Washing the Right Way!

It's that time of the year again.  Everyone around you is getting sick!  Hand washing takes only 20 seconds when done correctly...and it can save you and your family from those nasty germs!

INGREDIENTS	DIRECTIONS
1. Warm, clean running water	1. Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap
2. Soap	2. Rub your hands together to create a lather and scrub them well. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your hands, between your fingers and under your nails
3. Something to dry your hands with	3. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. 20 seconds you say? Try humming the “ABC’s” to pass the time
	4. Rinse your hands well under running water
	5. Dry your hands using a clean dry towel or air dry

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Before eating 
• After using the bathroom or helping a child in the bathroom
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, toys, leashes or animal waste
• After touching garbage, household, or garden chemicals
• Whenever they look DIRTY!!!

What about hand sanitizers?  Will they clean hands just as good?

If you can see the dirt on your hands, you should use soap and water to clean them.  Hand sanitizers are great to use if you do not have soap and water. They work best for killing germs rather than washing away dirt that you can see.  If using a hand sanitizer, make sure it is at least 60% alcohol for it to work!

Hand-washing is a simple way to stay healthy and protect your health. It doesn't take very much time or effort and the benefits speak for themselves!