ABOUT OUR KIDS 4

Why is Hand washing So Important?

Your children may not always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before dinner, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.

The First Line of Defense against GermsGerms - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted in several different ways:

through contaminated water and food
through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
through dirty hands
through contaminated surfaces
through a sick person's body fluids

If your child picks up germs from one of these sources, he can unknowingly become infected simply by touching his eyes, nose, or mouth. And once he's infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.

Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.

How to Wash Your Hands CorrectlyHere are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child - or better yet, wash your hands together with your child several times a day so he learns how important this good habit is.

Wash your hands in warm water, which kills germs better than cold water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.

Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get "in-between" places like between the fingers and under the nails (where uninvited germs like to hang out). Don't forget the wrists!

Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:

before eating and cooking
after using the bathroom
after cleaning around the house
after touching animals, including house pets
after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could very well save you trips to the doctor's office.

Adapted from the article written by Dr. Kim Rutherford