Hand Washing For Better Health -

Good Health is in Your Hands

Why - should you wash your hands?

Bacteria and viruses (germs) that cause illnesses are spread when you don’t wash your hands.

If you don’t wash your hands, you risk acquiring:

L The common cold or flu

L Gastrointestinal illnesses

L Shigella or Hepatitis A

L Respiratory illnesses

When - Should you wash your hands?

You need to wash your hands several times every day. Some important times for you and your family to wash your hands are:

BEFORE:

« Preparing or eating food

« Treating a cut or wound

« Tending to someone who is sick

« Inserting or removing a contact lens

AFTER:

« Using the bathroom

« Changing a diaper or helping a child use the bathroom (don’t forget the child’s hands)

« Handling raw meats, poultry, or eggs

« Touching pets, especially reptiles

« Handling garbage

« Sneezing or blowing you nose, or helping a child blow their nose

« Being in contact with a sick person

« Playing outside or with children and their toys

How - should you wash your hands?

There is a right way to wash your hands. Follow these steps and you will help protect yourself and your family from illness.

Like a good habit, proper hand washing must be taught. Take the time to teach it to your children and make sure they practice.

STEP 1: Use warm running water and plenty of soap. The soap does not have to be antibacterial.

STEP 2: Rub hands together for at least 15-20 seconds to make a good lather. Make sure you scrub under fingernails and the backs of your hands.

STEP 3: Rinse well

STEP 4: Dry hands thoroughly. At home provide each child with their own clean towel or paper towels. Use a towel to shut off the water faucet. Keep the faucet handles clean.

Proper hand washing is the single most effective way to stop the spread of infection.