Quck answer
Washing your hands is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases. It helps to remove dirt, germs, and bacteria that accumulate on your hands throughout the day. By washing your hands regularly, especially before eating or preparing food, you can reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading infections to others. Handwashing is especially important during times of outbreaks or pandemics, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of viruses, such as COVID-19. So, make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep yourself and others healthy.
We have all experienced being sick at some point. Colds and the flu come and go, and they are not enjoyable when they prevent us from doing what we want. That is why people make an effort to stay healthy.
Did you know that experts believe that the most crucial thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands? And there is a good reason behind it!
Properly washing your hands at least three times a day can kill over half of the cold and flu viruses.
Sometimes your hands may appear clean when they are not. Why? Because the germs that cause illnesses are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
If you think about it, most of the daily activities involve using our hands. As an experiment, try keeping track of everything you do in a day.
If you do so, you will probably be amazed at how many things you touch. From faucets and light switches to toilet handles and doorknobs, many of the objects we touch daily can harbor germs such as viruses, mold spores, and bacteria.
When you touch something that has germs on it, the germs transfer to your hands. And later, you can spread those germs to other objects you touch. The good news is that breaking this cycle and stopping the spread of germs is easy: just wash your hands!
Although washing your hands may seem like common sense, there is actually a proper way to do it to ensure that you kill all the germs. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap.
2. Rub your hands together and create a lather for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to thoroughly clean all parts of your hands, including your fingers, palms, and wrists. Also, do not forget to clean under your nails!
3. Rinse your hands well.
4. Dry your hands with a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer.
5. Use a towel to turn off the faucet to avoid touching it after washing your hands.
To stay healthy and prevent the spread of harmful germs, it is important to wash your hands frequently. It is especially crucial to remember to wash your hands in the following situations:
- Before eating or cooking
- After using the bathroom
- After touching animals
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After playing outside
So, the next time your parents ask you to wash your hands, do not give them a hard time. They are just trying to keep you healthy.
And parents, you are excellent role models for your children, so make sure to wash your hands frequently as well. Remember: the 20 seconds you spend washing your hands could save you a trip to the doctor’s office!
Give it a Try
Are you ready to wash your hands? Find a friend or family member to help you try out the following activities:
Before practicing hand washing, feel free to make your hands dirty. You can try out some fingerprint/handprint crafts such as the Fingerprint Penguin Craft, Spring/Summer Thumb Art, Handprint Autumn Tree Craft, and Handprint Tulip Craft.
After finishing your crafts and getting your hands dirty, go to the sink and use soap to practice what you have learned about hand washing. If possible, demonstrate the correct way to wash hands to a friend or family member. Remember to wash under your nails.
If you want to understand how germ-infested certain surfaces can be, try out the Germs Experiment using a potato and sealable plastic bags. It may take some time to see the results, but you will be amazed at what you discover. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to wash your hands more frequently after this experiment.
Sources:
– http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.html#
– http://www.partselect.com/JustForFun/Hand-Washing-For-Kids.aspx
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