In contrast to what people say they do, numerous observational studies have reported what Americans actually do. In 2007, researchers from the American Society for Microbiology found only 77 percent washed their hands after using a public restroom. In 2004, the Minnesota Department of Health observed hand washing at the Minnesota state fairgrounds, finding 75 percent of women and 51 percent of men washed with soap and water after using a public restroom.

Hand washing among school-age children is especially important since at least 22 million school days are lost every year due to the common cold, according to the CDC. Illness can spread throughout the school so it's important that students wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

"Hand washing is a lifetime health practice," says Dommisse. "Children should understand its benefits and take that knowledge into adulthood."

Source: bradleycorp