Personal hygiene

Hygiene is a fancy term that really only refers to the steps you take to keep clean and healthy. You are a very important person and you are responsible for keeping yourself special and healthy. Hygiene is what keeps and promotes the health of people and the community.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Some germs can stay alive on our hands for up to three hours and in that time they can be spread to all the things we touch – including food and other people. So wash your hands regularly throughout the day and especially at these times.

* If you are ill, especially with any gastrointestinal problems, avoid handling foods for others. Don't sneeze or cough near foods.

* Cover all cuts, burns and sores and change dressings regularly – pay extra attention to any open wounds on hands and arms.

* Avoid working in the kitchen in soiled clothing – when cooking, use a clean apron but don't use it to wipe your hands on.

* If you are preparing lots of food – for a family meal perhaps – take off your watch, rings and bracelets as well as washing your hands and wrists before you start.

* Wash hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. This assures germs will be killed.

* Wash hands before and after food preparation, after touching animals, after using the bathroom, after changing diapers or sneezing or blowing your nose.

* Provide single use paper towels or personal towels that are laundered frequently for each child. To help children identify their own towel, assign each one a color or design and have child use the assigned towel.

* Be careful to keep hands clean. Toilet handles, faucets and door knobs will recontaminate your hands.

* Coughing, sneezing or smoking near food or clean dishes could lead to contamination.

* Avoid handling food if you have cuts, burns, skin irritation, sore throat or cold.

* Wear a hair covering or pull your hair back to prevent hair contaminating the food.