Who knew at the start of 2020 one of the biggest lessons we would be revisiting has to do with washing our hands? As we strive to prevent the spread of infection it is important to understand and get into the practice of properly washing your hands. The following is a list of hand washing do’s and don’ts to keep the staff and clients of Horton Plumbing healthy and safe.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hand Washing
Make hand washing a priority in the health habits you practice and pass on to your family. Kids are notorious for imitation; practicing proper hand washing in front of them to pass on this life saving habit.
When should I wash my hands?
This is a good question and the short answer is OFTEN. Throughout the day we contact people, surfaces, and objects that accumulate the germs from our hands and the hands of others. Germs then find a way into your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth as you go about your day. It is almost impossible to prevent the transfer of germs however; with frequent hand washing you can limit their spread.
Ideally you should wash your hands prior to:
- Food preparations
- Eating
- Caring for others, especially those who are sick
- Contact lens preparations
And after:
- Food preparations
- Using the restroom or changing a child’s diaper
- Playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal
- Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Caring for others, especially those who are sick
- Handling garbage
How should I wash my hands?
Washing your hands using antibacterial soap and water is the best method of handwashing. Regular soap is not as effective at killing germs as antibacterial soaps.
Follow these steps:
- Wet hands with clean water
- Apply soap and lather
- Lather soap scrubbing the surfaces of your hands, between your fingers and underneath the fingernails
- Rinse
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry
