You may have noticed that handwashing is getting a lot of attention these days. Did you know, though, that the proper practice of handwashing is the easiest, quickest, and least expensive way to prevent the spread of germs? In fact, handwashing not only prevents the spread of Covid, it helps to prevent other illnesses as well. Think pink eye, flu, and Hepatitis A. The Centers for Disease Control has actually referred to handwashing as the Do It Yourself vaccine! With the start of another spring semester, more than ever, it is important to continue to be vigilant in preventing the spread of germs. The healthier our family members are, the less likely they will be to experience absenteeism from work or school. Please take the time to discuss the importance of these healthy hygiene habits with your family.
- Wet and wash hands vigorously with soap, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, and visiting the restroom.
- Wash the fronts and palms, between fingers, both wrists, and under fingernails.
- Wash for a full 20 seconds. Try singing the ABC song while doing so.
- Do not forget to dry your hands completely because germs tend to live in the water and dirt left on hands.
- If soap and water are unavailable, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply the sanitizer over the entire surface of your hands, and rub your hands together for about 20 seconds or until hands are dry.
- Keep sneezes and coughs to yourself (use a tissue or your elbow instead of your hand).
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Please keep your child at home if he/she is sick.
This semester, MORE HEALTH’s Personal Hygiene “Scrubba Bubba” Lesson will be given in a live format, teaching second graders proper personal hygiene habits that help fight germs and promote a healthy lifestyle. We are passionate about health and safety education, and appreciate the opportunity to provide healthy lifestyle tools to our Tampa Bay communities.
