Wash'em!

Fairbanks orthodontist Dr.Henry wants all of her patients and their families to stay healthy this winter—and throughout the year. So he encourages all parents to be sure their children understand how important handwashing is to their health, as well as when (frequently!) and how to wash hands.
Amazing as it may seem, it’s been estimated that routine handwashing by people worldwide could prevent one million deaths a year. Keeping hands clean using soap and running water is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
If soap and water are unavailable, the next best thing is to clean hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t eliminate all types of germs, so they shouldn’t be used routinely in place of washing with soap and water.
It’s important to wash hands:

Before, during and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After touching an animal or animal waste
After touching garbage

Dr. Henry believes that teaching kids about handwashing—and reminding kids about frequent, proper handwashing at the start of every winter season—is one of the most important things parents can do for their kids’ long-term health. So he encourages all parents to set aside time soon for this important lesson (or refresher course), before cold and flu season.