Sanitizer is now sold in bulk at most any retail store. With it we hope to ward off the germs that cause the flu or the latest virus. Be it H1N1 or the seasonal flu we really don’t want to be sick. It seems that even trying to stay well presents problems for children and grownups alike.

The increased use of sanitizer has become an increasing concern for children. Ethanol-based hand sanitizers can be toxic.

Members of the American Association of Poison Control Centers say that with proper monitoring and guidance, the benefits of disease prevention outweigh the potential for ethanol poisoning.

Anyone with questions about hand sanitizers – or any product – should call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for answers.

Poison centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and staffed by medical professionals trained to help.

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With the holidays upon us we would like to tell you about the latest virus – The Advent Virus – to make the rounds. It was sent anonymously via e-mail.

WARNING, WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

n A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

n An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

n A loss of interest in judging other people.

n A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

n A loss of interest in conflict.

n A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)

n Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

n Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

n Frequent attacks of smiling.

n An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

n An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

This timely warning comes to us from http://www.appleseeds.org/Christmas-quotes.htm.

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With shopping days being counted and the advent of the Christ Child being heralded, this is one virus we all hope to come in contact with. We extend to you holiday greetings and trust that you and yours will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



Simply Sandy is written by Sandy Jarrell and appears the first Wednesday of each month. Simply put, it’s Sandy waxing wordy once a month about life as she knows it. Jarrell is a native and life-long resident of Coleridge and a librarian at Ramseur Public Library. She can be reached by e-mail at wjarrell@rtmc.net