"Healing takes courage and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." explains
Tori Amos. But after all that digging one must remember to wash one''s hands! It doesn''t matter color, shape, or size; it''s important for everyone to wash. Parents are a child''s biggest role model; if they see us in good ediquite, with proper manners, their sure to follow. "Try to talk to your children about healthy habits, and they''ll probably tune you out. But show them these simple experiments, and they''ll really learn why it''s so important to wash their hands." said K. Reilly from Parents magazine. She was explaining that if you put glitter (germs) on your children''s hands that water alone wont clean and the glitter (germs) spreads to everything they touch. The trick is to use soap. Teaching kids about good ediquit doesn''t have to be a drag, it can be fun. Once the child starts to walk, it''s a good idea to buy a step stool and for every sink. This can be an arts and crafts project. Buy one wood step stool, and wood decals for parent and child to decorate together. Or buy a few simple plastic stools and some creative/ favorite stickers to decorate. Designing the steps, provides a good window to discuss the importance of washing your hands. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, " Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection." Wash hands after coughing/ sneezing, before, during, and after the preperation of food, of course before and after eating. With no exception, after using the restroom. And more frequently when someone is sick. According the Mayo Clinic, the dangers of not washing hands is extravagant. Germs accumulate from direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, animals and just about any and everything else people come into contact with. Infect yourself with these germs (by not washing), then touch ones eyes, nose, or mouth can cause a variety of illness''. Including the common cold, flu, pneumonia, salmonnila, e coli, diareaha and many other sickness, which by the way, is the seventh cause of death in Americans. To avoid these nasty germs, use (and always have with you) some antibacterial hand sanitizer. The more one uses it, the better. And always use soap while washing or it''s defeat less. A good rule of thumb, is to count to at least twenty while scrubbing or sing the ABC''s. Washing is a major key to great hygiene and should never be rushed. Oh, and some smells just don''t go away, for those try some vinegar or lemon! Have a clean day!