Proper Hand Washing
Hand Washing
Germs can come in the form of bacteria, viruses or other microbes that get onto your hands when you touch other people or things. Once the germs are on your hands, you can touch your eyes, mouth, or nose and become infected. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to wash your hands. Using soap and water is best, but if they aren't available, sanitizer works just fine.
It is most important to wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, after using the bathroom, and before touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth.
It is also important to wash your hands after making food, especially if you are handling raw meat or chicken. You absolutely must wash your hands after using the restroom/changing a diaper, or after touching animals. It is best to cough or sneeze into your inner elbow (like a vampire!) and to remember to wash your hands after blowing your nose, or if you cough or sneeze onto your hands. Also wash your hands whenever they look dirty.
Using soap and water to wash your hands is the best way to make sure they are clean.
- Wet your hands with running water.
- Apply soap.
- Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, remembering to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your fingernails and up your wrists. You can sing the ABCs, Happy Birthday (twice), or hum the Imperial March from Star Wars to make sure you're washing long enough.
- Rinse your hands with running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.
- Use your towel to turn off the faucet.
Bam! Just like that, you're the superhero of your own day, protecting your body from illness.
October 15th is National Hand Washing Day. So, celebrate accordingly and scrub up : )
