18 Oct The Importance of Good Hand Hygiene
The proper washing of hands and good hand hygiene remains one of the leading ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease.
From the time we were in single digits, it was instilled in us to wash our hands with soap and water. This would happen after using the bathroom, before working with food or prior to enjoying a meal – and any time in between when your mother deemed it necessary! Now, a good 40-years later, I can still hear a voice at the back of mind reminding me to wash my hands!
Why is hand hygiene so important?
Washing your hands properly with soap and water remains one of the most important ways that you can help stop the spread of germs that cause diseases. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people as you as you touch your mouth, nose or rub your eyes with unwashed hands.
There are some forms of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections that can cause serious complications in those with a weakened immune system as well as babies and young children and, of course, the elderly. By washing our hands and ensuring good hand hygiene, we are able to combat the spread of germs and protect the vulnerable within our society.
The elderly are more prone to serious complications when becoming ill. Protect them by washing your hands properly and stopping the spread of germs.
The elderly are more prone to serious complications when becoming ill. Protect them by washing your hands properly and stopping the spread of germs.
How do you maintain good hand hygiene?
Maintaining good hand hygiene is quite straight forward: Wash your hands properly with soap and water. If there isn’t clean, running water or soap in the vicinity, you can also utilise a waterless hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, but take into consideration that this will not combat all diseases.
How long does it take to wash your hands properly?
It is quite a quick process, lasting only about 20 seconds…yes, that fast!
The five basic steps of a good handwashing regime include:
1. Wet your hands under clean, running water and apply soap. Turn off the tap, especially in drought or water stricken areas where every drop counts.
2. Rub your hands together forming a nice lather with the soap.
3. Rub and lather your hands for at least 20 seconds. How long is 20 seconds? Two renditions of “Happy Birthday” from start to finish will cover you on that timing issue – and probably get you wondering whose birthday is coming up!
4. Open the tap and rinse your hands under more clean, running water.
5. Turn the tap off and dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them. DO NOT dry them by wiping them on the dirty seat of your pants…you will be surprised how many people do this!
Rub and lather your hand together for at least 20 seconds when washing them.
Rub and lather your hand together for at least 20 seconds when washing them.
What are the benefits of washing your hands?
There are numerous benefits to washing your hands, both for you as an individual and for those around you, whether at home, at school or in the workplace.
1. Healthier Children!
Regular handwashing can diminish the amount of germs in circulation at schools, pre-schools and aftercares and also stops the children from bringing germs into the home. It can also reduce the number of children who become sick and have to be absent from school as a result.
2. Learn as You Grow
By showing your children how you wash your hands and teaching them how to wash theirs, you are teaching them not only a life skill, but also empowering them as they can now teach their friends about handwashing. This in turn, might encourage these friends to share their newfound skill with others, thereby spreading the concept of handwashing.
3. Keep your Workplace Healthy
You know how it goes…one person at work becomes ill and before you know it, the rest of the staff are falling like flies! Proper handwashing by all employees can cut down the spread of illnesses.
4. Fewer Food-borne Illnesses
Many food-borne illnesses come from poor hand hygiene, not only that dodgy takeaway down the street! Remember to wash your hands prior to and after preparing and serving meals.
5. Lowers Bacteria Survival Rate
Bacteria have been around for billions and billions of years and are not about to leave without a fight. If you do not actively wash your hands, they have the ability to survive and thrive on your hands for days…a rather sickening thought!
6. Lowers Infections
Did you know that, on average, we touch our faces about 23 times in an hour? This is purely unconscious behaviour but does allow many opportunities for bacteria to enter our bodies through our eyes, nose or mouth.
By actively washing our hands, these opportunities are diminished, leaving us with less chance of infections.
It is amazing to consider how such a simple act, such as washing your hands or not, can have such far-reaching consequences! The point remains: Regular handwashing is one of the easiest and fastest ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. Whether you are at work, school, home or just out and about, handwashing with soap and water can protect you and your loved ones. Go for it and spend those 20 seconds wisely!
