FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2008
CONTACTS:
Rebecca Herbst
OLSON
Phone: +1.612.215.9828
Email:
rherbst@oco.com
Greta Houlahan
NSF International
Phone: +1.734.913.5723
Email:
houlahan@nsf.org
Seven Soaper-Heroes Search for the Cleanest Hands in America's
Classrooms
Scrub Club® Web Site Encourages Proper Handwashing with Classroom Curriculum
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Scrub Club's seven Soaper-Heroes are challenging
elementary teachers and students across the country to lather up and
demonstrate their best handwashing habits. On Tuesday, September 16th, the
search for the cleanest hands in America's classrooms will begin. Created by
NSF International, the Scrub Club® is a fun, animated and interactive Web site
that teaches children the proper way to wash their hands.
"It is estimated that more than 164 million school days are lost each year due
to illness," says Anna Schmitt-Reichert, NSF International Director of
Communications. "Our hope is that the Clean Hands Game will
help instill proper handwashing habits as we head into the cold and flu
season."
Educators are encouraged to download the
weekly handwashing charts at
www.scrubclub.org to track how many times each student washes his or
her hands. The free Web site also features activities for kids, including an
interactive Webisode about the Soaper-Heroes and their battle against harmful
germs and bacteria. Educational materials (in French, Spanish and English) for
teachers, as well as information for parents are also available.
Teachers can submit their handwashing results by fax, mail or online by November
15th, 2008. All participants will receive a Scrub Club® Clean
Hands Certificate and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of the
ten gift cards for classroom supplies. For complete rules and prize details,
click here .
About the Scrub Club®
NSF's Scrub Club®, launched in 2004, is a series of Web-based, interactive
resources designed to teach children proper handwashing techniques and hygiene
habits. Each of the Scrub Club® Soaper-Heroes represents one of the six steps
in the handwashing process - "Hot Shot" and "Chill"
combine to make warm water essential for proper handwashing; "Squeaks"
turns into various forms of soap; "Taki" becomes a clock that
counts down the required 20 seconds for proper handwashing; "Scruff"
reminds kids to clean around their nails; "Tank" turns into a
sink to rinse away the germs; and "P.T. " transforms into
paper towels. The free Web site includes activities for kids, educational
materials for teachers, as well as information for parents. Interactive games
"Stop Fluin' Around" and "Big E's Grossest Hits" teach kids how to protect
themselves from Influenza and E. coli. The cornerstone of the Web site is a
Webisode or cartoon featuring the Scrub Club® as they join forces to fight off
harmful germs and bacteria, teaching children the proper way to wash their
hands along the way. The first Webisode, "The Good, the BAC, and the Ugly,"
finds the Scrub Club® battling the loathsome, but loveable character BAC (from
the Partnership for Food Safety Education's Fight BAC! public education
campaign), and one of his partners in "grime" Sal Monella in a wild-west themed
adventure. For additional information, visit
www.scrubclub.org.
About NSF International
NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect
you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer
goods (www.nsf.org).
Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety
worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and
Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits
for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered
through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification
provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF
Center for Public Health Education.