The Nurse's Corner  

Glitterbug Program       

          The Glitterbug Program is an American Red Cross program for schools that helps demonstrate to students the importance of handwashing.  This is accomplished using a special topical lotion and an ultra-violet lamp.  The students first apply the lotion to their hands, then go to the bathroom to wash it off.   Next, they hold their hands under the lamp which shows flourescence with the UV light .  In other words, if they don't wash their hands properly, their hands will glow a purple color in all the areas they missed.   Bright spots show hard-to-clean cracks and crevices where germs like to hide. The students love this activity and demonstrate a greater knowledge and motivation to keep their hands clean.  Studies have proven that handwashing is the number one measure in the prevention of communicable illness.