Did you know this week is National Handwashing Awareness Week? Yep - that's right! Dr. William P. Sawyer has created the Henry the Hand campaign to get folks talking about National Handwashing Awareness Week - December 2nd thru December 8th.
Not only can keeping hands clean help prevent infectious diseases (nasty stuff ranging from the flu to MRSA, and more), it's also just a general politness issue. Henry the Hand offers up four rules for kiddos and adults alike, including:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.
- DO NOT cough into your hands.
- DO NOT sneeze into your hands.
- Above all, DO NOT put your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
People sometimes look at my husband and I strangely when we remind my daughter to use her arm when she needs to sneeze or cough - or when we thank her for remembering - but you can bet they'd think twice if we coughed on our hands and then tried to shake theirs! 
(Actually, if you dislike shaking hands, that's a very convenient way of getting folks to not reach for yours. heh heh)
Give these four rules a shot and see if they help you get through cold and flu season a bit cleaner - and healthier. And if you're a teacher, nurse, or other person who has to deal with people a lot, consider joining in Dr. Will's efforts - along with Henry the Hand, of course.
Yes! Finally! Hand washing is a biggie for me! I've sneezed and coughed into my elbow for years! Now I can actually celebrate Hand Washing Week!
Is there a website or somewhere we can go to find out more information?
Posted by: Cheryl Hart | December 6, 2007 8:55 PM | Permalink to Comment