An Easy Way to Stay Healthy: Handwashing
By Amber Whetzel, Nurse Manager at Kingsway Retirement Living
October 15 is Global Handwashing Day.
This day is about increasing awareness and understanding the importance of handwashing. The COVID-19 pandemic is a good reminder that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus is also one of the simplest: handwashing with soap. This is an easy way to help you and your loved ones stay healthy.
Remember to wash your hands often, particularly at these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is vomiting or has diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or other wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching a livestock animal, its feed, or its waste
- After handling pet foods or pet treats
- After touching garbage
- After being in a public place and touching an object or surface
Here are five easy steps for washing your hands the right way:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
No matter who you are, you can celebrate Global Handwashing Day!
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