“Teaching children hand washing at an early age is a good way to encourage a lifelong habit”
Chris Whieldon
Designer and manufacturer of portable handwash units for medical facilities, catering, motor vehicles, care homes and home care, the beauty industry and schools and nurseries.
…and why you should do it
Learning effective hand washing techniques is often described as the “most important lesson a child can learn”. Demonstrating why, when and how to do this is a vital task for any preschool, nursery or childminder. “Teaching children hand washing at an early age is a good way to encourage a lifelong habit”says a recent article on the Campbell County Health (CCH) website.?
The report quotes Michael Sebert, M.D., who is both Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s Health? and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern.
“Hand hygiene is an important lifetime habit for staying healthy”.
Dr Sebert quotes a number of illnesses that can be significantly controlled by hand washing: these include colds, flu, further respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. It’s such a “small action” says the article, but one that can have lifelong benefits for everyone, on the grounds that not only does effective hand hygiene help to safeguard the health of a given individual – but also to protect those around them.
When and how to wash
These are both important areas of knowledge to pass on to youngsters says the report. In short, they make hand washing far more effective and relevant. Hands should be washed, for example, after going to the toilet, before eating, after touching animals – and when hands are noticeably dirty.
The article advocates a seven step hand washing programme, involving thorough scrubbing with soap under running water (for at least 20 seconds) and then drying with a paper towel.
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Encourage children to wash their hands
Making hand washing for children fun when, for example, cleaning up after arts and crafts based activities, is an excellent strategy say CCH.
“Have your child practice counting or sing a song while they wash their hands, to make sure they do not rush.”
Foaming soap and foam that changes colour can be useful tools.
And the role that parents and carers play is equally important. “Kids watch and learn from their parents” Dr. Sebert is quoted as saying. “Make sure to model good hand hygiene to keep your family healthy.”