We learn as children to wash our hands every time we go to the bathroom or before we eat, but how often do you skip hand washing? If you do wash your hands every time, do you wash your hands well? A five-second rinse with just water followed by a pat dry on your blue jeans doesn’t cut it.
Proper hand washing is a simple and effective way to help prevent the spread of germs and illness. But while hand washing is quick and easy people don’t always wash their hands as well, or as often, as they should. Here’s a little information on proper hand washing and why it’s so important to wash your hands.
Why is it important to wash your hands?
Yes, dirt beneath your fingernails and a visible filth on your hands is off-putting, but that’s not why you wash your hands. Proper hand washing is important because it helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. This keeps you, your family, and your community healthy and safe.
Washing your hands is an easy way to help prevent illness in just under 30 seconds. Click To TweetWhen should you wash your hands?
You should wash your hands thoroughly, and wash them often. There’s never a bad time to wash your hands, but make sure to properly wash your hands in these instances:
- after going to the bathroom
- after touching animals
- after touching human or animal waste
- after handling trash
- after blowing your nose
- before preparing or handling food
- before eating
- before and after caring for someone who is sick or injured
It’s also important to wash your hands when illnesses are highly transmissible, such as cold and flu season.
Wash your hands frequently if you’re traveling, or if you’re around large groups of people.
How to wash your hands properly
Proper hand washing is simple.
- Use clean water — it can be hot or cold.
- Apply soap
- Lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry your hands with a clean hand towel or electric dryer
Be sure to wash between your fingers, scrub beneath your fingernails, and wash your palms and wrists.
Here’s a video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to properly wash your hands.
Washing your hands the right way helps you stay healthy, and it helps keep those around you healthy, too. You can help prevent the spread of illness in your household and your community in less than 30 seconds.