According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.
Regular hand washing can prevent not only common diseases like colds, but also more serious diseases like hepatitis A and meningitis.
But for hand washing to be effective, you have to do it right. Remember the Happy Birthday rule and these other guidelines:
How to Wash Your Hands Correctly:
• Wet hands with warm water if possible and use soap.
• Rub your hands together, making sure to scrub all areas.
• Rub for a minimum of 20 seconds or sing the ABCs or “Happy Birthday” (twice).
• Rinse thoroughly, then dry hands on a clean towel.
• Turn the faucet off with a towel if possible, not your hands, to prevent recontamination.
If no soap and water is available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When using sanitizer, apply product to the back and front of hands and rub until dry. Sanitizer will not remove germs from visibly dirty hands.
Did you know 1/3 of adults in the US don’t always wash their hands after using the bathroom, and 1 in 4 adults don’t wash their hands after changing diapers? Don’t be one of them! Stay healthy by washing your hands in these situations:
When to Wash
• Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, cleaning up after your pets, or handling money.
• Wash your hands when they’re dirty.
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands.
• Refrain from putting your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid touching people and surfaces with unclean hands.
For more information, go to the Florida Department of Health Facebook page here.