In this day and age, it’s common knowledge that personal hygiene should be a top priority―from brushing our teeth to washing our faces―but for some reason, hand hygiene is something that is often overlooked. Keeping our hands clean is not only essential for our personal health, but also for the well-being of those around us. In this article, we will explore the importance of handwashing and keeping our hands clean.
1. The Good Old Days of Handwashing: A Refresher
Handwashing has been around since Ancient Rome, but that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant today. While keeping your hands clean is still important, the reasons for doing so have changed drastically over the years. Here’s a refresher on the old-fashioned good hygiene practices we’d all do well to remember.
Wet and Soapy:
- Start by wetting your hands with clean running water – warm or cold – and applying soap.
- Lather the soap across the entire surface of your hands – the sides, between your fingers, and over your nails.
- Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds! Since singing “Happy Birthday” twice will take about 20 seconds, you can use that as a timer.
Rinse and Dry:
- Pour clean water over your hands to rinse off the soap.
- Use a dry paper towel to dry your hands completely. This is effective in stopping the spread of germs.
- If you don’t have access to paper towels, air drying your hands is also an acceptable method.
When to Handwash:
- After using the restroom.
- Before, during, and after preparing food.
- Before eating.
- Before and after caring for a family member that is sick.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching an animal, pet food, or pet treats.
- After handling garbage.
When soap and water aren’t available and your hands are not visibly dirty, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used as an effective substitute. However, it’s important to note that hand sanitizer does not kill all types of germs.
The old-fashioned, time-tested practice of handwashing is still the best defense against the spread of disease and infection. Soak in these simple yet vital hygiene tips and keep your hands clean!
2. Handwashing: An Easy Task with Big Benefits
Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. It helps to prevent not only ourselves, but those around us from getting sick. It is also relatively simple to do, so everyone can benefit from taking a few moments in their day to wash their hands.
To properly wash your hands, start by wetting them with clean, running water. Warm water is preferrable, but cold is also okay. Then, apply soap of any kind and lather your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. Make sure you’re lathering your palms, back of hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. Rinse your hands with running water and then dry your hands with a clean towel.
When should you wash your hands? Here are some common situations that are key times to wash:
- Before preparing or eating food
- Before administering medication
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the bathroom
- After changing diapers or helping a child use the restroom
- After blowing your nose
- After touching an animal or cleaning up an animal area
- After handling garbage
Handwashing is a simple action with big benefits: reducing your chance of getting sick as well as reducing the possibility of spreading germs to others. It’s something that all of us should take the time to do, every day.
For certain diseases, such as the flu or coronavirus, it is recommended to scrub your hands for at least 20-30 seconds. This is because these type of illnesses take more time to kill the germs on your hands. It is also beneficial to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when possible. This will help to cut down on the transmission of germs.
For the sake of your health and that of those around you, take a few extra moments to properly wash your hands each and every day. It’s simple, easy, and yields big benefits!
3. Sanitation Scares: How Clean Hands Save Lives
- Be A Germaphobe And Live Longer
- Hand-washing Power
- Germ Neutralizing Soaps
- Dry Handwashing
- Sanitation For All
- Dishwashing Soaps: Choose soaps and detergents specially designed to be effective yet eco-friendly.
- Scrub Brushes: Are not only sturdy but if made of natural materials like coconut coir, bamboo, and wood.
- Reusable Sponges: Cleaning sponges that are made of natural materials like cotton, hemp, and cellulose mesh are long-lasting, and an effective choice.
- Washing-Up Bowls: These make it easier to save water while washing. Look for ones that are made of bamboo or wood, as they are more sustainable.
People often underestimate the power of germs and their capability to do harm. Sanitation is difficult and often overlooked, but its effects manifest in many ways. From influenza to food-poisoning, the lives of many can be altered due to contamination. Developed countries have spreading awareness of the preventative measure of proper sanitation through the promotion of good hand washing. It’s time to take heed of the warnings and be a germaphobe and stay healthy.
Whether we admit it or not, germs are everywhere. Having good hand hygiene is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Washing your hands regularly is one of the most significant steps that can help prevent the transmission of germs from one person to another. Hand washing with soap and water should occur often, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and preparing or handling food.
Understanding the types of viruses and bacteria lurking around in everyday life is significant in taking the right preventive measures. Germs such as bacteria, virus, fungus, and mold can be deactivated with the right type of soap. Using germ-neutralizing soaps with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties can help reduce the risk of infection from exposure to these germs.
It’s essential to incorporate regular hand-washing into daily life. For people on the go, alcohol-based sanitizers are a great alternative to soap and water. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to clean their hands but doesn’t have access to soap and warm water or is in a hurry.
Sanitation is a lifestyle, and it must be readily available to people: from those residing in cities to those in rural areas. Government bodies and local health organizations must collaboratively invest in promoting proper sanitation practices to ensure everyone is properly informed to combat everyday germs. With the right mindset and collective support, we can protect our lives.
4. New Habits: Washing Up for the Future
New habits are often hard to create and unnatural at first. But when it comes to forming good eco-friendly, sustainable habits like washing up, it’s worth it. Now, more than ever, it’s important to make sure that you and your family are doing the best possible to help conserve resources and reduce waste. Here are four easy steps to help you make sustainable habits part of your everyday routine.
1. Get Everything Ready: Make sure you have a few items you need for washing up. Reusable sponges, a sturdy brush, and eco-friendly soap are ideal. Make sure they’re all together in an easily accessible place so you don’t have to waste time gathering them up later.
2. Organize Your Dishes According To Size: Ensure that all similar sized dishes are placed together. This makes it easier and faster to tackle the pile while reducing the amount of water and energy used.
3. Use Less Water: Make sure you’re not using an excessive amount of water when washing dishes. Turn off the tap until you’re ready to rinse, and use eco-friendly soaps that don’t require too much scrubbing.
Both of these steps reduce the strain on water resources and help you save money on bills.
4. Use Eco-Friendly Products:
Eco-friendly products when washing up is the name of the game. Look for products that are biodegradable, manufactured responsibly, and free of harsh chemicals. Here are a few products to get you started:
These are just a few of the ways you can make the process of washing up more sustainable. Doing your part now will help ensure a cleaner and healthier future, after all, every little bit counts.
Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of good hand hygiene, make sure to apply these lessons every day. It’s as simple as taking a few extra minutes out of your day to make sure your hands are washed and free of germs. Let’s all work together to help keep ourselves, our families, and our communities healthy.
