Hand hygiene for all!!
The Global hand washing day is celebrated every year in order to spread the importance of hand hygiene. Many people globally might not even be aware of the influence that a simple hand wash can have on their health. And many are not even equipped with the simple things like soap and water to wash their hands and lead a better and healthier lifestyle.
Hand washing has gained much importance since we entered the era of COVID-19.
How many of us were aware that washing hands for at least 20 seconds is a must?
Not many.
And while washing for 20 seconds, it appears to be a very long time, which actually isn’t. It is, in fact, the time spent on maintaining good health and hygiene.
Good manners like these should be taught to our kids at a much younger age, which helps in getting into a habit, as well as helping them to be healthy.
Many times, we hear parents saying, “My kid is just 2 years old, and how will he or she be able to do it at such a young age?”
To them, I would say it is easier to teach a kid so young; yes, they will take time to master it, but they will listen to what you want to teach them. Do it in front of your kid 3-4 times, and after that, you will be surprised to see them trying to copy you and learn.
The video I am sharing is of my 2-year-old daughter, who loves washing her hands herself, though not the best, but still she does it pretty well, and we as parents can definitely help them if they miss something.
Hand washing not only helps in preventing diseases such as COVID-19, but also helps in preventing many other diseases, such as simple dysentery. During teething, the baby puts his or her hands in the mouth, and if the hands are not washed can lead to a stomach infection. It’s important in every aspect of life and not just COVID.
Steps in hand washing
- Wet your hands
- Rub soap
- Make lather and cover all the surfaces of your hands (in between the fingers, nails, wrist)
- Wash for a minimum of 20 minutes
- Clean under clean running water
- Dry with a clean towel or let it air dry
SIMPLE!
When should you wash your hands?
- Anytime and every time you feel they are dirty
- Before and after you prepare a meal
- Before and after having a meal
- Before and after you have visited a hospital or a patient who is not well
- Have been outside the home shopping
- Have been outside the home playing any kind of sports
- Have travelled in public transport
- Have been to a party
- Before taking any medication
- Before touching a newborn baby
- After coughing or sneezing
- After using the washroom
- After disposing of the garbage
- After touching your pets
The list is just endless. So, wash your hands when you think you have contact with something that should not go into your system and cause any problem. Make sure to help your kids develop the same habit too. It definitely would help them in future.
Happy Parenting!
Beautiful explanation about the importance of washing the hands. Little baby washing the hands in the video is very impressive.
Thanks for the Awareness spread by the dentistmaa web.
Quite detailed and relevant for kids.The blog made a compulsory reading and was not only incisive but inspiring too.Has Good information for young mothers .