August 30th

By Mutt Mulligan

Hand Washing How-tos for a Healthy Back to School

Most kids are either back in school or heading there soon. There are many perks to getting back into the classroom, but the shared germs that come with the territory is not one of them.  Not to mention, hand washing is important when you come in from the outdoors.   Poison oak, poison ivy and other irritants can come in with your child after fun in the outdoors.

Teaching your kids to wash their hands thoroughly and often is one of the most effective ways to keep them healthy throughout the school year.

Hands should always be washed after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose or using the bathroom. Additionally, children should wash their hands after playing outdoors, with the family pets and before they eat.

And a quick rinse under the faucet just won’t do! There is a proper technique for thorough hand washing, which includes:

1. Wet your hands with water (warm or cold)

2. Apply soap and rub your hands together to form a lather

3. Be sure the suds get in between your fingers, on the backs of your hands and under your nails

4. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to hum the ABC song)

5. Rinse your hands well under running water

6. Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands

7. If possible use a towel to turn off the faucet and open the door to the washroom

Do you have any creative tips for getting your kids to remember to wash their hands? Share them with us!