Experts agree that effective hand washing is one of the most important steps to keep yourself and your family healthy – that’s why we’re teaming up with Softsoap® BRAND (@LatherUp on Twitter) for a giveaway series this week.

Germs are unavoidable, often lingering on common household items – from toys to phones to doorknobs. Given the heightened awareness about the flu virus, now is a great opportunity for parents to reinforce the importance of healthy hand-washing habits with their children.

Here are some quick tips from Softsoap:

1. Demonstrate how to properly clean hands by using warm soapy water, scrubbing hand surfaces and nails for 20 seconds, rinsing well and drying with a clean towel.

2. Help combat the spread of germs by building daily hand washing routines among your family and empowering your children to become “germ fighters.”

3. Wash hands BEFORE:
Eating or making a snack
Playing with video games
Doing homework on the family computer
Grabbing the TV remote control
Setting the table for a meal

4. Wash Hands AFTER:
Using the restroom
Getting off the school bus
Playing on playground equipment
Eating in the school cafeteria
Handling a backpack or lunchbox
Touching money
Playing a musical instrument
Walking or playing with companion pets
Participating in sports practices and games
Reading public materials, such as library books

5. Follow @LatherUp on Twitter and visit www.latherupforgoodhealth.com for more ways to keep your family healthier.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Softsoap are giving away Softsoap® BRAND liquid hand soap. Here’s how you can win:

-Follow @LatherUp. Every 10th follower (for the next 200 followers) will receive a Softsoap giveaway.
-Follow @247Moms on Twitter for even more chances to win.