December 1-7 is National Handwashing Awareness Week. This week spreads the importance of washing your hands to prevent spread of germs and illnesses. Handwashing is one of the leading preventatives for fighting off sickness.

Seriously???:

Washing your hands is seriously important! According to the CDC, you can reduce your chances of getting sick by 40% just by keeping your hands clean. There are various ways hand washing prevents the spread of germ and illness. Firstly, it removes germs from your hands…obviously. Second, soap and water kill germs, making it harder for them to spread as easily. 

Tips:

Here are a few key tips to implement in your daily lives to help keep you, your friends, and your family healthy and free of germs:

• Keep hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes on you in case you are in a setting with no access to soap and water.
• Influence people around you to wash their hands, by setting a good example of keeping your own clean.
• Remind small children of the importance of hand washing.

From The School Nurse:

I asked Nurse Kalsulka, the nurse here at Bob Jones for some input on the importance of washing your hands. Here is what she had to say:

“Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of infections. Here’s why it’s so important: Prevents the Spread of Infectious Diseases and Protects You and Others.” She also gave some instructions on how to properly wash your hands:

1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together and scrubbing the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
4. Rinse hands under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

“In short, handwashing is a simple yet powerful practice to keep harmful germs at bay and promote better public health.” -Nurse Kalsulka

Just Keep Washing!:

National Handwashing Week highlights the importance of washing your hands to help decrease the spread of germs and diseases. So remember to keep your hands clean to help prevent yourself and others from many illnesses.