Teach Good Handwashing Habits to Prevent Illness

Teaching good handwashing habits is crucial for preventing illness. The importance of handwashing was first discovered in 1846 by Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis, who recognized its effectiveness in reducing infections. Today, handwashing remains the most cost-effective way to prevent the spread of diseases. To maximize its benefits, teach children the proper techniques—scrubbing all parts of the hands with soap for at least 20 seconds—and the importance of doing so regularly, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Instilling these habits early ensures lifelong protection against many common illnesses.