October 15th is recognized by 70 countries worldwide as Global Handwashing Day. The purpose of Global Handwashing Day is to improve handwashing practices, particularly in children. Every year, a million people die of diarrheal disease and respiratory illness. Both diseases can easily be avoided by simply washing your hands with soap and water. The soap is particularly important. Water alone does not kill germs. Soap is the germ killer.

To read more about Global Handwashing Day and a study that found that more people wash their hands when “shamed” into it, click here.

To go to the Global Handwashing Day official site, click here.