Now Wash Your Hands!

by Shelley White
^{(creative writers at http://www.morewriting.co.uk)}

Did you know that washing hands
will guard you from the spread
of many of those illnesses
that send you to your bed?

From colds, flu and diarrhoea
and most types of infection,
from hepatitis A to meningitis
washing hands helps your protection.

Do you know when to wash your hands?
It really is quite easy –
after you use the toilet,
cough or when you’re sneezy;

before you start preparing food
or eat a meal or serve it;
after you pat your treasured pet
no matter how much you love it;

after outdoor activities
or when you’ve paid the sick a call;
whenever your hands are dirty
or you’ve changed nappies for someone small.

Pressed the buzzer on a bus?
Let the train take the strain?
You don’t know who’s left germs there
so better wash your hands again.

Do you wash your hands the right way?
Or is it a promise and a lick?
Try following these instructions –
they’re bound to do the trick:

use plenty clean warm water
that’s not too hot or cold,
whatever soap you like –
toilet or household.

Touched someone with an infection?
Then it’s probably wiser
to be better safe than sorry –
use an alcohol hand sanitiser.

Antibacterial soap’s popular
but ordinary works as well.
There are many makes to choose from
all with a different smell.

Lather up hands vigorously –
all their surfaces should be scrubbed –
also wrists and between fingers
and around nails should be rubbed.

Keep washing for fifteen seconds –
that’s just about as long
as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’
the universal song.

Rinse well with warm running water.
Pat dry with a towel that’s clean.
To prevent chapping or dry skin,
apply a moisturising cream.

No soap or water available?
Wondering how you’ll cope?
Use wipes or towelettes –
They’re great waterless hand soaps.

Keeping your hands clean
doesn’t have to be a drag
when you’ve a supply of handy wipes
in your car, desk or bag.