A Healthier You-
Wash Your Hands
It's still the best advice out there. From avoiding the H1N1 virus to your annual winter cold, the thorough washing of hands and regular use of hand sanitizer are among the most effective measures you can take to avoid getting sick. Quite simply, washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Recent studies about hand-to-face contact and basic hygiene practices from college dorms and grade schools to workplaces and homes confirm that those who regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitizer get sick less often. While certainly not a cure-all, this common-sense measure can help you stave off viruses like the flu that are primarily spread by coughing or sneezing and infected surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Photo credit: ©Veer

The Life of a YMCA

Oftentimes the idea for a Y comes from the desire to have a gathering place for people and families. Other times, the idea evolves from the growth of programs being offered by YMCA staff at locations throughout a community, and a facility is warranted and able to be supported. A group of people come together, do the research, make the case, raise the money. Ground is broken; ribbons cut. People come to exercise, children are enrolled in day care or come after school, basketball teams and soccer leagues are formed, and GED classes and job training are offered. In no time, the YMCA is crowded with people from every walk of life engaging a different aspect of spirit, mind and body and it's time to expand.

Some version of this life-cycle is the story behind your YMCA. YMCAs are started by volunteers in communities across the country and become embedded in their neighborhoods. Over the years, the equipment changes, spaces grow or additions are planned for, programs evolve, but the mission remains steadfast. Help strengthen the community by giving individuals and families a place to explore and reach their potential.

So whether your YMCA branch is two years old or 100, you and your Y are part of rich and evolving history in your community.

America's YMCAs commit to extend our charitable heritage by directly engaging 25 million children and adults from all segments of our communities in achieving health of spirit, mind and body by 2012.

> Every child and youth will deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn.
> Every family will build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities.
> Every individual will strengthen their spiritual, mental and physical well-being