Today is celebrated on Hand washing world day, a simple gesture of daily hygiene that saves millions of lives of children under five years of age worldwide every year.
It is an indispensable habit that we must instill in our children since they are very young, and of course educate by example, but Why is it so important that children wash their hands?
Because it is believed that washing your hands would prevent about 44% of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases and 25% of acute respiratory infections, which are the leading cause of death of children under five years worldwide.
We also believe that in developed countries we wash our hands simply by not carrying them dirty, in the end, we have water at our disposal just by opening the tap and soap just by stretching our hands. But sometimes we do not know to what extent we can, thanks to handwashing, avoid the spread of diseases as common among the smallest as the flu or bronchiolitis.
Through the hands reach the body many viruses and bacteria that swarm in our environment. Especially in the case of children who go to school or daycare, the chances of contagion multiply. They touch other children, share toys, touch infected surfaces ... that's why it's very important that they wash their hands frequently and correctly.
How and when should children wash their hands?
Hand washing should be with soap and water and should last between 40 and 60 seconds. You have to teach the child to wash well between the fingers, nails and both palms and back of the hands.
When do you have to wash your hands? After going to the bathroom, before and after eating, after touching the ground or having come into contact with the saliva from the mouth of an animal and especially if we are in public spaces, such as a nursery, a means of collective transport or a elevator. When using a public restroom, care must be taken when knocking on doors or toilets, and washing your hands after using them.
