Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Handwashing


You wouldn't think much instruction would be necessary for hand washing, but we are having a pandemic so let's review.
In order to remove germs from your hands:
1.  Wet your hands
2.  Apply soap-it doesn't matter if it is antibacterial or not
3.  Rub your hands together scrubbing for 20 seconds out of the water.  Make sure you are creating friction and cleaning up to your wrists.  The rubbing and the soap are what get the germs free from your hands.  Use a fingernail brush if you have one to get the dirt out from under your nails.  Germs hide there too.
4.  Rinse the soap off rubbing your hands together some more to ensure they are clean. 
5.  Use a clean towel to dry your hands.  If you are in a public restroom, use the paper towel to open the door so your clean hands don't touch it.

Using hand sanitizer when hand washing isn't possible is effective too.  But, the sanitizer has to have at least 60% alcohol in it to work.
20 seconds is a long time to wash your hands.  Just count to 20 and really wash your hands well.  It is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic  
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407  
Always wash your hands before: 
Preparing food  
Eating  
Treating wounds or giving medicine  
Touching a sick or injured person  
Inserting or removing contact lenses 
      Always wash your hands after:  
      Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry   
      Using the toilet   
      Changing a diaper   
      Touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste   
      Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands   
      Treating wounds 
      Touching a sick or injured person   
      Handling garbage or something that could be contaminated, such as a cleaning cloth or soiled shoes
      Of course, it's also important to wash your hands whenever they look dirty.

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