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PROMOTING THE PROPER USE OF HAND SANITISERS Consumer Healthcare Products (CHP) Australia and Life Education have launched a consumer information campaign that promotes the proper use and safe storage of hand sanitisers – a resource that pharmacists and assistants can use to help their customers. This is their latest collaboration, and part of their ongoing partnership aimed at improving Australians’ health literacy. “Practising good hand hygiene has never been more important, and hand sanitisers play a valuable role in helping us stop the spread of COVID-19,” CHP Australia CEO Dr Deon Schoombie said. “However, it’s important to remember that these products are effective because they’re chemical disinfectants.” CHP says hand sanitisers, when used correctly, are safe and effective, but extra care must be taken around children, who can mistake hand sanitisers, as with medicines and other household products, for food or drink. To help equip Australian families to stay healthy and use hand sanitisers safely, the CHP-Life Education information includes these tips, which the resources focus on: • Store hand sanitisers safely out of children’s reach, including those kept in purses or sports bags. • Follow the label instructions and supervise children’s use. This helps ensure hand sanitisers are used safely and effectively. • Teach older children how to use hand sanitisers properly without assistance. • Practise good hand washing habits. Scrubbing with soap and water is the best way to clean your hands and kill most germs. • If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitiser. • If a child swallows hand sanitiser, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126, which is available from anywhere in Australia, 24/7. “Right now, parents, carers and educators are looking for clear, measured and informed guidance on how they can protect their family and community,” Life Education Australia CEO Kellie Sloane said. “These practical hand sanitiser tips remind us all to be vigilant of the little behaviours, and to be mindful of how we use and store hand sanitisers.” Pharmacies are encouraged to share the message of good hand hygiene and the proper use of hand sanitisers, and help stop the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. To access the campaign resources, visit: lifeeducation.org.au/news/hand- sanitisers. NEWS CAMPAIGN CATCH-UP 19 SOOTHE CHILDREN’S COUGHS Oriental Botanicals Kids’ Cough Fighter includes ivy leaf to relieve children’s coughs. Also contains thyme and elecampane, which are traditionally used to clear respiratory mucus in Western herbal medicine. NO ADDED SUGAR Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional. RETAIL PHARMACY • AUG 2020