How many times have you heard your parents tell you to wash your hands? This is the ONE thing you can do to avoid getting sick. If you don’t wash your hands enough, you are at risk every time you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. One of the most common ways people catch a cold is by rubbing their nose or eyes after the cold virus has gotten on their hands. Just think about all the things you touch during the day – from the telephone to the toilet!
Inadequate hand hygiene contributes to infectious disease spread through hand-to-hand contact to include the common cold, flu, gastrointestinal disorders (such as infectious diarrhea) and even food-related illnesses such as Salmonella and E-coli. Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. “Antibacterial soaps are no better at killing germs than regular soap. Using proper handwashing technique matters more,” states Dr. Loren Lasater of the Family Medicine Department of WTMA.
There is a right way to wash your hands – not just a drop or two of soap and a splash of water. Follow these simple steps to clean your hands:
- Use warm water (not hot or cold).
- Use whatever soap you like. If you suspect your hands have come in contact with an infected person, consider an alcohol hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol-based).
- Rub your hands together vigorously and scrub all surfaces. Lather up on both sides of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and around your nails. Wash for at least 15 seconds.
- Rinse well under warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- In public restrooms, consider using a paper towel to flush the toilet and opening the door. Throw the towel away after you leave.
Hand washing doesn’t require much effort but it goes a long way in preventing illness. This simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. Appointments may be scheduled with Dr. Lasater by calling 325-224-5701.
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