CEBU, Philippines - Kids, I am pretty sure that in school, our teachers have taught us the importance of washing our hands very well not just before eating, but every now and then. Studies made by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)shows that daily hand washing could reduce absenteeism among pre-school and grade school children and make them more alert in class.
The study noted that absenteeism can be reduced by 27 percent and proper hygiene can also help prevent under nutrition or the lack of nutrients and calories among schoolchildren. About seven in 10 children aged three to 12 years old suffer from intestinal worms due to improper hand washing before eating, which leads to diarrhea and under nutrition.
Why is hand cleanliness so important?
The most common way germs are spread is by people’s hands. Germs can be transmitted many ways, including:
· touching dirty hands
· changing dirty diapers
· through contaminated water and food
· through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
· via contaminated surfaces
· through contact with a sick person’s body fluids
Proper hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea. Proper washing with soap and warm water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections and help protect you, your family and those around you.
Washing your hands, the right way
Here is the proper way to wash your hands:
· Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
· Rub your hands together to make lather and scrub them well. Be sure also to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
· Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
· Rinse your hands well under running water.
· Dry your hands using a clean towel.
To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
· before eating and cooking
· after using the bathroom
· after cleaning around the house
· after touching animals, including family pets
· before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
· after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
· after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! Proper hand washing of about less than a minute is the single most effective way to control worm infestation and avoid diseases, such as coughs and colds.