Hygiene Tips
Because we touch so many things in the course of a day, our hands are just like public transport for germs! Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to germs because their immune systems are still developing, so here are some pointers to minimise your children's risk from infections.
Every time we touch something or someone, germs are transferred to and from our hands. Then, when we touch our mouth, eyes or nose, they can easily pass into our bodies. No big surprise, then, that washing our hands is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs!
Be sure to hammer home the importance of hand-washing to your children; you can substantially reduce their chances of becoming ill. So make sure they understand the hand-washing ‘befores and afters’ below:
Always wash your hands...
Before
- Eating
- Preparing food
- Dressing a wound or giving medicines
- Inserting contact lenses
After
- After touching others' hands when working or playing
- Handling raw foods like chicken
- Visiting the toilet
- Changing a nappy
- Contact with blood or other body fluids (vomit, nasal secretions, saliva)
- Touching animals or their equipment
- Touching a rubbish bin, cleaning cloth, drain or soil.
Your 4 hot hygiene tips:
- A quick rinse under the tap doesn't kill germs; take the time to really wash your hands properly! A good rule of thumb is to sing the Happy Birthday song twice while washing your hands
- Antibacterial soap will wash away the dirt you can see and kill the germs you can't
- Don't forget your wrists, in between your fingers and your nail beds
- Dry your hands thoroughly using a clean, dry towel.
Help children remember these hygiene do's and don'ts whilst playing these fun games.