Hand Washing 101
Clean and green sudsing habits for keeping your kids—and the environment—healthy.
Photo illustration by Kyle Chesser
As parents, there are only so many things we can routinely nag our kids about before they completely tune us out. Lately, I’ve been cutting back on “Clean your room” and “Stand up straight,” limiting myself to “Wash your hands.”
When the H1N1 swine flu started popping up in California this spring, we heard again and again just how important it was to wash our hands regularly to prevent the spread of this disease. While much of the pandemic panic has subsided, hand washing is no less important now than it was then.
Every major health organization encourages routine washing with soap and water, noting that it is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. Many illnesses are spread through hand-to-hand or hand-to-surface contact. By spending just 20 seconds washing their hands, your kids can kill most of the germs that cause these illnesses, from the common cold to nasty gastrointestinal disorders.
Before you stock up on soap, though, you should know that not all suds are created equal. While many parents think strong antibacterial washes are best, studies have shown they are no more effective than regular soap and water for killing germs. The overuse of antibacterial agents has been linked to the development of “superbugs,” dangerous bacteria (MRSA, for example) that are resistant to antibiotics. In addition, such ingredients as the commonly used Triclosan kill off good bacteria that kids need for keeping them healthy.
Fortunately, there are plenty of effective, green cleaning substitutes. Dr. Jean Valnet of France and Dr. Andrew Weil of the U.S. note that essential oils are valuable as antiseptics, because they are tough on germs, yet gentle on skin. Tea tree oil is one of the best; its benefits are well researched and it is used extensively, particularly in the plant’s native country of Australia. A lesser known oil with a funny name, Ravensara, is also an effective natural antibacterial agent.
When it comes to making sure your kids are washing correctly, nothing beats teaching by example, and washing up with them regularly allows you to supervise their cleansing routine.
You can place hand washing reminders at eye level in the bathroom, and make the sink accessible to those with shorter legs by providing a step stool. My favorite way to make sure they wash for the recommended 20 seconds is to have them sing the ABC song or “Happy Birthday” while lathering up. It sounds hokey, but just a few extra seconds at the sink can prevent hours each year at a doctor’s office, which is enough to make any parent sing!
Jessica Iclisoy is the founder of California Baby, a natural skin care line for babies, kids and sensitive adults. Visit her website at www.californiababy.com
