In a post titled, ” Flu Prevention Tips on the Fields,” Katie Stanton, “Director of Citizen Participation and a Soccer Mom,” writes:

“If your kids are playing on sports teams this fall, here are a few more tips to help them stay healthy:

* Have coaches remind children to cover sneezes and coughs with their sleeve or a tissue. Dispose of any tissues in a separate bag.

* Coaches (and parents) should make sure players stay home if they have a cough, cold, or flu for 24 hours after their symptoms have cleared.

* Have players wash their hands or use hand sanitizers before starting the game.

* Make sure players bring in their own water bottles and do not share them.

* Instead of post-game handshakes or high-fives, cheer or clap for the opposing team.”

My kids have soccer games scheduled for this Sunday (I’ll be refereeing), and I have passed this information on to our coaches and the league administrators.

PRESIDENT OBAMA WATCHING HIS DAUGHTER, SASHA, PLAY SOCCER  (ABOVE)

The preparedness patch program, developed by the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides critical emergency preparedness information and activities for all levels of Girl Scouts. The steps and activities required to receive the patch include identifying and preparing for potential emergencies; learning about local alerts and warning systems; and engaging in community service.

In addition to collaborating on the new patch, Secretary Napolitano and Ms. Cloninger also signed an agreement formalizing an affiliation between Citizen Corps and the Girl Scouts that creates a partnership to motivate young women to become community leaders in emergency management and response fields and raises public awareness about personal preparedness, training and community service opportunities.

* Creating an office within the Federal Emergency Management Agency specifically focused on incorporating children into disaster planning, response and recovery;

* Creating a standing advisory body to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to formulate guidance on emergency medical countermeasures for children;

* Adopting standards for providing safe and age-appropriate environments and supplies to children housed in emergency shelters;

* Elevating child care to an essential service in community recovery efforts;

* Requiring comprehensive disaster plans, training and exercises for facilities that serve or house children-schools, child care centers, group homes and juvenile justice systems-and are developed and approved in partnership with local and state emergency managers.

For more information on the Commission’s work, you can go to www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov.