Proper Hand Washing

The importance of proper hand washing

We all know how to wash our hands. The current climate has our leaders reminding us to increase our hand washing frequency. But, are we using good technique?

Our hands touch so many surfaces every day. And, we tend to touch our faces. A lot. So we are transferring all those germs to our faces all day long. In order to kill as many germs as possible, we need to wash our hands for a full 20 seconds.

How to time ourselves for 20 seconds of hand washing

How long is 20 seconds anyway? The trick is this: sing Happy Birthday. Twice.

Watch my 4-year-old granddaughter demonstrate for you:

The steps are easy: wet with clean water. Apply soap. Lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with clean water. Dry with a hand towel or electric dryer.

When should we wash our hands?

According to the CDC, here are some key times you should be washing your hands:

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

Hand sanitizer is good, but not as effective as washing. So only use hand sanitizer if hand washing is not available.

And please remember the Happy Birthday rule, its a great way to time yourself to be certain you are truly cleaning your hands. Think not only viruses, but also cooking activities. Raw chicken, or any other meat for that matter, can carry contaminants that need to be thoroughly washed off your hands and all kitchen surfaces. A quick swipe is probably not enough. 20 seconds - it's longer than you think.

Teach children, but learn from them also

I try to take a walk outdoors each day. I need the fresh air, the sunshine and the exercise. Ever since we have all been quarantined, I've noticed an increase in the messages on sidewalks. Kids young and old are spreading messages of positivity and hope.

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And sometimes, just a direct message to that nasty virus 😀

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I would love to know if others have found messages like these on their sidewalks - let me know!