"Presents" for Parents- Wash your Hands!

Whether it be a hand full of feathers from a bird you know nothing about, a prince disguised as a frog, or a pile of rocks- what you are really getting as your special gift is a handful of hidden germs. Not only do you risk disease and sickness by accepting these lovely offerings (which of course you will accept), but your kiddies are at risk for all the searching they did to find you the perfect gift. Washing your hands can be the first line of defense in protecting yourself from these little critters.

Germs can be spread through touching dirty hands, changing dirty diapers, through contaminated water and food, through droplets released during a cough or sneeze, via contaminated surfaces, or through contact with a sick persons body fluids. Usually, these germs are transmitted unknowingly, and kids proceed to rub their eyes, nose or mouth- and infect themselves- and more often than not, infecting the whole household.

Through frequent, good hand washing, you and your children can fight basic to serious illnesses such as the common cold, meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea. Use lots of soap and water and scrub hands for at least 10- 15 seconds. Make sure to get under nails and around wrists. Do this whenever you or your child may begin eating and cooking, after using the bathroom, after cleaning the house, after touching animals (including family pets), after visiting friends and family, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and after being outside.

This is a simple precaution that can be fun and easy if a good and healthy habit is started early in a child's life.