Why Is Hand Washing So Important?

A delicious mud pie, a good-luck rock, or a friendly frog are just a few of the presents children love to bring home to Mom and Dad. But did you know that behind these adorable gifts - and countless others - millions of spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick.

The First Line of Defense Against Germs

Germs - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted several different ways, especially by touching dirty hands or changing dirty diapers. Other ways germs spread include:

through contaminated water and food

through droplets released during a common cold. More serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious
Here are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child - or better yet, wash your hands together with your child several times a day so he or she learns how important this good habit is.
1. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
2. Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!
3. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.
To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
- after touching animals, including family Mary L. Gavin, MD
  Date reviewed: March 2007