“Wash your hands clean, keep diseases away,” this short proverb highlights the importance of handwashing in preventing illnesses, especially for preschool children. Preschool age is highly susceptible to bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. Therefore, teaching children the habit of washing their hands is extremely necessary to protect their health.
Why is Handwashing Important for Preschoolers?
Preschool children often have habits of being playful, holding toys and objects, putting their hands in their mouths, noses, and eyes… This makes them easily exposed to bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hang – infectious disease specialist, young children are often susceptible to infectious diseases such as flu, diarrhea, measles, mumps… because their resistance is weak and they do not have the ability to protect themselves. Washing hands thoroughly helps remove bacteria and viruses from hands, reducing the risk of getting sick.
How to Wash Hands Properly for Preschoolers
Washing hands correctly is important to ensure hygiene effectiveness. Dr. Pham Minh Duc – pediatric health specialist shared the correct handwashing method according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health:
1. Preparation:
- Antibacterial soap: Choose a mild soap that does not irritate children’s skin.
- Clean water: Clean water helps remove bacteria and soap more effectively.
- Clean hand towel: Choose a soft, absorbent hand towel.
2. Steps to Perform:
- Wet hands: Use clean water to wet hands, including palms, backs of hands, fingers, and fingernail crevices.
- Apply soap: Take a sufficient amount of soap, apply evenly to hands, and lather.
- Scrub hands: Rub vigorously palms, backs of hands, fingers, fingernail crevices, and wrists for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse hands thoroughly: Use clean water to rinse hands thoroughly, ensuring all soap is removed.
- Dry hands: Dry hands with a clean hand towel.
Some Notes When Washing Hands for Preschoolers:
- Wash hands frequently: Wash hands before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outdoors, after contact with animals…
- Supervise children: Supervise children when washing hands, guide them to perform the steps correctly.
- Create a habit: Turn handwashing into a habit for children by making it fun for them.
- Use hand sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Note on cleaning tools: Clean handwashing tools regularly, ensuring they are clean.
The Story of the Dirty Teddy Bear
Little An loved her teddy bear very much. She often hugged her teddy bear everywhere, from the flower garden to the park. Every time after playing, An forgot to wash her hands, making the teddy bear increasingly dirty. One day, An got sick with a high fever, and her mother was very worried. The doctor asked: “Do you wash your hands often?”. An shook her head. The doctor explained: “The dirt on your hands will stick to the teddy bear, and then from the teddy bear, it will stick back to your hands, making you sick!”. An was very sad after hearing this. From then on, An always remembered to wash her hands before playing with the teddy bear and always kept her teddy bear clean.
Let’s Plant Good Habits for Our Children
Washing hands thoroughly is one of the important habits to help protect children’s health. Let’s teach our children this habit from a young age so they are always healthy and develop comprehensively.
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