Meadows Regional Medical Center
GIVE KIDS A HAND IN STAYING HEALTHY
“Hand washing is the number one way that we as individuals can stop the spread of viruses and bacteria,” explains Tammy Rowland, Director of Infection Prevention at Meadows Regional Medical Center.
All day long, especially in confined environments such as schools, kids accumulate germs on their hands. These come from other people and contaminated surfaces, as well as food and animals. If kids don’t consistently wash these germs away, they could infect themselves or spread germs to others.
How washing works
“Kids often don’t understand how hand washing works,” explains Rowland. “Many kids think that it’s all about the soap and water, but it’s actually the friction from rubbing their hands together that removes the bacteria and germs.”
Kids should wash the tops and bottoms of their hands and wrists, as well as in between fingers and under nails with soap and warm running water. And they should really scrub them together to remove germs.
How long is long enough?
Proper hand washing takes at least 15 to 20 seconds. Unfortunately, that small amount of time can feel like an eternity to a small child.
This is why it’s not enough to trust that singing the ABCs or Row, Row, Row Your Boat during hand washing will keep kids at the sink for enough time to kill germs. “Studies show that kids will often sing faster when they’re in a hurry. So, it’s best to time it [hand washing] out,” says Rowland.
For best results: sanitize
Hand sanitizer often can be used in lieu of washing hands. According to the CDC, it’s okay to use hand sanitizer rather than wash your hands except at mealtime, after using the bathroom or if hands are visibly soiled.
They also say that any hand sanitizer will work as long as it contains at least 62% ethyl alcohol. This is especially important for small children. The sanitizer itself will disrupt bacteria’s cell membranes and kill germs while it dries – eliminating the need for 20 seconds of scrubbing.
If you have questions about proper hand washing, contact Director of Infection Prevention at Meadows Regional Medical Center Tammy Rowland at 912-538-5897.
“Hand washing is the number one way that we as individuals can stop the spread of viruses and bacteria,” explains Tammy Rowland, Director of Infection Prevention at Meadows Regional Medical Center.
All day long, especially in confined environments such as schools, kids accumulate germs on their hands. These come from other people and contaminated surfaces, as well as food and animals. If kids don’t consistently wash these germs away, they could infect themselves or spread germs to others.
How washing works
“Kids often don’t understand how hand washing works,” explains Rowland. “Many kids think that it’s all about the soap and water, but it’s actually the friction from rubbing their hands together that removes the bacteria and germs.”
Kids should wash the tops and bottoms of their hands and wrists, as well as in between fingers and under nails with soap and warm running water. And they should really scrub them together to remove germs.
How long is long enough?
Proper hand washing takes at least 15 to 20 seconds. Unfortunately, that small amount of time can feel like an eternity to a small child.
This is why it’s not enough to trust that singing the ABCs or Row, Row, Row Your Boat during hand washing will keep kids at the sink for enough time to kill germs. “Studies show that kids will often sing faster when they’re in a hurry. So, it’s best to time it [hand washing] out,” says Rowland.
For best results: sanitize
Hand sanitizer often can be used in lieu of washing hands. According to the CDC, it’s okay to use hand sanitizer rather than wash your hands except at mealtime, after using the bathroom or if hands are visibly soiled.
They also say that any hand sanitizer will work as long as it contains at least 62% ethyl alcohol. This is especially important for small children. The sanitizer itself will disrupt bacteria’s cell membranes and kill germs while it dries – eliminating the need for 20 seconds of scrubbing.
If you have questions about proper hand washing, contact Director of Infection Prevention at Meadows Regional Medical Center Tammy Rowland at 912-538-5897.
Contact
Pediatric Services
912-538-8484
Pediatric Services
912-538-8484
Always Wash and Sanitize Hands:
- After going to the bathroom
- After touching pets or other animals
- Before and after eating
- After nose blowing
- After coughing or sneezing
- After handing garbage
- Anytime hands are visibly soiled
Meadows Regional is a Joint Commission accredited hospital.
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1703 Meadows Lane, Vidalia, Georgia 30474
Phone: 912-537-8921