Hand washing: A Simple way to stay Healthy

Hand washing is a simple habit that can help every one to keep healthy.Good hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of corona virus and other infections.

Hand washing is a simple habit, something when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand washing doesn’t take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. As a major preventive advice to corona virus, The World Health Organization-WHO, has asked every one to wash hands frequently. “Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands” WHO advice says.

The Dangers of not washing your hands:

Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don’t practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. If you don’t wash your hands frequently, you can infect yourself with germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand -to-hand contact; include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders,- such as infectious diarrhoea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E.coli infection. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms-of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Proper hand washing techniques:

Good hand washing techniques include washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Alcohol –based hand sanitizers – which don’t require water -are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren’t available.

1. Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.

2. Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your finger nails.

4. Rinse well.

5. Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.

When should you wash your hands?

Although it’s impossible to keep your bare hands germ-free, there are times when it’s critical to wash your hands to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.Always wash your hands:

1. After using the toilet

2. After changing a diaper – wash the diaper-wearer’s hands, too

3. After touching animals or animal waste

4. Before and after preparing food, especially before and immediately after handling raw meat, poultry or fish

5. Before eating

6. After blowing your nose

7. After coughing or sneezing into your hands

8. Before and after treating wounds or cuts

9. Before and after touching a sick or injured person

10. After handling garbage

11. Before inserting or removing contact lenses

12. When using public restrooms, such as those in airports, train stations, bus stations and restaurants

Kids need clean hands, too:

Hand washing is especially important for children. Children younger than 3 years in child care are at greater risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, which can easily spread to family members and others in the community. You can help your children avoid getting sick by insisting that they wash their hands properly and frequently. To get kids into the habit, teach by example. Wash your hands with your children and supervise their hand washing.

Dr Ignaz Semmelweis was the first to suggest that doctors wash their hands to prevent spread of diseases. His theory was rejected, he was disgraced and he died in an asylum in 1865.