Teaching our tamariki to wash their hands properly is the smartest thing we can all do to prevent infections.
By now, we all know this to be true - but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded.
We need to make it fun, but also not-negotiable. At Eduplay handwashing is embedded into our routine for all children.
It’s a fact that washing hands with soap and water reduces the number of germs on them. The less germs on our hands, the less chance we will transfer those germs into our body through our eyes, nose and mouth.
Did you know that studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhoea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.
Handwashing helps prevent infections because:
Children often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies.
Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them. Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick.
Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.
When should we wash our hands?
Handwashing at any time of the day can help get rid of germs, but there are key times when it’s most important to wash your hands.
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces (poop)
• After touching garbage
• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
The 5 steps to healthy hands
Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
Dry your hands
Eduplay is committed to ensuring that we do all we can to prevent as much illness as possible. If you would like more info on our health and safety procedures please ask!