How many times did your mother tell you to be sure and wash your hands when you were growing up?  We soon forget how right she was.  According to the Centers for Disease Control hand washing is THE single most important factor to prevent the spread of infection.

            Hand washing requires only soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  If you are not washing your hands frequently you can pick up germs from other sources such as food to hands, hands to food, hands to others and hands to objects.  Your hands can infect you when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.  Lynn Henrikson, FNP, of the Internal Medicine Department of WTMA states, “Although it’s impossible to keep your hands germ-free, frequent hand washing can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and microbes.” 

            Always wash your hands before:

• Preparing food
• Eating
• Treating wounds or giving medications
• Touching or removing contact lenses

Always wash your hands after:

• Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
• Using the toilet
• Changing a diaper
• Touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste
• Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands
• Treating wounds
• Touching a sick or injured person

          Hand washing can offer great rewards in terms of preventing illness.  By adopting this simple habit, you can play a major role in protecting your health and the health of others.  Please contact your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions.  You may schedule an appointment with Ms. Henrikson at WTMA by calling 325-224-5327.