Importance of hand washing

The Danger of Dirty Hands

Many different illnesses and infections can be transferred through poor hygiene, especially dirty hands. Among these are respiratory diseases like pneumonia, influenza etc. Also, streptococcus, hepatitis, cold and many other health problems, all can stem from an inadequate hygiene regarding our hands, since we tend to touch our face and other people, thereby transferring harmful microorganisms further on. Namely, nose, mouth, ears and eyes are all spots where these harmful organisms may get in contact with the sensitive parts of our body and affect our health and overall well-being.

When and How to be Careful?

First of all, there is a very high percentage of people who contract illnesses due to handling food improperly. Salmonella, diarrhea and other problems of this type may affect your life as well, unless you are careful by keeping your hands clean at all times, especially while handling food. Keep in mind that around 5000 people in the US die from these causes each year as a motivation for proper hand hygiene. Thus, wash your hands before and after getting in contact with food you are preparing. This rule is even more important when you prepare food which is eaten raw, or has already been prepared.

Secondly, those who are in charge of caring for old or bedridden people should also be extra careful. Whenever you are experiencing wounds or skin problems of any type, as well as when you get in contact with a person who is ill, make sure you wash your hands properly before and after the physical contact. This way you will keep the patient, yourself and others safe. The same goes for children, where you need to wash hands after changing diapers, walking the child and helping him/her in the bathroom etc.

You do not need additional reminding to take a good care of your hand hygiene when you get in contact with dogs, public and personal restrooms, dirt, trash or even remote controllers, keyboards and other objects of these type. All these are usually covered with different bacteria, potentially harmful if you do not prevent it from spreading.

Finally, when you are washing your hands, dedicate at least 20 seconds to the process. Use warm water and a lot of soap, being careful you do not miss a spot, all the way from your wrists to the end of your fingers. Rinse them with water afterwards and dry them completely by using blow dryers, paper or regular towels.