Youngsters’ illness risk greatly reduced by good hand hygiene says report

Back to school: get kids learning to wash their hands!

As the summer holidays draw to a close, thoughts turn to the start of a new school year. In the case of preschool, nursery and junior school children, it may be their first ever term there. Inevitably, parents will be getting to grips with the practical implications of preparing their child for a new adventure.

And in amongst working out travel arrangements, organising uniforms and equipment, there is one thing above all else that a parent to guardian can do to best equip a child for the challenges ahead.

Teach them how to wash their hands properly.

This is very much the main theme of a recent report on the Baton Rouge Clinic website which stated that “One of the easiest ways to help children stay healthy in the classroom begins at home.”

In short, it’s up to parents and carers to help ensure that children in their care are taught what is arguably, the most important lesson they will ever learn. Illnesses from school are greatly reduced when youngsters are taught how to wash their hands properly – and when to wash them says the article, which advocates the teaching of soap and water washing, not a reliance on gels and wipes.

“Just 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and warm water can help kill germs that spread disease.”

Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Robert Jacobson is quoted as saying that hands are akin to “weapons of mass destruction at home”, – which is precisely why effective hand hygiene is so important. And lessons for young children in particular cannot come too early he claims.

“Fighting the war on germs starts with teaching kids good hand hygiene while they are young.”

Making hand washing a habit

Dr Jacobson appealed to parents to “lead by example” and to demonstrate what they are doing – and why. An example given in the report states

“…It’s time to get breakfast ready. The parent says out loud, ‘I’m going to wash my hands with soap and water before I reach into the refrigerator to get your food.’”

When hand washing becomes a habit says the report, it will prove to become a regular occurrence. “Children really do need to get in a habit about hand-washing, and they’ll do it when they have examples at home.”

Why parents need to school their kids on hand hygiene ?

Hand wash units for younger children – place them?wherever they’re needed!

Teal produces portable hand washing sinks that are idea for preschool and nursery childrenincluding the KiddiSynk and KiddiWash, which can be used equally effectively indoor or out.