December 1st- 7th is National Handwashing Awareness week! One of the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent the spread of illness or becoming sick yourself is to WASH YOUR HANDS.
Hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and then drying thoroughly with a paper towel has been shown to reduce the spread of both bacteria and viruses. While we cannot eliminate “germs” in our lives, by simply washing our hands frequently throughout the day, we can keep everyone healthier.
When are the most important times to wash our hands?
Before eating or before touching food someone else may be eating. If you are preparing a meal, be sure to wash your hands before beginning to gather the utensils, cutting board and food. Keeping the prep area clean will help with the spread of food borne illnesses as well.
After using the bathroom. Whether it’s public or private, you should wash your hands after using the bathroom.
After touching or caring for pets and/or animals.
Coming in from being outside. This applies to being in a public space, like shopping, school, public transportation, etc. or just playing outside.
After you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. Never cover your nose and mouth with your hands, always use a tissue or your elbow/shoulder. If you should forget and use your hand, hurry and wash them before touching any surfaces, like doorknobs, chairs and tables. Some viruses can live for hours or days on high touch areas.
What about hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizers are a good substitute if soap and water are not available, but proper hand washing is the preferred method of keeping “germs” from making yourself and others sick.
It is important to model and teach children proper hand washing, which includes not only washing thoroughly, but drying hands thoroughly and completely with a paper towel. Hand driers have shown to introduce more germs onto clean hands and without drying thoroughly, can cause an increase of bacteria. Keep you and your family safe this winter by practicing good handwashing techniques. While washing hands seems easy and simple, its one of best practices of healthy living!
About the Author:
Donna has been a nurse for 45 years having graduated from Jefferson College in 1975. I have been able to work as nurse in many disciplines, hospitals, intensive care, home health as well as private duty and long-term care. I began my career at JCHD in 2000 as a Community Health Nurse, working in schools doing health promotions from kindergarten thru high school, from hand washing to stress management and many topics in between. I very much enjoy working in the community at the many events that involve families and promoting the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. Since coming to work for JCHD, I have found I really enjoy helping people be proactive and staying healthy instead of helping them return to health. I have three sons and 10 grandchildren all who live in the area, so they keep me busy with Grandma duties, which I love. I have lived everywhere from Missouri to SW Florida to Wyoming but have called Jefferson County home for most of my life.