Yes, washing your hands is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to stay healthy. Here’s what you need to know:
When to wash your hands
- Before eating or handling food
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After touching pets, trash, or anything dirty
- After playing outside or touching shared surfaces like door handles
How to wash your hands properly
- Wet your hands with clean, running water
- Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
- Scrub all surfaces: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails
- Rinse well under clean water
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry
If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Washing your hands helps prevent colds, stomach bugs, and other illnesses. If you ever have questions about staying healthy, ask a parent, school nurse, or doctor.