Anyone around young children knows that their hands get dirty quickly. These hands touch eyes, noses and mouths, infecting everyone and everything that may come in contact.
Washing hands is the most effective way you can teach your child to eliminate germs. For a quick brush-up on handwashing, here are a few tips:
Lather hands for 20 seconds
For young children, it’s a great time to sing the ABCs. You can use a cheap timer too (also helpful when brushing your child’s teeth).
Skip the antibacterial soap
Antibacterial soap is not better than regular soap and may actually eliminate good bacteria on the skin. For young children: use scented soap and ask to smell their hands afterwards – they will love to show off their fragrant hands.
Wash around nails
Most people neglect this part of handwashing. It is important to wash under the nails and all around the cuticles.
When to wash your hands
After petting animals;
After using the restroom or changing diapers;
Before handling food or eating;
Every time children go back inside;
After coughing or sneezing;
After blowing your nose.
Thinking about skipping the flu shot this year? The CDC estimated that 80,000 deaths last year. Please consider getting flu shots for all your family and kids and make sure they have healthy hygiene habits.
Links
Do you wash your hands after using a public restroom? 69% of men and 35% of women don’t wash their hands after using a public restroom – U.S. National Library of Medicine
Handwashing Poster – CDC
Mom-tested handwashing tricks – Parenting.com