Even though it is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading illness to other people, most people don’t wash their hands as often as they should.
Approximately one out of three Americans skips handwashing after going to the bathroom and only 30 percent of people who have coughed or sneezed into their hands wash their hands afterwards.
Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands and you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You can also spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces they also touch. Diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis, the common cold, influenza, H1N1 and other infectious diseases are spread from person to person and can be prevented with frequent handwashing.
The goal of National Handwashing Awareness Week, December 6-12 is to decrease the spread of infectious diseases by educating individuals on how to protect themselves by properly and frequently washing their hands. This is especially important to instill in children while they are young so they can carry it into adulthood. To properly wash your hands:
• Wet your hands with warm water and use soap.
• Rub your hands together, making sure to scrub all over.
• Rub for at least 15 seconds or sing “Happy Birthday”.
• Rinse well and dry your hands on a clean towel.
• Use the towel to turn the faucet off. Do not touch the faucet after washing your hands.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are a great way to keep your hands clean if soap and water aren’t available. To be sure you are washing your hands frequently enough remember these four rules:
• Wash your hands before eating and when they are dirty.
• Do not cough into your hands. Either cover your mouth with a tissue or with your forearm.
• Do not sneeze into your hands. Sneeze into a tissue or into your forearm.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
In honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week, remember to take a few extra seconds to protect your health and the health of those around you by properly and frequently washing your hands.