The Importance of Handwashing

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on February 5, 2019

Why is it important to wash your hands?

Handwashing is by far the best way to prevent kids and adults from getting sick and spreading germs. Germs on your hands have many opportunities to spread and make yourself and others sick. For example, people frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick. Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks under certain conditions and make people sick. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, table tops, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands. Removing germs through handwashing therefore helps prevent symptoms like diarrhea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections. By properly washing hands with soap and running water, you can effectively remove germs from your hands and prevent spreading sickness.

What is the best way to wash your hands?

It is important to learn the proper way to wash your hands and pass the knowledge onto kids as a regular habit for good hygiene:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Make sure the water isn’t too hot for little hands.
2. Use soap and lather up for about 20 seconds. Antibacterial soap isn’t a must — any soap will do.
3. Make sure you get in between your fingers, on the backs of hands, and under the nails where germs like to hang out. And don’t forget the wrists!
4. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

When should you wash your hands?

To stop the spread of germs in your family, make regular handwashing a rule for everyone. It’s especially important:

• before eating and cooking
• after using the bathroom
• after cleaning around the house
• after touching animals, including family pets
• before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
• after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

At Stellar Health & Wellness, we are serious about the health and happiness of our patients. We take a holistic approach to healthcare and believe in giving each and every patient personalized treatment. We treat the person, not the symptom and that means we help you get healthy and stay healthy. Call 503-344-6631 today for a free consultation!

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