In an era of disease outbreaks and increasingly intense cold and flu seasons, no doubt you want to do everything you can to stay well and keep your family healthy. The simple task of hand washing takes only about 20 seconds and can literally save lives! Here’s why and how…
Germs Are Everywhere
It’s true, not every germ you come in contact with is deadly, and your immune system works diligently to protect you from all sorts of bacteria and viruses. When you don’t wash your hands frequently however, you’re putting yourself (and others) at unnecessary risk.
According to the CDC in their article “Show Me The Science - Why Wash Your Hands?”, keeping our hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to avoid getting sick!
Germs from unwashed hands can get into our food or drink, and in some of those environments the germs even multiply. We touch our faces hundreds of times a day and this invites bacteria into our eyes, nose, and mouth.
Every surface you touch through the day is covered in microscopic germs. As an example, surfaces in public bathrooms are said to have on average 500,000 bacterial cells per square inch.
Especially when you’re changing out your period supplies—time for a new tampon or wrapping up a used pad—hand washing should definitely be included in the task!
How To Wash Your Hands Right
Simple though it may seem, according to a university study by Michigan State, 95% of people are not washing their hands properly. Are you?
While hand sanitizer can be a beneficial option when you do not have immediate access to actual soap and water, scrubbing up at a sink is always the best bet for better cleaning.
These are the simple steps to clean hands:
- Wet your hands with clean water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to create a lather.
- Scrub all over your hands for 20 seconds, including between your fingers.
- Rinse well under clean, running water.
- Completely dry hands on a clean towel.
Whether you just threw a load of laundry into the washer, put your reusable totes full of groceries into the trunk, or are about to eat lunch—whatever you’re doing through your day, contribute to the health of yourself and everyone else. Wash your hands!
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