The kids are back in school and who knows what they're bringing back home. It's time for a refresher course on the importance of washing your hands.
Posted in Articles on Thursday, September 5, 2024
The kids might not be thrilled to be heading back to school, but they are excited to reconnect with classmates. That means hallway hugs and high-fives will be given, close conversations will be had, and with that, a new batch of germs will be brought home.
It’s a good reminder that handwashing is sometimes the first line of defense in battling these illnesses. Clean hands are essential to good health.
As a health care professional, you’re already fully aware of the importance of handwashing, but now would be an ideal time to give your staff a refresher as well.
5 Easy Steps to Keep You Healthy
- Wet
There is no conclusive study on whether warm or cold water is more effective in terms of germ removal, so choose your preferred temperature.
- Lather
At any given time, your hands could be carrying upwards of 3,200 different germs. Lathering your hands with soap helps create enough friction to help lift germ microbes off your skin.
- Scrub
Most studies claim 20 seconds is a recommended amount of time for handwashing. Less than that, and you may not be achieving enough impact to remove the germs.
- Rinse
Be sure to never rinse your hands in a tub of water. That water could still be contaminated from prior uses. It’s best practice to use clean, running water.
- Dry
Take extra time to properly dry your hands after washing. This is a step many forego. You’ve seen them;, just a quick shake of the hands and they’re out the door. Wet hands transfer germs more easily, so be sure to get your hands as dry as possible.
Who’s Your Scrubbing Sidekick?
This might sound very elementary school, but do you have a buddy system in place when it comes to washing your hands?
It’s shown that individuals starting new workout programs or quitting a vice tend to find more success when they’re being held accountable by someone else, so why not employ this with something as simple as washing your hands?.
Perhaps when an extra set of eyes are watching, you’ll feel a bit more compelled to give your hands a thorough washing.
Should We Go Sans Sanitizer?
The easiest answer is no. Anything that can help eliminate germs is always appreciated, but sometimes sanitizers aren’t complete enough in the cleaning process.
Hand sanitizers have become more and more popular since the pandemic, and while they can offer a quick solution to eliminate bacteria and viruses, the friction caused in the actual washing of hands helps rid your hands of the most stubborn of illnesses.
You can use a sanitizer in a quick pinch, like after using a public computer or after touching a doorknob, but as a health care provider, you should be physically washing your hands whenever possible.
Be The Example
As a health care provider, you can set the best example for living a healthy life. Something as common as handwashing can help encourage others to do the same.
By thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water throughout the day, you can prevent the spreading of germs and help yourself, and those around you, stay healthy.