Proper Handwashing

Singing Happy Birthday; The Secret to Better Health

There is a 20 second song that is spreading across central Ohio.  It’s as familiar as any common nursery rhyme and is sung more than 200,000 times a day.  That song is “Happy Birthday” and it’s being used to promote good hygiene.

Health departments from 15 counties in Central Ohio are spreading the message that singing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands can significantly reduce the number of sick days you use.  In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that proper hand washing is one of the best defenses against influenza and preventing the spread of disease.

Washing your hands correctly actually removes germs and other bacteria that causes disease so it reduces the chance of spreading germs.

To view commercials on how to prevent the spread of germs visit:

• Proper hand washing technique commercial
• The importance of staying home when you're sick commercial

To download posters on handwashing visit:

• Three things you don't want to catch
• Antivirus software for your body
• How every touch should feel to your baby
• Bingo card
• Business Poster
• Chicks dig guys who wash their hands
• Dating poster
• Farmer poster

To download posters on staying home when you are sick visit:

• Power and Gesunheit - (5x7)
• Misconception, Speed, Duration, Power and Gesunheit - (8x10)
• Flu Weekly
• Parenting Magazine
• Yucky Magazine

For additional information on how to practice good hygiene visit:

• The Cough Safe web site to view the brief comedic video, Why Don’t We Do it in Our Sleeves, on cough etiquette.
• Handwashing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Cover your Cough information including printable posters and flyers (CDC)