Let"s Get Back to the Basics by Washing and Drying Our Hands
How do we catch colds and other illnesses? The most common answer would be that they are transmitted through the air. However, 80% are transmitted by hands. Since this is the time of the season where the chance of getting sick increases, we need to be on alert. It really is simple and does not take a lot of effort €" wash your hands. Washing hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illnesses. You may think this applies to kids but surprisingly the problem stems from adults not washing their hands after visiting the restroom, after blowing their nose, or before handling food €" yes adults!
While washing is important, drying your hands is just as important. Researchers have found that many people do not dry their hands thoroughly after washing, especially when using hot-air dryers. Some people would prefer to wipe their hands on their clothes; however, doing this just spreads microorganisms right back onto the hands. If possible, the best way to dry your hands is to use a disposable paper towel or a dry unused cloth towel.
The Center for Disease Control outlined the proper way to wash hands:
How do we catch colds and other illnesses? The most common answer would be that they are transmitted through the air. However, 80% are transmitted by hands. Since this is the time of the season where the chance of getting sick increases, we need to be on alert. It really is simple and does not take a lot of effort €" wash your hands. Washing hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illnesses. You may think this applies to kids but surprisingly the problem stems from adults not washing their hands after visiting the restroom, after blowing their nose, or before handling food €" yes adults!
While washing is important, drying your hands is just as important. Researchers have found that many people do not dry their hands thoroughly after washing, especially when using hot-air dryers. Some people would prefer to wipe their hands on their clothes; however, doing this just spreads microorganisms right back onto the hands. If possible, the best way to dry your hands is to use a disposable paper towel or a dry unused cloth towel.
The Center for Disease Control outlined the proper way to wash hands:
These steps may seem to be a little bit on the extreme side but by putting forth the extra effort in keeping our hands clean will only be beneficial to us.
Additionally, a common trend today is the use of hand sanitizers instead of washing hands with soap. Many such sanitizers work well, and are increasingly found in hallway dispensers in hospitals, schools, and day care centers. Recently, research has found that hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. This keeps the bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface of the hand. However, this particular bacteria found in the body is not the type of bacteria that will make us sick. Research has shown that hand sanitizers do not significantly reduce the number of bacteria on the hand that will make us sick and in some cases may potentially increase that level of bacteria. So hand sanitizers are not 100% effective in keeping our hands clean in a way to keep us from getting sick.
In order to avoid getting a cold or some other illness, go back to the basics and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them just as thoroughly. Doing so properly will be a big advantage to staying healthy during the upcoming winter months.
While washing is important, drying your hands is just as important. Researchers have found that many people do not dry their hands thoroughly after washing, especially when using hot-air dryers. Some people would prefer to wipe their hands on their clothes; however, doing this just spreads microorganisms right back onto the hands. If possible, the best way to dry your hands is to use a disposable paper towel or a dry unused cloth towel.
The Center for Disease Control outlined the proper way to wash hands:
How do we catch colds and other illnesses? The most common answer would be that they are transmitted through the air. However, 80% are transmitted by hands. Since this is the time of the season where the chance of getting sick increases, we need to be on alert. It really is simple and does not take a lot of effort €" wash your hands. Washing hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illnesses. You may think this applies to kids but surprisingly the problem stems from adults not washing their hands after visiting the restroom, after blowing their nose, or before handling food €" yes adults!
While washing is important, drying your hands is just as important. Researchers have found that many people do not dry their hands thoroughly after washing, especially when using hot-air dryers. Some people would prefer to wipe their hands on their clothes; however, doing this just spreads microorganisms right back onto the hands. If possible, the best way to dry your hands is to use a disposable paper towel or a dry unused cloth towel.
The Center for Disease Control outlined the proper way to wash hands:
- Always use warm running water and a mild soap. (Plain soaps are just as effective as anti-bacterial soap.) Pre-moistened towelettes do not effectively clean hands.
- Rub hands vigorously until a soapy lather appears for at least 15 seconds. Scrub the tops and palms of the hands as well as between fingers and under fingernails.
- Rinse hands under warm running water.
- Dry hands with a disposable paper towel and avoid touching the faucet or towel holder with clean hands.
- Turn the faucet off using the towel as a barrier to keep from touching the handle.
- Teach your children to clean their hands by performing the above steps. Afterwards, when they are done, wash your hands.
These steps may seem to be a little bit on the extreme side but by putting forth the extra effort in keeping our hands clean will only be beneficial to us.
Additionally, a common trend today is the use of hand sanitizers instead of washing hands with soap. Many such sanitizers work well, and are increasingly found in hallway dispensers in hospitals, schools, and day care centers. Recently, research has found that hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. This keeps the bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface of the hand. However, this particular bacteria found in the body is not the type of bacteria that will make us sick. Research has shown that hand sanitizers do not significantly reduce the number of bacteria on the hand that will make us sick and in some cases may potentially increase that level of bacteria. So hand sanitizers are not 100% effective in keeping our hands clean in a way to keep us from getting sick.
In order to avoid getting a cold or some other illness, go back to the basics and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them just as thoroughly. Doing so properly will be a big advantage to staying healthy during the upcoming winter months.
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