How to Effectively Wash Your Hands

By Richard Ferri

Proper handwashing prevents illness and saves lives! Proper handwashing prevents illness and saves lives!

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Okay, so you are thinking this guy has got to be kidding with an article on how to wash you hands. Afraid not! Poor or lack of hand washing is a major contributor to promoting disease throughout the world. Many people simply take hand washing for granted and do it incorrectly. Some people do not do it all. Proper hand washing prevents illness!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Running water
  • Soap
  • Paper towels

Washing Your Hands

Step1
Turn water on to an acceptable tepid temperature. Use clean paper towels to turn on the faucets.
Step2
Remove any jewelry and place your hands in a downward position to allow the water to run from the wrist to the fingers. This allows the "dirt" to flow off the hands and not back on them.
Step3
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds causing friction with soap and water. Some people simply count to 20, sing "Happy Birthday" or recite the "ABCs" to obtain the proper time allotment.
Step4
Turn off faucets with paper towels, and dry and moisturize your hands as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

  • Hand washing is an important part of good health and a major positive contribution to public health safety.
  • Hand washing gels can be drying to the skin due to the alcohol content.
  • Teach your friends, family and co-workers the importance of hand washing by being an example!

Comments

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grouch said

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on 12/26/2007 No joke. I wish more people would take this to heart. There would be far less "office infections." thanks for the tips.

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eHow Article:  How to Effectively Wash Your Hands

eHow Expert: Richard Ferri

Richard Ferri

Expert: Primary Care/Men's Health

Profession: Adult Nurse Practitioner/Health Care Writer and Editor

Location: Cape Cod, MA

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