A handy way to promote health

DID you know that the first Global Handwashing Day was created in 2008 to promote the importance of hand hygiene for health?

Greenlands Primary School hosted a Global Handwashing Day celebration this week as part of the City of Cape Town health department's drive to promote handwashing.

Environmental health staff did more than 1 251 health and hygiene interventions in the city from July to June last year, educating people about health risks and preventive measures.

This year's theme, “Clean hands, healthy lives”, emphasises the significance of hand-washing in preventing disease spread and safeguarding vulnerable groups.

At this event, students were taught how to create their own tippy-taps, requiring little water for handwashing.

Patricia van der Ross, a councillor who serves on the mayoral committee for community services and health, said routine handwashing was a simple way to prevent the spread of germs.

“It is important that our children are taught the basics of preventing illness and how to keep themselves safe,” said Van der Ross.

Environmental health and water and sanitation staff from the city worked together to observe Global Handwashing Day.

Here are guidelines for proper handwashing, outlining the dos and don'ts of proper hygiene practices.

The Dos:

Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. It helps if you sing the song Happy Birthday twice to get the timing right. Remember to lather your wrists, fingers, and nails.

Rinse with clean running water, air-dry, or use a fresh towel to prevent germs.

The Don'ts:

Use cool water instead of hot because hot water can damage your skin.

For better results, don't rush; take your time and thoroughly wash your hands.

Pay attention to frequently disregarded areas, such as the wrists and backs of your hands, and don't miss a spot.

Join more than 120 million children who get involved in the campaign in more than 70 countries, washing their hands with soap.

Supplied | LEARNERS from Greendale Primary were keen to learn more about the benefits of regular hand washing.

| Supplied TIPPY-taps and soap are used for hand washing.