Washing Hands to Stay Healthy

One of the best ways to stay healthy is also one of the easiest – wash your hands.

According to the Centers for Disease Control “keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.”  To reduce the risk of illness, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.   If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. 

Hands should be washed:

• Before eating or handling food
• After using the bathroom
• After changing diapers
• After handling animals
• After coughing or sneezing into your hands, or after blowing your nose
• Before and after caring for someone who is ill
• Anytime hands become soiled

Encourage young children to develop the hand washing habit by setting a good example yourself, and by assisting children with proper hand washing as necessary. Practicing good hand washing at home, daycare, school and in the work place can help reduce the occurrence of illness and lead to fewer missed days at school and work. 

For additional information on hand washing and other illness prevention measures, visit the Centers for Disease Control.