October 15 is Global Handwashing Day!

BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN

What is the first line of defense against almost all infectious diseases? Yes, that’s right — handwashing. Handwashing is key to the prevention of everything from the common cold to Ebola.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs (bacteria, parasites and viruses) to avoid getting sick and to prevent the spread of germs to other people.

WiRED International offers a module on handwashing which is particularly useful to parents and teachers when discussing the topic with their children. In fact many of the health education modules in WiRED’s Learning Center stress the importance of handwashing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes handwashing as a do-it-yourself vaccine. What a painless way to stay healthy!