Don’t Forget — Wash Those Hands

From a young age, most of us are taught the importance of washing our hands and how it can help keep ourselves and others healthy. This is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs.

While there are numerous ways of staying germ-free, hand washing is the easiest and most convenient way of doing so. December is often recognized as National Hand Washing Awareness Month with the hope that people will begin habitually washing their hands – and often.

“Hand washing is one of the easiest, most preventative measures you can take to keeping yourself and your family healthy,” said Dr. Ann Snyder of Snyder-Hopkins Family Medicine Center and Prosper Family Medicine Center.  “It’s so important to become accustomed to washing your hands, especially considering how many germs we come in contact with at our workplaces or schools.”

Throughout the day, as you touch different objects or surfaces, germs gather on your hands – so washing them regularly is recommended. The more time you allow germs to accumulate, the easier it is to infect yourself by rubbing your eyes, eating with your hands, or having any other contact with your nose or mouth.

Washing your hands is simple – here are the rules:

  1. Wet your hands with water – warm or cold.
  2. Apply the soap and lather vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
  3. Make sure you get all part of your hand – in between your fingers, fingernails, fingertips, wrists, palms and the back of your hands.
  4. Rinse.
  5. Dry.
  6. If possible, shut down the faucet and open the door handle with a paper towel or an elbow. Many people don’t wash properly (or at all), so don’t make yourself vulnerable to their germs.

While it’s generally best to wash with soap, utilizing hand sanitizer is also an effective way to prevent the spread of germs. It’s generally recommended to apply the sanitizer to your palm (generally a dime-shape’s worth) and continuously rub it into your skin for about 30 seconds, or until your hands are dry.

It’s certainly possible to over-wash, primarily because our bodies develop immunities and defenses against germs all the time, but there are some definite times when you should always wash your hands:

Wash your hands before:

  • Preparing or eating food
  • Administering first aid, including the treatment of wounds or giving of medicine
  • Inserting or removing contacts

It’s also best to wash your hands after:

  • Using the bathroom/toilet
  • Preparing food, particularly meat and poultry
  • Handling garbage and household chemicals
  • Cleaning, including around the home or personal items (clothes, shoes, etc.)
  • Shaking hands/touching others
  • Blowing your nose
  • Coughing/sneezing into your hand

At Methodist McKinney Hospital, we want you to stay healthy and happy all year long, so don’t forget to wash those hands – and have a wonderful and healthy holiday season!

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