FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2007

“Wash Hands” video encourages good hygiene to kill germs

COLUMBIA – A new video featuring an original song instructs children to use good hygiene to stop the spread of germs that cause illness, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

“With flu season near and the media attention to staph infections such as community-based MRSA, washing hands is a simple-yet-effective way to fight germs,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “There’s no better way to teach children the proper way to wash their hands than through a song that’s fun to sing. With a little soap and water, these children are learning the correct way to wash germs down the drain.”

Gibson said the “Wash Hands” video is a collaborative effort of DHEC and S.C. Educational Television and features Columbia musician Danielle Howle, who also wrote the music and lyrics. The project was created as part of DHEC’s campaign to educate citizens about simple steps, such as handwashing and proper cough etiquette, to help prevent the spread of illness.

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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1813