The Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing has been talked about a lot in the media with the Coronavirus. However, are the authorities making a bigger deal out of it than they need?  Can something as simple as handwashing really help stop the spread?  The answer is YES.

Unbelievably handwashing wasn’t promoted in modern society until the 1980s. Even though medical research found a link between handwashing and preventing the spread of disease back in the 1850s.  So really handwashing is a relatively new trend…. Research has found that handwashing with soap and water reduces the bacteria on your hands by 90%.  Here we should note that water alone is not enough. You need the soap and water to basically remove the viruses. It doesn’t have to be anti-bacterial soap, regular soap does the job.  It also doesn’t need to be hot water. In fact, cold or lukewarm water works well; as you tend to keep washing for longer!  The important thing is washing your hands properly for 20 seconds, not just showing them the soap!

Handwashing is a habit

To get your kids washing their hands it needs to become a habit. They need to be taught how to wash their hands properly.  The poster below shows you the 12 steps you need to follow to wash your hands correctly.

Just remember when washing your hands, it is about the amount of time you spend on it as well as covering all of your hands. The recommended time is 20 seconds which is the amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday.  Washing hands after being out and about, playing, when they are dirty, before dinner/lunch, and after going to the bathroom are all exceptionally important, and often kids (and adults) need reminding of this!  

Washing your hands properly

The final part of washing your hands is drying them properly. Making sure that they are really dry.  Wet hands are more likely to spread germs than dry ones!

Handwashing as an adult is something that I think most people would say that they know what to do and when. However, in actual fact research shows that only 75-90% of adults wash their hands after using the bathroom – yuk!!

This article is written by Lara Solomon, the founder of Story Antics which creates personalised educational children’s storybooks.  In response to COVID19 (and the handwashing stats) Story Antics have released a book all about the importance of handwashing and how to do it right.  To read the book online and create your own printed copy visit https://storyantics.com/product/handwashing-storybook

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