This week was National Handwashing Awareness Week and I had a blast promoting good health through clean hands. From daily posts with engaging content and insightful tips to a culmination of the week with a call to action, this was truly an impactful campaign. Here is a REWIND of National Handwashing Awareness [Spirit] Week:
Christmas Time is Here...and so is increasing store sales of ALL things Mint and Cinnamon but also increasing cases of RSV and the Flu. Now is the most critical time for kids to, regularly, wash their hands to stop the spread of germs. But how can Parents make handwashing a fun and cleansing experience? Well, one sure way is to change up the routine with a NEW, Extra Foamy and Fresh-smelling soap. I hear Mint is a fan-favorite😏 And then you can challenge them with a Foam Sculpting Contest to see who can create the foamiest wash🤪
“If steam ain't coming out the faucet and your fingers ain't tingling then the water ain’t hot enough to kill those germs!” This long-standing MYTH, traditionally passed down by Great-grandma Pearl & Grandma Delores, had many of our hands sustaining 2nd degree burns😩
Truth: It’s the friction caused by washing with soap, that removes germs effectively…NOT the extremely hot water.
Here in the U.S., we use soap and water to wash our hands for cleanliness but in other parts of the world hand washing practices are heavily influenced by religion, culture and regional factors.
For example:
It’s common in Japan for restaurants to offer customers hot or cold towels, known as “oshibori,” to cleanse their hands.
In Morocco, hand washing involves using rose water because it provides a refreshing and fragrant experience.
In parts of Tibet, people rinse their hands with butter tea because it’s believed to better warm and purify the hands.
A traditional handwashing custom in Romania involves using basil-infused water for purification purposes.
Although different in technique, good hygiene practices are valued globally because it contributes to overall health and well-being.
Believe it or not, many people are JUDGED & SHAMED for washing their hands regularly and/or properly. They’ve been called names like “Clean Freak” or “Germophobe” and this often deters the person, on the receiving end, from washing their hands in public. Promoting a positive handwashing culture is a crucial first step in normalizing handwashing in high-traffic areas. Recognizing that the health benefits of hand hygiene practices far outweigh the disdain of others can contribute to a more empowering and healthier environment. So the next time someone stares you down while you're washing your hands (for the full 20 seconds) maybe offer them some of your handy smell-good Minty Soap and remind them that taking care of your health is Top Tier Behavior😏
We did it! We made it to the last work day in National Handwashing Awareness Week! Thank you for joining me in promoting cleaner and healthier hands. Let's not stop today but continue to carry the spirit of National Handwashing Awareness Week into 2024! Remember, clean hands matter and make for a healthier YOU, your family and your community! Keep making, regular and proper, handwashing a lifelong habit.
FACTS: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular handwashing is the best way to get rid of germs, prevent sickness and stop the spread of germs to others.
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Sincerely, your TRUSTED Health Educator
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P.S. If you're looking for a speaker to discuss easy and practical ways to keep our kids safe and healthy then consider hiring me for a virtual chat or workshop. To find out more about my topics, visit https://sandracoliny.wixsite.com/colinyconsultingllc
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P.S.S. Stay tuned for HealthEd4KIDS first fun and educational product specially designed to KEEP our kids healthy!
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