Proper Hand Washing Technique

1. Wet hands with warm running water
2. Add soap and create lather
3. Rub vigorously for 15-20 seconds (Happy Birthday sung twice)
4. Ensure all areas are washed - palms, backs of hands, in between fingers, around nails, thumbs and wrists
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Dry with towel - if a family member is sick, each member should have their own towel or use paper towels
7. Use towel to turn off water or open public restroom door.

If soap and water is not available alcohol based hand sanitizers are a good alternative.  Dry skin can be alleviated by using a commercially prepared hand sanitizer with moisturizers.  The CDC recommends using a product that is at least 60% alcohol.  Rub all surfaces of the hands until dry when using hand sanitizers.  When using alcohol based hand sanitizers with children, ensure that their hands are completely dry before touching anything.  This will help them to avoid getting alcohol in their mouths.

When to Wash Your Hands

• After using the bathroom -  even if you did not use the toilet
• After changing a diaper - wash the child's hands too
• Before and after preparing food (especially raw meat or poultry) or eating
• After sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose or using a tissue
• Before and after inserting or removing contact lenses
• Upon arriving at school or work
• Upon returning home
• After being in a public place like a movie theater, grocery store or mall
• After touching an animal or animal waste
• After being outside working or playing
• Before and after treating someone who is bleeding
• After caring for someone who is sick
• After handling garbage

Hand washing takes little time or effort, but can be extremely helpful in maintaining and protecting your health and the health of your children.