Hand Washing AND OTHER FAIR TIPS

Hand Washing AND OTHER FAIR TIPS

With the 2013 Canfield Fair set to kick off Wednesday, the Mahoning County District Board of Health is reminding fair goers about the importance of hand washing. Tips for effective hand washing:

Use warm water and soap. Lather for 20 seconds, making sure to clean the back of your hands and up to the wrist, as well as under the fingernails.

Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Dry with a clean paper towel or use a hot-air dryer.

When soap and warm water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. However, alcohol based hand sanitizers are not an effective substitute for thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water because it cannot kill certain viruses, such as norovirus.

Additional recommendations:

Never eat, drink, or put things in your mouth in animal areas.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to leave strollers outside the animal exhibits and carry small children.

Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should consider avoiding animal areas.

Source: Mahoning County District Board of Health