Every day, we use our hands to engage in various activities such as our work. We also use them to touch people especially during handshakes, touch objects and different surfaces throughout the day. As we do this, we literally gather up germs on our hands. In the process, we can infect ourselves with these germs when we touch various parts of our bodies especially the eyes, the nose and the mouth. We could also infect others when we touch them too. But do you know that you can live a sickness free life in spite of this by doing one very simple and cost free activity: WASHING YOUR HANDS.
Truth be told, you really cannot keep your hands germ-free; however, if you wash your hands regularly you can limit the transfer of these diseases-causing microbes otherwise known as pathogens. It is important for you to realise that what you do with your hands will definitely affect your health. Permit me to say that your hands hold the key to your health
You might be asking, “How often should I then wash my hands?” Have you heard the saying that too much of everything is bad? Well, not in this case. Actually, you can’t wash your hands enough. You should engage in hand washing:
- Before, during, and after you have prepared your food
- Before you eat your food
- Before and after you have taken care of a sick person
- Before and after you have treated a cut or wound
- After you have used the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After coming in contact with an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching and disposing waste
It is important at this point to know that there are actually series of steps you need during hand washing in order to stay healthy. If your hands are not washed properly, it is almost as though you have not washed them at all. Many people “claim” to have washed their hands whereas they just used water. That’s not effective. The best way to wash your hands is to do so with soap and water. Follow these simple steps for effective hand washing:
- Make your hands wet with clean, running water (warm or cold).
- Apply liquid, bar or powder soap.
- Let the soap foam well.
- Rub your hands energetically for a minimum 20 seconds scrubbing all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
- Rinse well.
- Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer.
- If it is possible, use a towel or your elbow to turn off the tap.
If clean running water is not available, use any available water that is clean. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative. However, it is important that you check to make sure that the product is 60% alcohol. When using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure that you apply sufficient amounts of the product to your hands until they are wet and then rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, until your hands are dry.
As simple as hand washing is, it could just be the activity that keeps you from the hospital the rest of your life. Ensure you do it regularly.
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