Influenza, common colds, and allergies may come for a season, but their effects can be far-reaching. Studies undertaken from 2011 to 2022 show that there were over 9,000 school closures in the United States over the period, thanks to influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI). [1]

As the wise adage says, prevention is better than cure. So, how do you get this right? Proper school cleaning is one great approach. But even then, you’ve got to be methodical about the whole process. How? Keep the following best practices in mind:

Have a Comprehensive Cleaning Schedule in Place

Cleaning to prevent seasonal illnesses demands a whole new level of meticulousness. In that case, focus your efforts on high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, desks, chairs, keyboards, shared equipment and bathroom fixtures.

Dedicate one day a week to deep cleaning. On this appointed day, focus on all classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, gyms, and common areas. Once a month or quarterly, depending on your plans, you can go deeper and do some carpet shampooing, HVAC system checks, and window cleaning.

This is a great way to ensure a consistently healthy environment. To take it one step further, consider working with experts offering professional cleaning for educational institutions. Getting experienced hands on board can guarantee that you get the cleaning process right from the word go and potentially keep seasonal illnesses at bay.

Promote Proper Hand Hygiene

Unsafe water, poor sanitation, and a lack of hygiene contribute to about 1.4 million deaths each year. Given how dire the situation is, doing the best you can to protect your students can go a long way. [2]

One way to do this is to place hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content in high-traffic areas such as entrances, cafeterias, and classrooms. Students should sanitize their hands every chance they get.

Frequent handwashing can help too. Teach your students and members of staff the proper way to do it. Also, put reminders near sinks and restrooms so they can keep it at the top of their minds. Make sure that the bathrooms and classrooms are always stocked with soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizers.

Put Proper Ventilation in Play

Science puts it that the level of indoor air pollutants is two to five times higher than what’s found outside. In that case, having proper ventilation in place can help let the stale air out and let clean air in. [3]

Start by keeping the windows open when possible for proper airflow. Also, make sure that HVAC systems are working properly. If you’re using air purifiers, ensure they’re equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

Another approach is to reduce overcrowding, if possible. If you’ve got enough space, make sure to spread students out to minimize the spread of airborne pathogens.

Encourage Sick Students and Staff To Stay Home

Seasonal illnesses like the flu can spread like wildfire. To reduce the odds of that happening, have policies in place for when students and staff should stay home if they exhibit symptoms of illness.

That’s not to say that students should miss class, or staff, work, unless, of course, the situation is quite grave. You can have remote learning options for students to keep up with their classmates and a remote working arrangement for your staff.

Reduce Clutter To Simplify Cleaning

Clutter can make it easy to miss a spot when cleaning. That said, reduce or completely remove unnecessary items from classrooms and common areas.

When it comes to cleaning, go for non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions. This can protect your students and staff, particularly those with allergies or sensitivities.

Keep The School Community Engaged

Keeping your students healthy demands collaborative effort. Start by talking to parents and guardians. Educate them about the importance of vaccination, good hygiene practices, and keeping sick children at home.

You should also consider partnering with local health departments to promote vaccination campaigns. You can help spread information about flu shots, for example, and other relevant vaccines.

Finally, ask for feedback from all the parties (teachers, parents, and students) on how to improve cleanliness and reduce illness transmission. Adjust your cleaning processes based on this feedback.

Track It All

You’ve got to observe how illnesses evolve so you can prepare better next time the season comes around. Keep an eye out for updates from health authorities and adjust your cleaning protocols based on emerging threats.

Closing Thoughts

Proper school cleaning has the potential to not only keep the facility spick and span, but also to keep seasonal illnesses at bay. The best practices mentioned in this guide are a good place to start.

However, to make the best of this experience, work with pros with a spotless track record. Research the different service providers near you and settle for the one that best meets your school’s needs and budget.

Sources

1. “School closures due to seasonal influenza: a prospective data collection-based study of eleven influenza seasons—United States, 2011–2022”, Source: https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanam/PIIS2667-193X(24)00068-1.pdf

2. “Hygiene”, Source: https://data.unicef.org/topic/water-and-sanitation/hygiene/

3. “How big a problem is poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools?”, Source: https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/how-big-problem-poor-indoor-air-quality-iaq-schools

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity for teaching your children about environmental conservation and the world around us. In a time when most of us spend our days indoors in front of screens, it is important for us all to reconnect with our environment and engage in meaningful activities to honor Mother Nature.

Consider these five fun ideas to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd with your little ones.

1.  Watch Ecology Documentaries

Make your kids’ screen time count by consuming educational content about wild animals. Promoting ecological awareness is a good strategy to raise the next generation of eco-warriors. Ecology shows can illustrate how human activities impact wildlife populations.

Watching critters go about their day in their natural habitats also teaches your kids about the food chain, evolution and geography. Nature documentaries demonstrate how animals adapt to keep their species alive within their ecosystems. It’s important to explain that predators and prey are neither good nor bad. They behave as they do to survive, each playing a vital role in nature.

2.  Visit a Local Farm or Ranch

Touring a nearby farm or ranch lets your children closely interact with domesticated animals. A meet-and-greet with free-ranging and captive livestock differs from safe encounters with exotic beasts living in zoos. Farm or ranch visits give your young ones a primer on agriculture — an important subject to understand how humans rely on domesticated animals for sustenance.

Advancing agricultural knowledge encourages tots to eat healthy and curb food waste. This experience can also expose them to the adverse effects of some agricultural activities on the environment.

Awareness of the positives and negatives of agriculture can inspire your kids to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This Earth Day activity can encourage them to innovate the industry to fight climate change without jeopardizing food security.

3.  Embark on Nature Walks

Roaming a national park effectively immerses your children in the great outdoors without going completely off the grid. Seeing pristine landscapes with modern amenities for recreation proves to children that nature and humans can coexist in harmony.

Hiking and going on guided tours in national parks can be scientific explorations. They allow school-age children to apply what they have learned in classrooms. For example, some material science lessons help young learners discover the differences between rocks and their applications. Naming rocks is a fun way for kids to test their geology knowledge.

National parks are biodiverse sanctuaries — the perfect place to spot various animals in the wild. Encourage your children to start an animal observation journal and log every critter they find. With binoculars and magnifying glasses, your little naturalists and biologists can have detailed looks at wildlife in the surroundings.

4.  Build a Terrarium

Terrariums allow you to witness the magic of plant life and how vegetation can thrive in ideal conditions without human intervention.

Terrariums can be as small as glass containers, so any jar big enough to house a small plant should do. You need gravel or pebbles to prevent water from stagnating, activated charcoal to discourage bacterial growth and potting soil to nourish plants.

Layer your supplies in the jar in a consistent order, and gently place your plants into the soil, from biggest to smallest. Decorations are optional. Remember, tropical plants need a closed greenhouse to create a humid ecosystem. In contrast, succulents and cacti thrive in arid environments, allowing them to survive in an open terrarium.

Place your terrarium in a spot with plenty of natural light — but not in direct sunlight. Monitor the soil’s moisture content to know when to spray water. Share monitoring and watering duties with your children so they can feel accomplished and responsible for this miniature garden.

5.  Cultivate a Garden

Working in a garden is a productive way to spend Earth Day. Gardening teaches children about botany and horticulture. Getting involved in gardening is an easy thing kids can do to be environmental stewards.

Growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices takes considerable work and energy. Realizing the laborious nature of crop cultivation can instill a newfound appreciation for food production in kids.

You can also bring the outdoors in, giving your space a sense of biophilia by placing ornamentals and blooms in the house and allowing kids to reap the benefits of being in nature from wherever they are.

Celebrate Earth Day in a Productive Way

These fun, educational activities capture the essence of Earth Day. They can wake up the eco-warriors in your children and inspire them to protect nature 365 days a year.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
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For most people, having a healthy set of teeth is an investment. Keeping your pearly whites clean, aligned, and complete involves quality tools and treatments.  You’re left with two options when missing a tooth or two: getting dental implants or dental bridges. But which one’s better? Can anyone with missing teeth wear them?

Read on to help you find the ideal solution from the implant vs bridge debacle, as we explain the major differences and discuss their appropriateness for children.

The Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges

Dental implants are artificial teeth that are designed to look like real teeth. A dentist will surgically implant them into the patient’s jawbone. The implant, or screw, serves as the artificial tooth root. The crown matches the shape and look of your natural teeth and is the fake tooth attached to the abutment. Implants are a considerably popular option among dental patients.

Dental bridges, as the name implies, bridge a gap in your teeth. They also have abutments and dental crowns to replace missing teeth. Whether or not they have implants depends on the type of bridge the dentist recommends. There are four types available:

• Traditional bridge
• Cantilevered bridge
• Maryland bridge
• Implant-supported bridge

Choosing implant or bridge solutions becomes easier when you consult a trusted dentist. They’ll explain the process and benefits of each false tooth option, helping you consider what’s best for your situation.

Still on the fence about deciding between implant vs bridge? Knowing the advantages and disadvantages should make things clearer.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several benefits, but they have their limitations, too. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Pros

• A natural appearance
• Don’t damage the adjacent teeth
• Not prone to cavities and tooth decay
• Restore speaking and eating ability
• Last up to 15 years

Cons

• The process could take up to six months
• May not be ideal for patients younger than 18
• Higher upfront costs and likely not covered by insurance
• Oral surgery may lead to complications like infections and nerve damage

Understanding the pros and cons of implants is important to ensure safety and comfort. Convenience is another matter since there’s no other quick way to get implants.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges also have their perks and flaws. These are what to expect:

Pros

• Doesn’t require surgery or bone grafting
• Look like natural teeth
• Lower initial cost and more likely to be covered by insurance
• Typically requires only two dental visits spread over a couple of weeks

Cons

• Not as long-lasting and may need replacements every five to seven years
• Neighboring teeth are more prone to cavities, potentially damaging the bridge
• Loses its natural appearance after some time
• Could damage adjacent natural teeth

Caring for bridges may be another con. Failing to provide proper care to your dental bridge and gums may result in plaque and bacteria buildup. You may end up with issues like gum disease.

Factors Determining the Options

The debate on implant vs bridge often comes down to several factors. Even if you don’t mind the cons of a particular method, your dentist might suggest otherwise. They’ll consider your current situation and choose the best option.

Number of Missing Teeth

The ideal tooth replacement option depends on the amount of tooth loss. If you have only a single tooth missing, your dentist might recommend a dental implant. However, a bridge might be more appropriate if you’re missing more than one.

Cost

Dentists understand that each solution for tooth replacement may be too costly for some. So, they’ll consider your budget, too. Dental bridges could be better if you have insurance, as it will cover the procedure. It’s generally more affordable than implants. But if either method is beyond your price range, ask your dentist if partial dentures or other common options are available.

Time

Another crucial factor is time. Receiving dental implants takes much longer. It could also take a while to undergo each step, from the surgical procedure to the healing period. Getting dental bridges is usually a quicker process.

Overall Health

Since dental implants require surgery, some patients might not be eligible. These include people with leukemia, diabetes, or any medical condition that hinders healing.

Implants, on the other hand, are typically ideal for healthier individuals with jawbones without decay. A healthy bone is necessary for the implant to stick.

Mindset

Not all patients are keen on invasive surgery. If you’re uncomfortable with surgical procedures, tell your dentist. They could recommend non-invasive procedures based on your personal preferences.

Implant vs Bridge: Which is Better for Younger Patients?

While adults should be fine with getting replacement teeth, are kids eligible, too? Some are, but with a few exceptions.

For one, dental professionals are less likely to put implants or bridges on prepubescent children. Jaws that are still maturing could impact bone development. Children who receive teeth replacements too young might experience bite problems, bone loss, and aesthetic changes.

However, some pediatric dentists may suggest Maryland bridges to aid dental alignment. Since they are not invasive, they’re a more conservative option for younger patients.

Teens aged 18 to 19 are generally more qualified if their jaws have matured. Dentists will still need X-rays and assessments to check if their bones have been 100% developed.

Final Thoughts

Not sure what to pick between implant vs bridge? This piece should have helped you decide. Each option is excellent for replacing lost teeth and encouraging better oral health. But if you still have doubts, feel free to consult a dentist to make an informed decision.

If you’re considering these treatment options for your children, a dentist will also recommend the safest procedure for their age. Expert opinion is essential when making choices for your child’s health.

Minecraft has a unique, pixelated aesthetic that is extremely famous among kids. It is instantly recognizable and has become iconic in gaming and pop culture.  These art projects are basically LEGOs but without the pain of stepping on them. They build, break, and rebuild without Mom yelling about the mess.

Just like their creative imagination, there are endless ideas for making these art designs. Here are some unique ones.

Simple & Easy Minecraft Art Projects to Do at Home

1.     Pixel Art Drawing

Start by picking the easiest Minecraft prop to draw. Take out the grid paper or graph paper to draw them.

If you are new to this art design, you can make easy ones. Draw rough outlines of the structure and then fill it with colors and patterns. Use slightly darker and lighter versions of your main colors to add depth.

2.     Minecraft Character Head DIY

This one’s my favorite art activity because you can make giant block heads and actually wear them like a real Minecraft character.

Things you will need are:

• Colorful printed Minecraft templates (or draw your own!)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Scale

Firstly, pick your favorite Minecraft props, like TNT or Steve, and print out the templates. Use scissors to cut along the solid lines. Just be extra careful when cutting around small sections.

Use a ruler and gently fold along the dotted lines. This makes the cube shape pop out! Put glue on the tabs and stick the sides together. Hold them for a few seconds, so they stay in place.

3.     Cardboard Swords

Cardboard swords are probably the easiest Minecraft-themed creations that they can do at home. You will need a pencil, an eraser, paper, and your favorite crayons or markers.

Here is a brief, step-by-step process:

• Draw a long, vertical rectangle for the sword’s blade.

• Draw a triangle on the top of that rectangle.

• At the bottom of the blade, draw a shorter rectangle or a couple of rectangles side by side for the handle and guard.

• Break them into blocks after you have completed the outline.

• Color the blade in a cool, metallic gray and give the handle a different shade for an original look.

Next time you play Minecraft, notice the color combinations of the swords and design them on your own.

4.     Make Clay Models

While tech-based games are interesting for kids, making clay models can be a new experience.

Just gather the necessary materials first: clay, acrylic paints, brushes, toothpicks, and water.

Follow these steps now:

• Roll your clay into a ball, then press it gently on all sides to make a cube.

• Shape a cube for the head and a rectangle for the body.

• Add four tiny rectangle legs.

• Paint it green and use a toothpick to make the pixel details (like the black scary face of the Creeper’s head).

• Leave out for a day to dry completely.

Make flowers, grass, and other decorations to create an entire Minecraft universe.

5.     Draw Yourself in Minecraft Aesthetic

Listen up! This one is really cool.

You’ve already tried all Minecraft things, so why not draw your own portrait in pixelated style to match the aesthetic? It will be like a Minecraft selfie.

Start by drawing a square for your face because it’s Minecraft, and things can’t be in a circle here. Add blocks to create body and limbs in the same way. Use your favorite colors to design your outfit.

Last Words

Minecraft is an incredible and unique art form that opens your mind to new creative ideas. It’s also a unique and fun way to teach art to kids. You can share your thoughts and experiences with the Minecraft community to get more insights.