The importance of teaching kids the correct way of washing hands and its many benefits

Germs are everywhere and can easily be transferred from hands, feet and skin to our bodies. Some of these germs can cause diarrhea, food poisoning, respiratory infections and malnutrition, among others. Although germs are not visible to the naked eye, they are present everywhere, from the surfaces of children's toys to the handrails on public transport, and to other objects of everyday use.

A rapid increase in the spread of disease-causing germs can be attributed to the following reasons:

• Growing pollution and population density
• Unhygienic practices like not washing hands before eating
• Open defecation
• Drinking unclean water
• Not washing fruits and vegetables before consuming

Importance of washing hands

Washing hands is the primary defense mechanism against germs. It is by far the most effective way to keep children from falling sick. When your child comes in contact with disease-prone germs, she inadvertently becomes a germ-carrier. All it takes is a touch. Proximity to an infected person's eyes, nose, mouth, hands or even sharing the same breathing space can prove damaging. One member getting infected is all it takes for the entire family to fall sick by the same bug. Dirty hands have the potential to become the root cause of many ailments.

Hand washing for kids

"Children need to be taught that washing hands is the best way to avoid ailments like a runny nose, bad throat, tummy aches and even itchy skin. Get your child to think about all the things he touched during the day - from the toilet to the telephone. Teach him how he might have caught millions of germs through these contacts. Parents should instill an element of fun while teaching their children the importance of keeping their hands clean. I strongly believe that every parent should lead by example," opines Dr Pooja Bhrigu, Chief Paediatrician and Director, Bhrigu Maternity Hospital, Raipur.

Benefits of washing hands

For your child to clearly understand why it is important to wash her hands, explain to her the following benefits.

Hand washing steps and procedure

This step-by-step instruction to your child will help her maximize the benefits of washing hands:

• Wet the hands first with clean running water
• Then, lather up with soap, preferably a medicated soap
• Scrub the fingers and nails
• Scrub the insides of the palms for a minimum of 20 seconds
• Rinse thoroughly
• Finally, pat dry with a clean towel
• Always use a sanitizer to keep germs at bay

What parents should teach their children about sanitation and hygiene

In addition to washing hands, parents should also teach their children good sanitation habits that can eradicate diseases even before they manifest. In our crusade against the relentless invasion of germs and viruses, the most effective solution is, surprisingly, the simplest too.

Educating children about sanitation and hygiene in everyday life is key to good health and development. When parents demonstrate good sanitation practices, children also find it easier to learn and follow them. Here's how you can teach your child the importance of sanitation and hygiene:

• Make your child understand that washing hands with soap and water is extremely important to keep disease-causing germs at bay, and it is the most vital hygiene practice. Washing hands is especially necessary after using the bathroom and before handling food items or having food.
• Train your child early on to wear slippers to the bathroom. Explain to her how by not wearing slippers to the bathroom, germs can get transferred via the feet to the hands or face.
• Ask him to flush the toilet after use and keep the surroundings clean.
• Educate her about the importance of keeping food items and drinking water covered to protect them from flies that spread germs.
• Lead by example - Let your child observe your routine. Practice with him activities like brushing your teeth, combing hair, and washing hands using soap. If they see you following healthy habits, they will more likely follow suit.
• It is important to toilet-train your child. Teach her to wash or wipe thoroughly from front to back and wash her hands when done.
• A great way to engage your child in any task is to pump up the excitement by adding a little incentive. It can be as simple as using his preferred flavored toothpaste or a cool light-up toothbrush. It doesn't take much to make routine activities fun.
• Make it a routine - Children thrive on routines. Incorporate basic practices into your morning and evening ritual. For example, make bathing and brushing teeth a precursor to the first activity of the morning. As your child starts to perform these tasks daily, she will begin to accept them as a part of her daily life.

These simple methods of ensuring cleanliness goes a long way in preventing children from falling ill. It empowers them to take the responsibility of their health into their own hands. It is important to explain to children the importance of sanitation and hygiene, and the consequences of not following healthy habits.

Only if everyone washed hands

Here is some interesting information on washing hands, provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services :

• Globally, it is estimated that only 19% of people wash their hands after using the toilet.
• Washing hands with soap could protect 1 out of 3 children from diarrhea, and 1 out of 5 children from pneumonia.
• Washing hands reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40% and respiratory illnesses like colds by 16-21%.
• It also reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%.

Hand washing is one of the most effective methods of preventing diseases. A simple act of washing hands whenever required can go a long way in keeping your child healthy and happy. As a parent, set an example in doing it, so that your little one learns from you. It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest life lessons you could teach her. Go, get your child to enjoy hand washing. All you need is soap and water, and plenty of intent. After all, you'd be the happiest person if your household is the healthiest.