The Proper Hand Washing Technique

Stop Germs Before They Attack!

Yes, there really is a "proper hand washing technique". This simple method, using ordinary soap and water, can significantly cut the rate of infectious illness.

Disease patrol

Exposure to germs, some of them quite nasty, is a daily event. You grab a door handle, a shopping cart, or even a treasured dollar bill ... later you touch your nose, your eyes, your mouth. You then pass those germs to other surfaces. Soon everyone is getting sick!

The proper hand washing technique prevents the spread of colds, flu, and common stomach bugs. More importantly, this time honored habit can also stop the spread of serious diseases such as hepatitis, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea.

So, what is the ...

Proper hand washing technique?

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces for 15-20 seconds (time it by singing one slow verse of "Happy Birthday" to yourself, silently, if not alone!).
• Rinse hands well under running water.
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

How often should you wash your hands?

If you're like most people, you probably don't wash as frequently, nor as efficiently, as experts recommend.

CDC guidelines advise hand washing ...

• Before preparing or eating food
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• Before inserting or removing contact lenses

What is the best cleanser?

Studies show that plain soap and water is just as effective at killing germs as antibacterial soap. "Does Antibacterial Soap Work?" uncovers enlightening information about these antimicrobial products.

I use mild, natural soap. It is gentle and kind to my hands, especially with such frequent hand washing!

Alcohol hand sanitizer

• Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
• Rub hands together.
• Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Protect yourself, your family, and others. Follow the proper hand washing technique and teach it to your children. And remember, practice safe hand washing ... use a natural soap!