Importance of Handwashing

Spread the word, not the germs!

Can you believe one of the easiest and most inexpensive preventative medicine strategies is literally available at your fingertips and costs less than one penny? It is called hand washing.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection." Hand transmission is a critical factor in the spread of bacteria and viruses causing disease such as colds, flu, and food-borne illness. For tips on washing hands, access the Winning Health Center website.

According to the Henry the Hand - Champion Handwasher website, there are four important principles of handwashing.
1. Wash your hands when they are dirty or before eating.
2. Do not cough into your hands.
3. Do not sneeze into your hands.
4. Above all, do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

This website also includes a song and videos that are part of their program for schools. Students are trained to stay away from the T Zone (mucous membranes around the eyes, nose, and mouth) as this is where the vast majority of diseases enter the body. In fact, These are the entry point for 100% of all respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases. Children are also encouraged to try the sniff test; if hands smell clean, they are clean.