Hand Washing
Because of its importance in preventing the spread of germs, bacteria and assorted viruses, this Post has been promoted to Page status!
When it comes to washing your hands, do you wash them often enough and long enough, to rid them of germs and bacteria? Although we won’t admit it, many of us adults (and our children) do not.
Every time you use the bathroom, blow your nose, cough into your hands, pet an animal, change a diaper, handling the garbage, or work in the yard, you are coming in contact with germs that could spread viruses like the common cold or flu, or worse. That is just in and around your own home!
In public places, like your workplace, your child’s school, daycare, malls, public restrooms, supermarket carts, gyms, libraries, arcades, you get the idea…germs are everywhere!
So, what is the correct way to wash your hands?
Warm water and liquid or bar soap (the soap does not have to be antibacterial), lather and scrub front, back, between fingers and under nails for a full 15 seconds, rinse well and dry with a clean cloth, or disposable towel (turn off faucet with towel). An alcohol based hand sanitizer will do, when soap and water is not available.
**A great trick to help kids judge how long they should wash is to have them sing or hum a tune like the ABCs or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” while scrubbing.
If you think about it, hand washing is really the first line of defense against the spread of germs and viruses. So take the time to wash well and maybe avoid a trip to the doctor’s office!
