An alarming number of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases are recorded yearly in Singapore. While a majority of those suffering from HFMD make a full recovery, the widespread presence of germs from infectious diseases like diarrhoea and the flu pose as everyday threats against both the physical and mental well being of children.

Proper Hand Washing Steps

In a recent Child Health Intelligence & Performance (CHIP) Study commissioned by Dettol India, it was noted that those who fall sick less frequently and go to school regularly are likely to do much better in exams. They may not only be at an advantage in terms of learning and knowledge but also in terms of cognitive development. With research findings shedding light on the correlation between a healthy body and a healthy mind, it has hence become more important now than ever to cultivate good hand hygiene habits in our young.

The main incubator of germs – our hands!

Although the spread of germs is inevitable, the rate of the risk of infection can be dramatically reduced through the simple act of hand washing. Good hand washing is the first line of defence against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhoea.

Hand washing with antibacterial soap and water has also been proven to reduce the chances of falling sick. For example, results have shown that hand washing after using the toilet, as well as before and after handling food, can reduce incidences of diarrhoea among children under by almost 50%.

Hand washing is not just rubbing your two hands together and lathering it with soap. Here are 8 simple steps to proper hand washing techniques.

  1. Wash your palms
  2. Scrub each finger and between each finger
  3. Rub back of hands and between fingers
  4. Rub the base of the thumbs
  5. Rub the back of the fingers
  6. Scrub your nails on palms
  7. Wash your wrists
  8. Dry hands with a clean towel or tissue

8 steps of Handwashing by Dettol

These habits are best inculcated at a young age and that is why it is important to cultivate good hand hygiene habits in our kids when they are young.

Press Release by Dettol. You can get Dettol products over at Lazada.

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