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WiRED’s Module Teaches Your Children How to Wash Their Hands Properly.
What is the first line of defense against almost all infectious diseases? Yes, that’s right — handwashing. Handwashing is key to the prevention of everything from the common cold to Ebola.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs (bacteria, parasites and viruses) to avoid getting sick and to prevent the spread of germs to other people.
WiRED International offers a Handwashing Module that explains the importance of handwashing, how to do it effectively, how to improvise when running water is not available and much more. The module is particularly useful to parents and teachers when discussing the topic with their children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promotes handwashing as a do-it-yourself vaccine. What a painless way to stay healthy!
Handwashing in Communities
Handwashing with soap is not only simple and inexpensive but also can dramatically reduce the number of young children who get sick. Teaching children and adults alike about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community can:
- Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by about 23-40%
- Reduce diarrheal illness in people with HIV by about 58%
- Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16-21%
When should you 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 toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, animal waste or pets
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
Source: CDC
How do you wash your hands properly?
Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice, while you follow the directions below.
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