Hand Washing Learned With Pretend Germs

We've heard it before, but hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent sickness.  The News On 6's Rick Wells reports some first graders at University School learned an important lesson in cleanliness, with the help of a black light, a bottle of pretend germs, and a real doctor.

The first grade class at University School at TU is about to learn an important lesson in preventing disease.

"How do you think germs are spread?  They spread if you don't wash your hands before you eat, and be with someone who is sick," said Dr. Corey Schoenewe.

Dr. Corey Schoenewe is a Family Practice doc with a clinic in Bixby.  He says hand washing is a big deal.  He's helping with the hand washing event sponsored by Global Health, Inc.

"There's a lot of downtime from business and schools that can be alleviated if people simply wash their hands more frequently," said Dr. Corey Schoenewe.

To demonstrate the importance, students would spread pretend germs on their hands and take a look at them under a black light.

Next, students had to wash their hands for at least 15 seconds and then a recheck with the black light to make sure their hands were clean.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing hands with soap, any soap, for 15 seconds kills 90% of all bacteria.