Washing Your Hands Keeps You Healthy Diane Celi M.Ed, BSN, RN, NCSN

When do germs get on our hands? After we use the toilet When we touch surfaces that people have coughed or sneezed on When we touch doorknobs, handles, keyboards, desktops, toys, equipment, and other surfaces that have germs on them Germs collect on many surfaces when people touch things and have not washed their hands

How do the germs on our hands make us sick? Germs get into our body when we touch our eyes, nose, and mouth with our hands if we have not washed them.

Handwashing removes the germs and helps to keep you, your family, and friends healthy

When should we wash our hands? After we use the toilet Always remember to flush the toilet And wash your hands

Always… Wash your hands before you eat your snack and lunch If you eat peanut butter or nuts it is a good idea to wash your hands once again after you eat to help protect your friends with food allergies

Wash your hands after Coughing Sneezing Blowing your nose

Also remember to wash your hands…….. After touching an animal After touching pet food or treats

It is also important to wash your hands…. After touching animal waste and After touching the garbage or trash

How Should You Wash Your Hands? 1. Wet your hands with water. 2. Turn off the tap and apply soap. 3. Lather your hands. Rub your hands together and lather the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails. 4. Scrub for at least 20 seconds while you hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. 5. Rinse your hands well under the running water. 6. Dry your hands well with one or two paper towels. 7. Be sure that your hands are dry when you are done 8. Turn off the water with a paper towel “Happy Birthday to you”

Can I use hand sanitizer instead? Yes, but soap and water is best Hand sanitizers are ok when you do not have soap and water How do you use it? Apply some to your hands from the dispenser. Be careful not to splash any into your eyes. Rub your hands together Spread the gel on the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and around your fingernails until your hands are dry.

Now Let’s Watch A Fun Video On How To Wash Your Hands!! Scrub-a-dub-dub

References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013, December). Handwashing: clean hands save lives. Retrieved from how-handwashing.htmlhttp:// how-handwashing.html All Children’s Hospital, John’s Hopkins Medicine (2011, December). Another Emmy for the All Children’s Hospital creative services department. Retrieved from f=789 f=789