Singing Steps Of Good Handwashing Technique To Popular Nursery Rhyme May Help Teach Kids Hand Hygiene, Researchers Say
Reuters (1/1) reports, “Singing the steps of good handwashing technique to the tune of a popular nursery rhyme may help young children learn the process and fend off common infections picked up in school,” researchers concluded after adapting “the tune of the song Brother John, also known as Frere Jacques [see below], replacing its lyrics with a six-step handwash practice prescribed by World Health Organization.” Then, “to test whether the routine would be effective in removing germs,” investigators “applied fluorescent markings on the hands of the children, who were between six and nine years old, before they washed with soap and water while singing the song.” This routine resulted in “a significant reduction in the markings, according to” findings published online in The BMJ.
“Scrub your palms, between the fingers
Wash the back (one hand), wash the back (other hand)
Twirl the tips (one hand) around (other hand)
Scrub them upside down
Thumb attack (one thumb)! Thumb attack (other thumb)!”