Wash Hands: Fight Disease-Causing Germs

Trying to continue regular hygiene habits when supplies are limited my get difficult. Suggestions found here include: Toilet Paper, Showers, Shaving, Bathing, Hand Sanitizer, Hair Care, Soaps and much more!
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Readymom
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Wash Hands: Fight Disease-Causing Germs

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Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Universtiy

Author: Tim Roberts, Former Extension Specialist, Food Safety, Virginia Tech; Contact Person: Dr. Eleanor Schlenker.

Publication Number 348-965, Revised September 2004

Why Wash Hands?
Failure to adequately wash hands is a major cause of infectious diseases. Individuals who practice poor personal hygiene while preparing food may spread diseases such as hepatitis A, salmonellosis, and shigellosis. Studies indicate that one-third (33%) of people do not wash their hands after using the restroom.

When To Wash Hands?
Wash hands often because disease-causing germs can easily be transferred to food, surfaces, and people.
Germs cannot be seen with the naked eye. Warmth and moisture (perspiration) on skin surfaces allow germs to quickly grow into millions.

Hands should be washed:
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
    Before eating food
    After using the restroom
    After coughing or sneezing
    After changing diapers
    After handling money
    After handling trash or taking out garbage
    After petting an animal
    After work or play
    Whenever hands come in contact with body fluids (i.e. runny nose, watery eyes, saliva)
    More frequently when someone in the home is sick
    When hands are dirty
How To Wash Hands?
Hands should be washed vigorously by scrubbing with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Germs can hide underneath fingernails. Thus, rub tips of fingers along the soapy palm of the alternate hand or use a fingernail brush. Rinse hands well and completely dry with a paper towel or air-dryer. If you will be preparing food, try not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces after washing your hands. Proper handwashing steps are listed on the other side of the page.
Last edited by Readymom on Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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