Why Do I Need to Wash My Hands?

 

Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Think about all the things that you touched today - from your shoes to the toilet, your sweaty T-shirt to your handkerchief, your pet dog to the dirt pile by the playground. Even though you can't see them, many things that you touch every day are covered with germs. When you have germs on your hands, you can pass them to other people without even knowing it and make them sick. Or those same germs can make you sick by hitching a ride into your body each time you touch your food or put your hands in your mouth. Think about how many foods you eat with your hands every day.

That's where hand washing comes in. Soaping up germs away. When germs go down the drain, they can't make anyone sick.

So when are the best times to wash your hands?
 

  • before eating or touching food in any way (like if you're helping cook or bake, for example)

  • after using the toilet/bathroom
  • after blowing your nose or coughing
  • after touching any pets or animals
  • after playing outside
   
  • after visiting a sick relative or friend
   

 

Now you have the when and the why of hand washing. But did you know that a lot of people don't know how to get their hands perfectly clean? The next time you're told to step up to the sink and scrub up, remember these handy hints:

  1. Use warm water when you wash your hands. Warm water is better at killing germs. But be careful you don't burn yourself with water that is too hot.

  2. Use whatever soap you like.

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