Good Hand-washing Hygiene Saves Lives
If we’ve learned anything in 2020, it’s the importance of washing our hands frequently. While our hands may look clean, they are constantly picking up germs and bacteria with everything we touch. Just think of all the doors and drawers you opened today, the elevator buttons you pushed, and the time you spent using your keyboard. Now, think of how many times you touched your face, spreading germs with a single touch.
Soap and water is a valuable weapon in our arsenal against the spread of germs and infectious diseases, like COVID-19. It’s not only important to wash our hands regularly, but it’s also just as important how well we wash them. Not a quick rinse but a truly proper wash. A little review will go a long way to keep you safe this holiday season.
- Before washing your hands, remove rings and other jewellery that can trap or hide germs and bacteria.
- Wet your hands and wrists with warm water.
- Rub hands with soap creating a nice bubbly lather. Intertwine your fingers and rub in between them. Now rub the back of each hand with the opposite palm, paying attention to the knuckles and nails.
- Rub each thumb by gripping it with the other hand like you would a bike handle. Do the same with your wrists.
- Lather all surfaces of your hands for 15 seconds – or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
- Gently wipe and dry your hands with a clean towel, paper towel or air drier
Pro Tip:
Although hand sanitizer is now widely available almost everywhere you go, it’s a good idea to carry a travel-size bottle with you at all times.
