Chemical Warfare!
It's a war out there - and good hand washing habits are your first line of defense!

Chemical warfare rages all around us 24 hours a day. Our natural defenses win most of the battles, but can't win them all. Good hand washing habits are your first line of defense against the common cold, as well as more serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea. The simple act of washing your hands does more to protect you and your family than you can imagine!

There are literally millions of germs on our hands, door handles, faucets, computer keyboards and telephones. While your hands might look clean, they're only as clean as the last thing you've touched. Here are a few tips:

* Wash your hands with warm water and soap, lathering up for at least 20 seconds - about the time it takes to hum the Battle Song of the Republic (From the halls of Montezuma...) Make sure you get 'in-between' places like between the fingers and under the nails. Don't forget the wrists!

* Improve your hand washing habits - wash when you arrive home, when you use the restroom, when you leave a public place, and always before you put something into your mouth!

* 1 out of 3 people do not wash their hands after using the restroom, so use your hand drying towel to open public restroom doors. At home, put out a fresh hand towel every day - especially in cold season!

* Make hand washing more fun for kids with fun colored soaps or dispensers. Wash along with them and make it fun - why not sing a fun little 15-20 second tune together to help them time their washing.

* Pick-up a small fingernail brush for those incorrigible boys in your house.

Mom always said, "Good habits are silent helpers." The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could very well save you trips to the doctor's office.