With the winter season quickly approaching, one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others is keeping our hands clean.

Make sure you and your kiddos wash your hands:

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the restroom
• After changing diapers or helping a child use the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

Follow these steps for proper hand washing:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice for a fun way to time yourself!
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If you don’t have soap and running water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help in most situations. Sanitizers can reduce the number of germs in some situations, but sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.