The Purpose of Hand Washing

Hand washing prevents the spread of bacteria.

Hand washing is important as it removes harmful bacteria from the skin and prevents the spread of illness. Hand washing is simple and requires only soap and water. It is best to create a habit of frequent hand washing for overall health.

How To Wash

Place hands under running water to wet and apply soap. Lather soap by rubbing vigorously under fingernails, between fingers, on the back of the hands and on the wrists. Rinse well and dry. When possible, turn off the faucet with a dispensed towel.

When To Wash

During the day, a person will touch various surfaces and objects that possibly contain harmful bacteria. The bacteria may lead to a cold, flu or more serious ailments. Wash hands after using a restroom, before touching or eating food, after touching animals and after handling garbage.

Alcohol-Based Sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an effective way to sanitize the hands without using soap or water. It is important to choose a sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Simply saturate the hands with sanitizer and rub over all surfaces until dry, about 25 seconds.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Hand washing: Do's And Don'ts