Being a mother is the most rewarding circumstance that could happen to a woman. When I became a mom, it opened up a part of my heart that I didn’t know existed. When I had Tammy (my daughter), it made me realize that the kind of love that I have for my parents, siblings nor my spouse is entirely different than the love I have for her. I became vulnerable when I had her but at the same time brings overwhelming sense of fulfillment. The feeling is so hard to explain but by becoming a mother, you are given the privilege to be able to love from a different part of who you are. Subconsciously I became connected with my daughter. Suddenly, the hormones that surge through my body made me want to love her, take care of her and protect her no matter what. This is the reason why at times I became over-protective in all aspect especially when it comes to health and hygiene.
Last week, together with the other mommy bloggers, I was one of the few who were given the privilege to be invited and attend the first ever Health Watch lecture launched by Safeguard in celebration of this year's World Health Day which was last April 7. Health Watch is a series of lecture which aimed to equip Filipino moms with information and skills that we all mommies need to continue to keep our families healthy.
During the lecture, we were given a preview of the current health conditions of children in our country. Did you know that our country (Philippines) is among the 26 countries which have contributed to 80% of global deaths of children under 5 years old.
D-i-a-r-r-h-e-a.
Truth is, most often than not we do not take this illness seriously. What makes it even more frustrating is that this could be EASILY prevented by merely practicing proper hand washing.
As any mom would know, any child’s death is one death too many – If only we have listened religiously to the constant reminder of our parents way back (that is to always wash our hands), the figures would definitely show so much difference.
Since the figures gave an alarming impact, Procter and Gamble took action to address the the problem through Safeguard. Together they partnered with UNICEF by implementing its Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Program, which includes health and hygiene education among children.
And boy! I was surprised that 7% of the cause is as simple as diarrhea. Yep, you heard me right.
D-i-a-r-r-h-e-a.
Truth is, most often than not we do not take this illness seriously. What makes it even more frustrating is that this could be EASILY prevented by merely practicing proper hand washing.
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| photo via www.safeguard.ph |
Since the figures gave an alarming impact, Procter and Gamble took action to address the the problem through Safeguard. Together they partnered with UNICEF by implementing its Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Program, which includes health and hygiene education among children.
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| From Left to Right: Ms. Deirdre De Padua of P&G Phils, UNICEF and Red Cross |
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| Actual demonstration of proper hand washing |
“Handwashing with soap and water helps reduce the incidence of diarrhea among children by up to 50% and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia by up to 25%. Among infants, handwashing has also helped reduce infections, which constitute 16% of neonatal conditions.”
Furthermore, we were also taught tips about first aid basics which includes proper wound care training for mommies conducted by Ruby of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
It has been mentioned that “the simple act of washing a wound with soap has been beneficial in reducing infections among children, infections which could eventually develop to more serious diseases. Wounds are often the primary entry point of germs and bacteria, thus, wound care is considered a crucial step in disease prevention.”
Some important points to remember before treating our child or any of our family member's minor burns or wounds:
- Proper sanitation is equally important among moms as the First Aiders.
- Parents must be aware that the first important step is washing their hands.
- Washing the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes also greatly reduces the chance of infection, tetanus, scarring, and tattooing of the skin from dirt left in the wound.
With all these given pointers, I realized that you can never have enough knowledge when it comes to becoming a good mother~ It is a continous learning process. There’s a long list of do’s and dont’s so as to maintain a sickness free environment, but you know, sometimes our best wasn’t good enough because our loved ones still get sick. I may not be perfect. We mothers may never be perfect cause I’m pretty sure most moms experience this too. But as long as we understand and know pre-cautions, then we will all get through it.
Safeguard has been part of our household eversince. In fact, I was still a kid when I would already watch and hear its campaign in TV and in Radio. What I love about Safeguard is its continous promotion about health and hygiene through the years. Now that I am a mom, nothing can be so assuring than a product who has become the trusted name in family germ protection and every moms’ partner in health for 50 years.
So Mommies, whether it’s just a minor complaint like a wound that was acquired from playing or may be something as serious as a diarrhea, we mothers should always be alert so that our family will always be protected.
Xoxo,
Jaimie
xx THE MERMAID IN STILETTOS xx
All my images copyright to THEMERMAIDINSTILETTOS.COM
Other imaged from P&G Media Team
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wow, this is a good project of safeguard. of course, health should come first :)
ReplyDeleteHand washing is important always.I am glad this company is getting the word out.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great campaign and I hope it raises a lot awareness. Hand washing is very important and yes, health should always come first.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was a World Health Day. Thanks for helping bring awareness to the day and how important it is to wash your hands often.
ReplyDeleteYour health is the most important to make you function, so it should definitely be top priority. Great project right here.
ReplyDeleteYes! Health first always, also i recommend carrying liquid antibacterial at all times.
ReplyDeleteMore parents should take basic first aid courses. In fact I think there should be some mandatory courses one has to complete before they get to take their little ones home.
ReplyDeleteHand washing is so important and is something that we just rush. Great campaign.
ReplyDeleteWe have to be on top of our own health in order to properly care for our children. Health should always come first.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, as moms I know we're doing our absolute best to make sure that our kids are safe from harm. But it's also nice to participate in programs such as this, it's really helpful especially when you're running a busy household.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that 1,600 children die every day because of diarrhea... That number is staggering! Great job to P&G for helping raise awareness and for showing hygiene tips that can help reduce that number.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Washing hands is the best way to prevent getting and spreading most illnesses!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that they gave everyone some good info on proper sanitation. This sounded like an awesome lecture.
ReplyDeleteWow I had no idea about a lot of these facts! This is a great seminar to have to raise awareness!
ReplyDeleteWe really need to be more mindful of washing our hands! There are so many germs!
ReplyDeletewhat a fantastic campaign!!! Hand washing really is important!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day spent learning important habits.
ReplyDeleteCleanliness is next to Godliness is a saying for a reason. Keeping a clean person and a clean home can prevent many illnesses.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was a World Health Day! Thanks for helping raise awareness to the day and how important it is to wash your hands!
ReplyDeleteI always tell the kids to wash their hands. They grouch at me now, but they don't get sick all that often, and I'm sure the handwashing helps.
ReplyDeleteThat is insane that children can die through contracting diarrhea!I hope that the programme helps to educate people.
ReplyDeleteWow that is such a sad thing! I had no idea that diarrhea could cause death in infant. But it makes sense. Their bodies are so fragile when they are that young. When I had my daughter I would freak out if someone came near her without washing their hands first!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Being healthy is really important! That products sounds great and their event.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of health tips that are quite easy to follow and maintain in our daily life. We need to ensure our child's safety all the time so these are really helpful.
ReplyDelete