"The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could save you trips to the doctor's office."


Laurel Gorham, CPNP is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Mecosta Health Services in Big Rapids.

Laurel offers care to children newborn to age 18 years, and is a car seat technician. These services are offered at public car seat clinics (various dates and locations).

She has special interest in Attention Deficit Disorder, and has been with MHS since 1993. She is accepting new patients, so call (231) 796-3200 for an appointment.

Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

[Research from the Nemours Foundation-kids health for parents]
The Importance of Hand Washing

The First Line of Defense Against Germs
Germs - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted several different ways, especially by touching dirty hands or changing dirty diapers. Other ways germs spread include:
  • through contaminated water and food
  • through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
  • through contaminated surfaces through a sick person's body fluids
    If you pick up germs from one of these sources, you can become infected simply by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. And once you're infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.

    Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.
 How to Wash Your Hands Correctly
Here are some simple steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child - or better yet, wash your hands together with your child several times a day so he or she learns how important this good habit is.
  1. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
  2. Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!
  3. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.




  • before eating and cooking
  • after using the bathroom
  • after cleaning around the house
  • after touching animals, including family pets
  • after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
  • after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could save you trips to the doctor's office.

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