Why is it important to wash our hands?

Germs are on our hands – they are everywhere – in the air, on the furniture, in the stores, on the toys, everything we touch has the possibility of having germs. Germs will transfer to our hands from touching items we come into contact with on a daily basis- our cat, dog or other pet, toys, door knobs, the school bus seats, desks and the list goes on.

What are germs?

Germs are very tiny organisms that we cannot see without the aid of a very powerful microscope. There are many different types of germs - some are bacteria, some are viruses. Some make us sick and others are good bacteria that are in our bodies.

How do we keep from getting bad bacteria or viruses?

By washing our hands.
Covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze.
Not eating food that has been left out of refrigerator to long.
Not sharing cups, spoons or forks with others.
Washing our dishes with soap and hot water.
Always drying our hands with a clean paper towel or air drying.

Why should we wash our hands?

Prevents germs from getting into our body.
Helps reduce the spread of germs from one person to another person.

When is it important to wash our hands?

We should wash our hands before eating.
Before touching / treating a cut or wound.
Before playing with our little brother or sister.
After going to the bathroom.
After blowing our nose or coughing or sneezing.
After handling garbage.
After being around a sick person.
After playing with our pets.

What is the correct way to wash our hands?

Turn on the water and wet hands really well.
Squirt Itzazu® soap into the palm of your hand.
Rub hands together chasing the beads popping them, making sure you get the back of your hands and in between fingers.
Continue for 15 – 20 seconds and you will see then lather change color.
When the suds turn blue your hand washing is thru.
Then rinse hands well.
Air-dry or use a clean paper towel to dry.