Bloodborne Pathogens and Other Traveling Germs

In the September 1998 issue of Health, microbiologist Chuck Gerba advises: "If you want to make a sandwich, I recommend doing it on top of the toilet seat. It's much safer than the kitchen countertop." Welcome to the wonderful world of germs. Aimed at students in grades K-6, Bloodborne Pathogens and Other Traveling Germs offers a primer in basic germ hygiene. Kids will learn that germs can be transmitted through the blood, air, contact with another, even in the food and water we eat and drink (not to mention countertops). Combining narration from an on-camera host and live-action dramatic re-enactments, the program teaches viewers the importance of such preventative measures as washing hands, and suggests ways to handle specific situations (such as a nosebleed). The information is useful and up-to-date (i.e., if you're going to pierce anything on your body, go to a professional, not your friend). And if the advice "don't touch anything that comes out of another person's body" sounds odd initially, it's still a pretty darn good dictum for kids. Recommended. Aud: K, E, I, P. (R. Pitman)