Handwashing Heroes

 Teaching our tamariki to wash their hands properly is the smartest thing we can do to prevent infections. This is especially important whenever your child is around a lot of different people and places.



 We all know it, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded.



 We need to make it fun, but also not-negotiable.

 

It’s a fact that washing hands with soap and water reduces the number of germs on them. The less germs on our hands, the less chance we will transfer those germs into our body through our eyes, nose and mouth.

 

Did you know that studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhoea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

 

Handwashing helps prevent infections because: 

  • People often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies.

  • Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them. Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick.

  • Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.

 

When should you wash your hands? 

Handwashing at any time of the day can help get rid of germs, but there are key times when it’s most important to wash your hands.

 

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces (poop)

• After touching garbage

• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

 

 

The 5 steps to healthy hands  

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap

  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap

  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice

  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water

  5. Dry your hands

 

Timena Apa