We’ve all been there, someone coughs or sneezes directly into their hands and then proceeds to shake yours. We instantly become consumed by the thought of all the germs moving from their hands to ours and we get the urge to wash our hands. Well in honor of these all too frequent encounters and the cold and flu season, this week, December 4-12, is national handwashing week.
There are probably a million and one different ways to get sick during the holiday season, you’re sharing small spaces, sharing food and drinks, and sharing hats and gloves. Washing your hands is a simple and effective way to keep you and your family healthy this holiday season. The Center for Disease Control offers a few important times to remember to wash your hands
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the restroom
- After changing diapers
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching the garbage
Well we all know it’s important to wash our hands, but what is the most effective way to do so?
- Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap (while applying soap, it would be a good time to turn off the faucet to conserve water.)
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap, making sure not to forget the backs of your hands and in between your fingers. If you're working with kids, try having them sing the "Happy Birthday" song while they lather. You could also make it a festive event and sing the chorus of your favorite holiday song!
- Rinse your hands well under clean, warm running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel, paper towels, or air drying.
If you'd like to check out this information and more, visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing
We hope this information will help you to stay healthy and well this holiday season!
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