Hand washing and why it's important

It's common knowledge but a message worth repeating, washing your hands properly can help prevent the spread of the germs (like bacteria and viruses). As is the case with all healthy habits, developing them at a young age provides life long benefits.

How to wash your hands When to wash your hands

How do I wash my hands properly?

1. Wet your hands with water. Warm or cold, just make sure it isn't too hot for little hands

2. Apply enough soap to cover your hands. Antiseptic soap isn't necessary. If soap isn't available, hand sanitiser is the next best thing 

3. Lather up. This step is particularly important (and often overlooked or rushed) - follow the steps below to help combat germs and illness.

4. Rinse well with running water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

Download Healthy Harold's hand washing chart

When should I clean my hands?

Instilling regular hand washing as rule can help combat the spread of germs and illness in your home and is especially important:

• before cooking, eating and handling food
• when returning home (eg playing outside or after school or visit to the shops)
• after contact with animals, including family pets
• after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, even if you use a tissue
• after cleaning
• before and after visiting people who are unwell
• before and after visiting hospitals, medical centres or doctors

Help empower the next generation

Request a Life Education visit and help share the information they need to make healthy decisions in the future.

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