Handwashing Campaign

Handwashing Campaign

Overview

Studies reveal that school-wide handwashing programs can make a difference in the health of students and staff and, as a result, improve school attendance. The simple fact is that when students practice healthy habits, they miss fewer days of school. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective methods of reducing student and staff absenteeism.

Did you know…

  • Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold?
  • 52.2 million cases of the common cold affect school age children each year?
  • Children have about 6‐10 colds a year?
  • Adults average about 2‐4 colds a year?
  • Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to the health of our students and our school staff. According to CDC’s official statement, the most important thing that you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.

Schools are often the centers of gastroenteritis breakouts. However, if students wash their hands four times daily, it can reduce gastrointestinal illness by over 50 percent. These significant findings have tremendous educational and financial implications for our schools.

Have a Healthy Academic School Year!

 

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Handwashing Programs and Resources

Want to actively promote your child’s handwashing? Programs abound for teaching children about its importance and its positive impact on their health.  Many such programs can be found online.  Education World has internet resources for developing handwashing materials that you and your family might use to educate yourselves, cut down on illness, and improve school attendance.  Most of the programs below offer free components—lesson plans and activities, posters games, and more!