Nicole Washington
Contributor
Hand washing is essential to stop the spread of germs to everyone. I think that it is even more important in preschool groups. I am a preschool teacher. Every day when my students walk into the class I try to make sure all students wash their hands. According to the CDC website, hand washing with soap prevents diarrheal and respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. Preschool children learn and develop using touch, sight and sound. They often touch dirty surfaces and do not realize they transfer germs by touching their nose, mouth and eyes. Teaching students the importance and proper way of washing their hands protects them, other students and teachers. Parents can also enforce proper hand washing at home to help stop the spread of germs. If we all work together to promote good hand hygiene, we can reduce the number of school and work days missed.
When is hand washing important?
1. After playing outside.
2. After blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing and cleaning your little one's nose.
3. After using the bathroom.
4. After touching animals, including your pets.
5. After using the bathroom.
6. Before eating.
Here are some steps to proper hand washing and scrubbing those germs away:
1. Wet your hands with warm or cold clean running water.
2. Put soap in your hands, and rub your hands together; between the fingers, under the nails and on the back of your hands for 20 seconds. To make it fun with your little ones, sing the Happy Birthday or alphabet song.
3. Rinse your hands under running water.
4. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel in public spaces or a clean cloth hand towel at home.
When and how to use hand sanitizers?
Use hand sanitizer when you can't use soap and water. Remember, hand sanitizer does not get rid of all germs, and after three uses of hand sanitizer wash your hands with soap and water.