacting, or if they are so irritable that the child does not want to be held, then keep that child away from other children/people and contact your health provider.

2.      Know how the flu spreads and take precautions

a.      Flu is generally spread by direct contact with germs from an infected person, from either uncovered coughs or sneezes or by touching something the infected person has handled.

                                                              i.      Wash your hands regularly or use a hand sanitizer

      i.    Teach your kids to keep their hands out of their mouths

                                                            ii.      Carry tissue and use it when coughing or sneezing. Have an extra tissue for someone sitting near you who might not have any.

                                                          iii.       Ushers will be wiping door knobs, handrails and common areas with disinfectant.

3.      Be proactive and build you immune system

a.      Anything you can do to support your immune system may help protect you from contracting the swine flu, or help support your defenses should you become infected. Be sure to:

                                                              i.      Drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated

                                                            ii.      Eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables

                                                          iii.      Avoid refined sugar and processed/junk food

                                                          iv.      Get plenty of fresh air and daily exercise

                                                            v.      Get enough sleep

                                                          vi.      Minimize stress

                                                        vii.      Other things that may be helpful include extra vitamin C, probiotics, echinacea, and astragalus.