Germs can enter your body through your nose, mouth, and eyes and make us sick. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds removes germs from hands and helps prevent sickness. The CDC states that studies have shown handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sickness and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu. Handwashing helps prevent the spread of germs that can be transferred to others by dirty door knobs, tables, toys, etc.
Proper handwashing is done by wetting your hands with clean running water. Next, scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds then rinse your hands under clean, running water. The last step is to dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.
Take the time to wash your hands properly
- Before and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After touching garbage
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- After using the restroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces.
For more information and a video demonstration of how to wash your hands visit: www.cdc.gov/handwashing
By: Ashley Svaty
