Sunday, December 2, 2007

National Handwashing Awareness Week (Dec. 2-8)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 million elementary, middle and high school days are lost each year due to the common cold. Since the germs that cause the illness usually enter the body via dirty hands, the Clean Hands Coalition is promoting National Handwashing Awareness Week. Dr. Will Sawyer, a founding member of the CHC, has created "Henry the Hand, Champion Handwasher." The online program (www.henrythehand.com) includes free downloadable songs, a video and posters that teach the four principles of hand awareness:

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
2. Do not cough into your hands.
3. Do not sneeze into your hands.
4. Above all, do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.

Check out the website for information on additional Henry the Hand products and details regarding a handwashing competition for families and schools during National Handwashing Awareness Week.