Students Receive Grade of "D" for Hand Washing Practices

Cold and flu season is just around the corner, and one of the most effective methods to stave off or at least contain sickness is through good hand washing practices. Unfortunately, most Americans aren't so great about washing their hands, according to the third annual Clean Hands Report Card issued by The Soap and Detergent Association published Sept. 6.

Overall, Americans earned a grade of "C" for hand washing abilities. Students received a grade of "D" for their hand washing behavior and understanding about the importance of washing their hands on a regular basis. Not the best grade to receive at the beginning of the school year, when hand washing can stop the spread of germs and viruses.

Unfortunately, parents did not fare much better with an average grade of "C": mothers scored a "B-" and fathers scored a "D+". Teachers rated a "B-" while school nurses and health professionals earned a "B+."

According to the Soap and Detergent Association survey, hand washing not a priority for students: a full one-fifth (22%) do not wash their hands every time they use the bathroom; 31% seldom or never wash their hands before eating lunch and more than two-thirds (41%) seldom or never wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. Scores were given based on knowledge about hand washing as the best way to prevent colds and the flu, and how well individuals put this knowledge into practice.

Hand washing has three core components: wet, lather, and rinse. Hand washing should be done after using the bathroom, before eating, and after sneezing or coughing. Since shaking hands and opening doorknobs are common methods of passing illness, everyone should wash their hands as often as possible.

Children learn by example, as well as repetition, so parents and teachers should emphasize correct hand washing techniques and encourage students to do so regularly at school, home, and in public places.

The Soap and Detergent Association recommends everyone follow these steps for effective hand washing:

1. Wet hands with warm running water prior to reaching for the soap, either in bar or liquid form.

2. Rub hands together to make a lather out of the running water so the soap is not pre-maturely washed away.

3. Wash the front and back of your hands, particularly between your fingers. Continue washing for at least 15-20 seconds, approximately how long it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday Song" at a slow pace.

4. Rinse hands well under warm running water.

5. Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer.

If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers such as Purell or hand wipes such as Wet Ones are effective alternatives.

The 2007 Report Card is based on a telephone survey of 664 parents of school-age children and 1,109 on-site surveys at conferences attended by teachers, school nurses/health professionals and students.

For more information about basic hand hygiene, check the Soap and Detergent Administration website: www.cleaning101.com/handhygiene.

Source:

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/533142/