CDC, Reckitt Benckiser develop site to promote good health, hygiene
PARSIPPANY, N.J. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Reckitt Benckiser on Wednesday announced the launch of the Ounce of Prevention Kids Web site, www.oopkids.com, an interactive site featuring educational activities designed to promote good health and hygiene.
The Web site is designed for children ages 6 to 9, and features a range of activities for kids to play on their own or with a parent, that focus on personal hygiene, nutrition, exercise and safety. Children can follow guides R.B. and Scrubs - animated characters - around the site to learn about the importance of hand washing, computer safety, healthy food choices and more. Activities can be played online or printed for later use.
“We are pleased to bring parents and health educators alike this high-quality, educational health and hygiene program," stated Tom Bach, professional relations manager germ protection for Reckitt Benckiser. “The content has been reviewed by experts who specialize in the care of children and recommend it as a valuable resource for childhood development,” he said. Reckitt Benckiser will be featuring its Lysol brand on the site.
The Web site was created in a continued effort to educate children and their parents about everyday and seasonal health and safety issues. The site is adapted from a children’s activity book created in partnership with the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and includes health information provided by the CDC that supplements the Ounce of Prevention campaign.
A recent survey revealed that a majority of parents (72%) felt they have minimal to no control over protecting their kids from germs at school. With health officials warning that the number of H1N1 flu cases is certain to worsen when influenza-friendly fall temperatures arrive, parents are concerned.
Additionally, there are helpful tips for parents about proper food handling and surface disinfection with links to partner Web sites, including the CDC’s Ounce of Prevention campaign home page www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention and Lysol’s Germ Information Center www.lysol.com/germ-information-center/.