Why Should You Wash Your Hands?

Are you aware of how many germs live on everyday items that you touch daily? Have you considered the public places you’ve visited and how many people have shared the same surfaces? The gas station gas pump, grocery, and other store shopping carts, the ATM, the sign-in pen at an office front desk… the list goes on and on! Cell phones and purses have been studied by scientists and tend to have lots of germs! Even the items that you carry in your pocket, like your car keys, can carry germs.

For children, germs may be more concentrated since they are often more curious and adventurous when it comes to the world around them. They touch bugs, found objects, and shared playground equipment and toys. And in turn, especially younger kiddos, have a tendency to touch their faces and to stick their fingers in their mouths or noses.

Don’t worry though, it’s not all gloom and doom! We don’t want people walking around in gloves or living in germ-free bubbles! Your body and immune system do need good bacteria in order to thrive. It’s the yucky bacteria, viruses, and other organisms we’d like to lessen when possible.

Encouraging healthy hand washing and adult modeling of how to wash hands correctly is a wonderful step towards preventing illness. Handwashing is an easy, effective way to help prevent sickness, sick days, and trips to the doctor!