HAND WASHING TIPS

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

What happens if you do not wash your hands frequently? You pick up germs from other sources and then you infect yourself when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus.

The important thing to remember is that, in addition to colds, some pretty serious diseases - like Hepatitis A, Meningitis, and infectious diarrhea - can easily be prevented if people make the habit of washing their hands.

When should you wash your hands? You should wash your hands OFTEN.

You should always wash your hands: Before eating; after using the restroom; before during and after preparing food; after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose; after playing outside or after recess; more frequently when someone in your home is sick.

What is the correct way to wash your hands?

1 Wet hands under running water.

2 Use soap and vigorously rub hands together and scrub all areas including backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails.

3 Continue scrubbing for 15 - 30 seconds.

4 Rinse well with warm water and dry your hands.

5 Turn off the faucet with your paper towel, not your hands. It is estimated that one out of every three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom. These tips are very important when you are out in public.

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