Monday Med Mania

Handwashing Reviewed

It's not that I like bringing up old topics that seem to be worn into the ground, but every so often I find it necessary to emphasize the importance of handwashing. Unwashed or improperly washed hands are a very common way of spreading nasty critters that cause disease such as colds, flu, ear infections, strept infections, staph infections, diarrhea, vomit viruses and other intestinal problems.

It is the routine things we do every day without even thinking about it that pass along these germs and viruses such as handling food, touching doorknobs, shaking hands, and even talking on the phone. However, the single most important thing we can do to keep these uninvited guests from invading our lives is proper handwashing.

First, frequent handwashing is extremely important expecially when the following is involved:
Before handling food or eating

• After using the bathroom
• After sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
• After taking out the trash
• After handling money
• After changing a diaper
• After handling uncooked meat
• After playing with a pet
• Before touching your face, eyes, mouth or ears

Proper handwashing includes:

• Using hot or warm running water
• Lathering hands with soap
• Rubbing hands togethor for at least ten seconds
• Washing the back of the hands, between fingers and under fingernails
• Rinsing with warm water
• Patting hands dry
• Turning off the water using a paper towel

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is the most avilable "low-tech" prevention of illnesses. Developing a routine habit of frequent handwashing will help transfer that habit to others and prevent illnesses and infections in households as well as pofressional offices, restaurants, medical facilities and clinics.