Handwashing

"Stop germs" and "Wash your Hands!". Each in a special font to highlight the message. 'Germs' is in a font with eyes that make each letter mimic a germ.



When  and How to Wash Your Hands
 
   
Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)has many useful resources to learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy. Image from Infection Control Today website showing a child's hands being covered in soap under running water at a sink.  For more information click the image above.
 
Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Teach kids the five easy steps for handwashing - wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry - and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating. Find ways to make it fun!


When?

  • After using the bathroom
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

 

 
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

 



How?

Water faucet with a drop of water falling into a cupped hand. Image of a soap bottle with a drop of soap dispensing onto a hand. Two hands depicting the scrubbing of hands with soap. Image of outstretched hand catching a waterdrop.  A paper towel dispenser with a hand on each side of the paper towel to pull it down.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.  Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.


Keeping Your Family Healthy
           
An image of two hands shaking which reads "80% of infectous diseases are transmitted by touch.
        For further information as to how handwashing can keep your family healthy, click the image to the left. Information includes topics such as, developing handwashing skills, leading by example, and answering the question whether soap and water are not available.


For further information, click here to visit the CDC's website.

The complete logo for the Centers for Disease and Prevention.

All information on this page has been supplied by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) website.

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