Parents

Help children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands properly and frequently. Wash your hands with your child to show him or her how it's done. To prevent rushing, suggest washing hands for as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
You might place hand-washing

References
Handwashing: Clean hands save lives. (2013, January 11). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing Mayo clinic staff. (2011, October 15). Hand-washing: Do's and don'ts. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/healt h/hand-washing/HQ00407 World Heath Organization handwashing techinque. (2009, May 5). How To Handwash. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/H ow_To_HandRub_Poster.pdf

H a n d W a sh in g

reminders at your child's eye level, such as a chart by the bathroom sink that can be marked every time your child washes his or her hands. If your child can't reach the sink on his or her own, keep a step stool handy. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are OK for children and adolescents, too, especially when soap and water aren't available. Remind your child to make sure the sanitizer completely dries before he or she touches anything. Store the container safely away after use.

R ef er en c es
Fight the germs that make you sick by washing your hands!

When should you wash your hands?

How to wash your hands

What is the right way 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 toilet After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing After touching an animal or animal waste After handling pet food or pet treats After touching garbage

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

D o n t S h a r e Ge r m s