Hand washing is the easiest and best way to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Use soap and water regularly to promote good health, and make a hand sanitizer Alcohol-based when you have no access to soap and water. According to the Mayo Clinic professionals, while you can not keep your hands completely free of germs, wash your hands often goes a long way toward keeping you and those around you healthy.
How to Wash
Effective hand washing is easy. Use soap, wet hands. Remember that antibacterial soap does not give more protection than ordinary soap. Rub hands together to create a lather for 20 seconds, taking care to rub the backs of your hands, between fingers and under fingernails. Rinse hands under running water and dry your hands on a cloth or disposable dryer. If the paper towel or cloth available, use it to turn off the water, so as not to pick up the bacteria, which may be persistent on the faucet.
When to wash
Who should wash
Everyone should wash their hands frequently a habit, certain groups should be especially careful to keep their hands clean. People in the medical profession must keep their hands clean to prevent the spread of the disease for themselves or from patient to patient. Children are also known carriers of germs. Teach children the proper way to wash your hands, and will continue the habit into adulthood. People who handle food should also be especially careful to wash their hands. Many foods, including meat, carry the bacteria that spreads easily from person to person.
Washing Alternatives
The Centers for Disease Control recommends an alcohol containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available. Note that these cleaners do not kill all germs.
