The Hands On Approach

I remember quite well how my mom would tell me to go wash my hand when I would come in from outside. Sometimes I would, and like most kids, sometimes I'd just pretend that I had. It turns out that telling me to wash my hands may have been more than just mom's way of pulling rank on her baby boy. It seems that keeping your hands clean is one of the first lines of defense in preventing the spread of disease. Way to go mom!

Hand washing is a simple habit, something most people do without thinking. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — a cleanser that doesn't require water. When done properly, hand washing is one of the best way to prevent getting sick.
Frequent hand washing has been shown to stop or limit the spread of infectious diseases like the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. Proper hand hygiene can also stop the spread of food related illnesses like salmonella and E. coli infection.

Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands. If you don't wash your hands enough you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You can infect others by touching them or touching a surface that they touch, like a door knob. You should always was your hands:

• After using the toilet.
• Before and after eating.
• After touching an animal.
• Before and after preparing food.
• After blowing your nose.
• After coughing or sneezing.
• Before holding a baby.
• Before and after touching a sick person.
• After handling garbage.
• After coming in from outside.

These are just a few instances when hand washing is a must, I'm sure everyone can think of more. The point is you should wash your hands often to prevent the spread of disease. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your long-term health. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!