Wash Your Hands Properly

Hand Washing

Washing your hands properly is the first line of defense against infections like the flu and common cold. It is very important to teach children how to properly wash their hands at a young age so that they develop good habits as early as possible.

When to wash your hands:
-Before and after meals
-Before and after preparing food
-After using the restroom
-After playing with animals
-After playing outside
-After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
-After changing diapers
-After caring for someone who’s sick
-After handling garbage
-Whenever they look dirty

How to wash your hands:
1) Wet your hands with water
2) Apply a small amount of soap (portion control dispensers work perfectly for this)
3) Rub your hands together for at least twenty seconds. Have kids sing the alphabet through twice. Be sure to get your wrists and the back of your hands.
4) Rinse your hands thoroughly
5) Dry off with a paper towel
6) Use your towel to turn off water and then throw it away, if possible.

How to use hand sanitizers:
1) Apply nickle-size amount of hand sanitizer to hands.
2) Rub hands together, front and back, until dry.

Remember that regular soaps are just as effective as antibacterial ones. Hand sanitizers should be at least 60% alcohol. Children may find sanitizers easier and more enjoyable to use.