Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay healthy. National Handwashing Awareness Week is the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of proper hand hygiene. By washing our hands the right way, we can prevent the spread of illnesses and protect our loved ones.
Why Handwashing Matters
Our hands touch countless surfaces every day, picking up germs along the way. These germs can cause illnesses like the flu, colds, and even foodborne diseases. Without proper handwashing, these germs can easily spread to others when we touch our faces, food, or shared surfaces.
For families, proper hand hygiene is especially important to protect children, who are more likely to catch and spread illnesses. Teaching kids the importance of handwashing can help them build lifelong healthy habits.
When to Wash Your Hands
Knowing when to wash your hands is key to staying healthy. You should wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food.
- After using the bathroom.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching animals or handling pet food.
- After being in public places or touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or shopping carts.
How to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
Handwashing is only effective if done correctly. Follow these simple steps to make sure your hands are clean:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
- Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together. Don’t forget the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is a fun way to time it, especially for kids.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air dry.
Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative when soap and water are not available. However, handwashing is more effective at removing certain types of germs.
Hand Hygiene and Primary Care
Your primary care provider can be an excellent resource for learning about hand hygiene and preventing illnesses. Regular check-ups allow you to discuss concerns and get advice on keeping your family healthy. Primary care doctors can also offer tips on teaching kids about hygiene and provide guidance on what to do if someone in your family gets sick.
Healthy Hands, Healthy Families
Handwashing is a simple act, but its impact on health is enormous. By washing your hands regularly and teaching your family to do the same, you can reduce the risk of illness for your loved ones. National Handwashing Awareness Week is the perfect time to start building healthier habits that last a lifetime.
Want to get a head start on your health? Call MHEDS at 814-453-6229 (Peach Street) or 814-616-7730 (John F. Kennedy Center).
Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. MHEDS’ providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). About handwashing. Retrieved from
www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html - Mayo Clinic. (2023). Hand-washing: Do’s and don’ts. Retrieved from
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253
