Just a spoonful of Purell keeps H1N1 at bay…in the most delightful way!

Hello friends,

If you’re like me, you’re a big hugger.

And there is no place like the National FFA Convention to share the love: reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones.

But in this media-fueled atmosphere where H1N1 is a reality, is it o.k. to give a friend a hug? What about shaking hands with the national officers if you’re an award winner?

Most experts say that taking a few simple precautions can help prevent the spread of the flu virus:

1. Don’t touch nose, eyes and mouth! If you touch something diseased (and we don’t mean your little brother) and then touch your face, you can spread the sickness. Don’t!

2. Get enough sleep! Especially during convention when you’re running around, visiting the Career Show, watching the sessions and enjoying our lovely host city, it’s still important to get enough rest.

3. Hand sanitizer is your new BFF! Throughout Conseco Fieldhouse and other convention sites, you will find hand sanitizer. Use it! It contains alcohol that kills those nasty germs.

4. If you’re sick, stay home! Don’t contaminate others if you’re not feeling well. Just stay at home (or in your hotel room) catching up on daytime TV. Glenn Close is on The View today…didn’t you just LOVE her in The Stepford Wives?!

5. Cover your coughs! Speaking of Grandma Betty, she’s been telling you this since you were a wee lad/lass. Take her advice.

6. Wash, wash, wash your hands! No wittiness to add here. Just please do it.

7. DON’T CALL IT SWINE FLU! You can be an educator! Inform anyone who uses the phrase “swine flu” that they can’t get H1N1 from eating bacon or petting a piggy. Millions of swine producers nationwide thank you.

Now by following these easy steps, you can stay as healthy and germ free and keep your fellow convention-goers the same.

Have a great time in Indy!

Peace and love,

Dustin Petty, National FFA Convention Newsroom Staff