Welcome!  With the spread of infectious disease, washing your hands is one way to prevent illnesses.  This page will explain the importance of proper hand washing and when one should wash his or her hands.  There is a right way to wash your hands.  Follow these steps and you will help protect your family from illness.

WHY SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?

*Bacteria and viruses (germs) that cause illnesses are spread when you don't wash your hands.

*If you don't wash your hands, you risk acquiring:

              1. The common cold or flu

              2. Gastrointestinal illnesses Shigella or hepatitis A

              3. Respiratory illness

              

SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?
*You need to wash your hands several times every day.  

WHEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?

*Some important times to wash your hands are:

              BEFORE
              1. Preparing or eating food.
              2. Treating a cut wound.
              3. Tending to someone who is sick.

              4. Inserting or removing contacts.

             AFTER

             1. Using the bathroom.

             2. Changing a diaper or helping a child use the bathroom (don't forget the child's hands).
             3. Handling raw meats/poultry/eggs.
             4. Touching pets, especially reptiles.
             5. Handling garbage.
             6. Sneezing or blowing your nose, or helping a child blow his/her nose.
             7. Being in contact with a sick person.
             8. Playing outside or with children and their toys.