Did you remember to wash your hands

One of the easiest ways to decrease your chances of spreading germs or bacteria and avoid contracting a virus or infection only takes a minimum of 20 seconds of your time throughout your day. Handwashing with antibacterial soap and clean running water is most effective for the removal of bacteria, potential fecal matter and a host of other germs that causes diseases from hands. When soap and water is not available the use of hand sanitizer is sufficient. Incorporating a hand washing habit at the workplace amongst your employees and customers can reduce your risk of catching the common cold up to 45%. By washing your hands, you are contributing to your own health as well as society.

According to the CDC these are the 5 steps to follow to properly wash your hands:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply antibacterial soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing your hands with antibacterial soap and clean running water properly. There is no such thing as washing your hands too often, yet there are standard crucial moments when handwashing is a must.

• Always wash your hands after using the restroom, the amount of germs on your fingertips double.

• Whenever handling food both preparing it, and eating it always wash your hands before, during and after to prevent transferring gastrointestinal diseases such as salmonella.

• If you have to treat a wound, you should wash your hands before and after to decrease the changes of the wound becoming infected.

• After handling garbage, or animal waste.

• Handwashing is also recommending after touching animals, their food or treats.

• It is advised to cough and sneeze in your cuffed elbow. This helps reduce the spread of germs, but hand washing is recommended after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• While caring for a loved one at home who is sick with diarrhea or vomiting.

• Or while handling children diapers or helping them with the restroom.

Always wash your hands during the process and instill in your children at a young age the importance of handwashing. While your children are out in the community encourage them to wash their hands often, their risk of infection increases and washing their hands is their protection.

If soap and water is not available having antibacterial hand sanitizer is a convenient substitute. Places of business should provide conveniently located sanitizer for employee and consumer use throughout their establishments. Being proactive in increasing the prevention of germs spreading within your workplace is a hygiene booster and a benefit for everyone.

While sanitizers are powerful and made to kill 99.999% of common germs they do not wash them away. In a case where your hands are visually soiled washing them with antibacterial soap and clean running water is best.

Our hands are our driving force throughout the day. Although, 62% of women are washing their hands more than 10 times per day, and 41% of men wash their hands 6 times a day or less. Becoming more conscious of how often you wash your hands, increases your chances of staying healthy and lowers your chances to spreading germs to yourself or others.

Source: US Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Source: Deb Group SCJohnson Professional