First and foremost - WASH YOUR HANDS!

Hand washing, let's make that PROPER hand washing, has long been determined to be the single most important factor in decreasing the spread of foodborne illnesses. With the added worry of H1N1 flu, hand washing has indeed taken center stage. Proper hand washing is achieved by these simple steps:

1. Wet hands and arms with running water as hot as you can stand (at least 100 degrees F.)
2. Apply soap - enough to build up a good lather.
3. Scrub your hands and arms with vigor for about 10 - 15 seconds. Don't forget under your fingernails and in-between fingers.
4. Thoroughly rinse your hands and arms.
5. Dry your hands and arms. preferably with a paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the water and open the door (if applicable).

The entire process should take 20 - 30 seconds - about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday to yourself TWICE.

The trick is to also get kids to do this. What success have you had with this?