From a very early age, hand washing is instilled into us as of utmost importance. It keeps the germs off and stops it from spreading. ‘Wash your hands after you sneeze,’ my mother always says. But are we simply over reacting? Or is really that important?
Hand Washing Facts
- The Centre for Disease Control did a study and estimate that it people regularly washed their hands, it could prevent millions of deaths.
- The Centre for Disease Control found that only 5% of people wash their hands correctly.
- The study also shows that only 15% of men and 7% of men do not wash their hands.
- The same study shows that those that washed their hands, only 50% of men used soap, while 78% of women did.
- Although there have been many advancements in hand hygiene, water and soap is still the most effective way in cleaning your hands. People may not use enough or wipe it off before it is properly dried.
- Even if you think your hands are clean, they most likely are not. In the food industry, food utensils carry a lot of germs. Wash your hands after using the utensils before using your hands to prepare food.
- Having hand washing signs increase the frequency and length one cleans their hands.
When it comes to hands, fingernails is the part that is most difficult to clean. - The proper way to wash your hands is to wet your hands in the sink. Once you turn off the tap, scrub your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing the soap suds off. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
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