Hand Hygiene Habits Remain Stagnant; National Clean Hands Week is Sept. 21-27, 2008

“Americans should prepare for the onslaught of cold and flu season,” said Nancy Bock, SDA’s vice president of education. “Cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day can help keep you out of the doctor’s office or the emergency room.”

The CDC reports that each year in the United States, on average:

· More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.  

· 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years old.  

· 36,000 people die from flu.

National Clean Hands Week: September 21-27, 2008

SDA produces the annual Report Card to raise awareness of National Clean Hands Week, Sept. 21-27, which touts handwashing as the easiest path to staying healthy. Clean Hands Week is sponsored by the Clean Hands Coalition, an alliance of public and private partners working together to create and support coordinated, sustained initiatives to significantly improve health and save lives through clean hands.