Benefits of Good Hand Hygiene

As both a parent and a pediatrician, I am constantly aware of the things that could be harmful for our children. A few ER visits later, I have realized that you can not protect your children from every possible scenario… but there is one important thing that can help protect our kids from the many infectious diseases that make their way around the classroom and holiday festivities this time of year. Hand washing has been found to be the single most effective way to curtail the spread of infections such as influenza, cold viruses and GI viruses. Many germs that make us sick are spread easily from person to person via our saliva, mucous and stool (poop). That is why it is important to be mindful about keeping our hands clean, especially before and after food preparation/eating, as well as after using the restroom, wiping our nose or coughing/sneezing.

It is important as parents and teachers that we encourage our kids to develop this healthy activity so that it becomes a lifelong habit. Kids are always looking for ways to make mundane tasks fun, so finding ways to make hand washing more engaging helps encourage the desired behavior. At our house, we have different scented soaps that the kids like, and silly songs that we sing while washing our hands. Soap should be rubbed on the hands, including between the fingers, for 30 seconds, which coincidentally is about the amount of time it takes to sing the “ABC’s!” It is important that we model this behavior for our children as they learn by watching and modeling what they see (for better or worse!).

Antibacterial vs. Regular Soap

Interestingly, there is no evidence to support using antibacterial soap vs. regular soap (except in the healthcare setting), so no sweat if that is all that is available. In the case of no soap being available, using hand sanitizer is an alternative, though it should not take the place of hand washing in most circumstances.

My kids still require frequent reminders and sometimes a little prodding, but I know that hand washing is a healthy habit that will help protect them for years to come. And as a pediatrician, I know that frequent hand washing will help keep your kids healthy and out of the doctor’s office this winter.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!

Should a situation arise in which your child needs to be admitted to a hospital, remember Hendricks Regional Health is home to Hendricks County’s only designated pediatric unit, specially designed to treat children. Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to care for all ages from birth to 18 years. Learn more at hendricks.org/pediatrics.