Should You Wash Your Hands Properly?

Wash your hands! It’s one of the most basic yet crucial habits we can practice to maintain our health and hygiene. Yet, despite its simplicity, many of us neglect to wash our hands properly, leaving ourselves vulnerable to a host of illnesses and infections. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of washing your hands properly, the best techniques to follow, and what can happen if you don’t.

The Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness and infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 16%, and diarrheal diseases by up to 42%. It’s especially crucial in the following situations:

• Before preparing or consuming food
• After using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching animals or their waste
• After touching garbage or anything contaminated with germs

The Proper Way to Wash Your Hands

So, how do you wash your hands properly? Follow these simple steps:

1. Wet your hands: Turn on the tap and wet your hands under warm running water.
2. Apply soap: Use a mild soap that’s gentle on your skin. You can use liquid soap, bar soap, or hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
3. Lather the soap: Work the soap into a lather, making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
4. Scrub for 20 seconds: Rub your hands together to create friction and help loosen dirt and germs. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to ensure you scrub for the full 20 seconds.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hands under running water to remove all soap residue.
6. Dry completely: Dry your hands completely with a clean towel or air dryer.

What Happens if You Don’t Wash Your Hands Properly?

If you don’t wash your hands properly, you may be at risk of spreading illnesses and infections. Here are some potential consequences:

• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu
• Diarrheal diseases, such as norovirus and rotavirus
• Skin infections, such as acne and eczema
• Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis
• Infections in wounds, such as cuts and scrapes

Additional Tips

• Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially during cold and flu season.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and utensils, which can spread germs.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, regularly.

In conclusion, washing your hands properly is an essential habit for maintaining good health and hygiene. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can reduce the risk of illness and infection, and keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember, wash your hands frequently, wash them properly, and avoid the spreading of germs!