'Because We Are All Taking an Amazing Handwashing Journey Together, Aren't We?'

Wed, 06 May 2020 10:19:51 -0500

Handwashing is a very important part of combatting infections of novel coronavirus but it's hard to find clear advice on what works and what doesn't, especially for younger children like infants, babies and toddlers. Diane Arnaout, M.D., a Cook Children's pediatrician, explains hand washing as only she can.

Here are the general rules:

Washing with soap and water for 20 seconds is the best method. The entire hand should be covered and scrubbed.
Alcohol based hand sanitizers are an alternative if they have 60% alcohol-but most are not recommended for use under 1 year.
Hands should be washed multiple times throughout the day but especially after having been around others, before and after feeding (bottle or solids), after the bathroom and if they are visible dirty.

Click here to learn more.

Get to know Diane Arnaout, M.D., a Cook Children's pediatrician at Forest Park

"I didn’t realize how important the job of the pediatrician was until I had kids of my own. My education, experience in medicine, and cocky attitude made me feel like I knew it all before my first one came around. He proceeded to make me very aware of how little I actually knew.

Thankfully he survived, as did the next one, and they’ve helped me to grow and to help YOU, the parent, in so many ways. Sure I’m here to make sure your kids are healthy and happy at all ages. But I’m also here to make sure you’re educated, to make sure your family is thriving, and to make you feel confident in caring for your kids. From diaper rashes to sleep problems to school difficulties - I’m here to help.

I write a lot about common problems and ailments online – you can find me busy on Facebook and Instagram, and I write articles for the Cook Children’s Checkup Newsroom blog. A lot of stuff you’ll hear me say in the office will be typed out on there, too. And we’re in a day and age where the internet helps make connections – you can connect with me on there, or e-mail me anytime.

It takes a village to raise a child – and I’m so grateful to be a part of yours. And as Master Yoda teaches us – “Always pass on what you have learned.” I fully plan to!"

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arnaout, click here.

Did you wash your hands?

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Along with vaccinations, hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are not effective against enterovirus 68, only good, old fashioned hand-washing.

Hand hygiene is especially important while children are attending school, where nearly every interaction carries the possibility of transmitting viruses.

“Children should wash their hands before and after going to the bathroom, as well as before eating or drinking,” Frank McGehee, M.D., a Cook Children's pediatrician in Fort Worth, said. “They should work the soap into a good lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds—the amount of time it takes to hum ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.’ Have them scrub especially well around fingernails and jewelry.”

It’s also a good idea to have children wash their faces frequently during flu season.

Sometimes it's difficult to make your child take the time to wash his or her hands. How do you get your children to wash their hands? We would love to hear from you.