Spreading knowledge, fighting germs

  • Published
  • By Airman Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With McConnell’s mission never ceasing, the health and overall well-being of its Airmen and community is crucial. Combating sickness and disease all starts with becoming informed.

Every year, the first full week of April is recognized as National Public Health Week in order to raise awareness that can help better our communities and nation as a whole. During this year’s NPHW, the Sedgwick County Health Department trained the 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health and flight medicine staff on reportable diseases.

Throughout the rest of the week, the 22nd AMDS public health technicians educated all ages of the McConnell community about different health concerns and taught preventative measures, from toddlers to our retirees.

“We love taking the time during health week to provide extra training to our Occupational Health shops and military children,” said Senior Airman Megan Gibson, 22nd AMDS public health technician.

While visiting McConnell’s Child Development Center public health technicians gave toddlers a lotion that, when under a black light, lit up to simulate the presence of germs on the children’s hands. Public health technicians then taught the children how to properly wash their hands and get all of the “germs” off.

They also set up informative displays at the Dole Center, gave hands-on training to different maintenance shops and even some of their fellow medics.

“We get to teach precautions for issues ranging from what personal protective equipment should be worn on the job every day to how to prevent the spread of infection and disease by practicing simple hygiene methods,” said Gibson.

Airman Breanna Betti, 22nd AMDS public health technician, found her first year’s involvement with NPHW very rewarding.

“Taking the time out of our day to personally pass on knowledge and aid individuals in keeping a healthy lifestyle is why I love public health,” said Betti. “We will continue these practices, so McConnell can follow this year’s National Public Health Week motto which is to become the healthiest nation by 2030.”