According to the CDC, “Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80% of all infections by their hands. From doorknobs to animals to food, harmful germs can live on almost everything. Hand washing may be your single most important act to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy.” This simple task requires only soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — a cleanser that doesn’t require water. Learn more about hand washing.
MOST is sharing this information on hand washing because December 6-12th is National Handwashing Awareness Week. This awareness campaign is designed to decrease the spread of infectious diseases by empowering individuals to educate and help protect their communities. Hand awareness is more than hand washing alone – it includes hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and cross contamination. Learn more about why hand washing is so important, especially in a home with infant born preterm.
Hand Washing Resources for Parents:
- Synagis Helping Hand Program (free signs and materials for parents)
- About.com Hand Washing Video for Parents
- CDC Put Your Hands Together Video on Hand Washing
- Handwashing Fact Sheet
- Handwashing and Food Safety by the US Dept of Agriculture
- Hand Hygiene After a Disaster
- International News on Hand Hygiene
Hand Washing Resources for Children:
- Henry the Hand Web site
- International Hand Washing Video (Multiple Languages)
- Sid the Science Kid “The Journey of a Germ” PBS Kids video
- Easy to Follow Hand Washing Video for Kids
- Hand Washing Curriculum by Grade
thanks for that