Handwashing

WASH THOSE HANDS ! GERMS ARE EVERYWHERE!

Good handwashing prevents the spread of germs and disease. A new study shows parents of children grades kindergarten through 12 need to brush up on their awareness of the importance of good hand hygiene!  56 percent were not aware that washing one's hands is the most effective way to prevent illness and stop the spread of illness.  13 percent of those surveyed thought the best way was diet and exercise.  Another 13 percent thought immunization and flu shots were the most effective.  7 percent thought regular check-ups were the most effective illness prevention.  3 percent of parents thought eight hours of sleep per night was the best way to prevent illness.  Children wearing clean clothes and brushing their teeth were some of the other answers to the survey. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING SICK IS TO WASH YOUR HANDS.

When you wash your hands frequently, you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated surfaces, or from animals and waste.

What happens if you do not wash your hands frequently?

You pick up germs from other sources and then when you touch your eyes, touch your nose, or touch your mouth you infect yourself.  One of the most common ways to catch a cold  is by rubbing your nose or eyes after you have been contaminated with the cold virus.  You can also spread germs directly to others or onto surfaces that other people touch.  Before you know it everyone around you is getting sick.  Another important thing to remember is that some pretty serious diseases besides just a cold - for example hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea - can easily be prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice) is the best way to keep your hands from spreading germs.