Prevent disease by teaching kids to wash their hands properly

Keeping hands clean is a simple way to prevent both diarrhoea-related illnesses and respiratory infections. — TNS

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness.

Keeping hands clean can prevent one in three diarrhoea-related illnesses and one in five respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Help children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands frequently, and make it a family affair.

Young children learn by imitation, so be sure you are following good hand hygiene practices yourself.

Wash your hands with your children to show them how it’s done.

Make handwashing fun by singing the “Happy Birthday” or “ABC” songs twice as a guideline of the time required for good technique.

If a child can’t reach the sink on his or her own, keep a step stool handy.

Handwashing is an important part of preventing illness.

Adopting this habit can keep you and your family healthy. – By Laurel Kelly/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service