We have heard it a thousand times, “Wash your hands.”  As a child, I refused to wash my hands, it was my way of being rebellious.

Frequent hand washing, however, is key to avoid getting sick and spreading illnesses to others. This becomes even more important when working around the elderly. Their immune systems are weaker as they age and a common cold for you could put them in the hospital. We have seen it happen many times.

We have all seen how one ill family member can turn into a sick household very quickly.  So, creating a new friendly habit of washing your hands can prevent the spread of common colds, the flu, strep throat, intestinal disorders (diarrhea), pneumonia, and other illnesses.

When to wash hands

• Before and after preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
• After using the toilet, or handling soiled things
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into hands
• Before and after treating wounds, treating the sick or wounded
• After handling garbage, or garden and household chemicals
• After shaking hands with other people
• After petting animals or playing with kids and animal toys
• After shopping at a grocery store or visiting other public locations

Steps for washing your hands

So, spread the love. Treat others with the same respect you deserve 🙂 Wash your hands and have a healthier day.