(Post 2 of 4 in the “Personal Hygiene” Series)
What if you had a simple superpower that could fight off colds, stomach bugs, and other illnesses? You do—it’s called handwashing! According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the most effective and important ways to prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy.
But are we doing it right? Let’s uncover the secrets to a truly super-powered hand wash.
Why Soap is a Must
Have you ever seen a child quickly run their hands under water and declare them “clean”? While it’s a start, washing with water alone isn’t very effective. Germs are often trapped in the natural oils on our skin. Think of it like a greasy dish—water alone just runs over the grease. Soap is the hero here! It breaks down those oils, lifts the germs off the skin, and allows the water to wash them away for good.
5 Simple Steps to Super Clean Hands
Teaching the correct technique is key. The CDC recommends these five simple and effective steps. Make it a fun routine!
- Wet: Get your hands wet with clean, running water (it can be warm or cold).
- Lather: Apply soap and rub your hands together to create a rich, bubbly lather. Make sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub: Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? A fun trick is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end, twice!
- Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water until all the soap is gone.
- Dry: Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air-dry.
When Should We Wash Our Hands?
Turn handwashing into a habit by making it a routine at these key times:
- Before eating or preparing food.
- After using the toilet.
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- After touching animals or their food/toys.
- After playing outside.
- Before and after visiting someone who is sick.
By mastering this simple skill, kids can take an active role in protecting their own health and the health of those around them.
Next up, we’ll expand our hygiene shield by looking at daily routines for the whole body, from our mouths to our toes!