Facts About Washing Hands
Frequent hand washing tops the list of official advice for preventing the spread of germs, flu, colds and viruses. Our hands come in constant contact with germs all day long. From money to doorknobs to friendly handshakes, our hands are a breeding ground for germs. Safe hands are clean hands.
-
History
-
The first advocate of hand washing was most likely Dr. Ignaz Simmeliveis of Vienna's Lying-in Hospital. In the late 1800s, he mandated the frequent washing of hands with chlorine, and the mortality rate at his hospital dropped dramatically.
Children
-
Children in the United States typically suffer from 12 colds annually, compared with the two that adults get. Children are in close contact with other children, they pick up everything, they put things in their mouths and they easily transmit germs. Children must be reminded and instructed to wash their hands often.
-
Proper Hand Washing
-
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have guidelines for the correct way to clean hands. Under warm running water, generously soap hands. Rub briskly and wash the entire hand. Rinse in tepid running water and dry with a paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.
When to Wash
-
It is always the right time to wash your hands, but especially before touching food; after using the toilet; after handling raw meat, poultry, eggs or fish; after taking out the trash; after a cough or a sneeze; after petting animals; and after using equipment.
Dangers of Not Washing Your Hands
-
Many infectious diseases are spread by hand-to-hand contact. Not only can you infect yourself, but you risk infecting others when you do not properly and frequently wash your hands.
Staying Healthy
-
The mere act of simply washing your hands is one of the best and most effective ways to stay healthy. This is one habit not to break.
-
