THE IMPORTANCE OF HAND WASHING

People have been washing hands since the dawn of civilization. When washing hands began with the origin of man, why is it being discussed so much? Cleaning hands; is a simple routine, as simple as brushing teeth or bathing.

An average adult washes his hands at least eight times a day. Soap is applied on wet hands and rinsed off. A moist towel placed on the rack is used to dry the hands. This process leaves one feeling clean.

Well, the hands are cleaned but are they hygienically cleaned?

Common mistakes made while washing hands

The most common mistakes made while washing hands are listed below.

• The area between the fingers and the backside of the hands are often ignored. Residual dust, germs and bacteria gather there.
• Wet hands are often wiped on moist towels. Moist towels contain lots of bacteria and viruses. Towels should be very dry. In the absence of dry towels, it is wise to use paper towels.
• Sometimes hands are washed in stagnant water, which is wrong.

Proper method of washing hands

• Hand should be made wet.
• The wet hands should be rubbed together with soap.
• The rich lather should be used for cleaning between the fingers, the back of the hands, under the nails and the sides of the palm too.
• The well-cleaned hands should be thoroughly rinsed under warm or hot running water.
• Hands should be wiped on a paper towel. Cloth towels can also be used, provided they are absolutely dry. But a common towel for a group of people is a bad idea.

Washing hands while in a group.

• People/children in a group should never wash hands in basins of soapy water.
• Liquid soap must be made available.
• Disposable paper towels are a must.

Germ filled places

Virus, mud and bacteria are found lodged on doorknobs, chairs, tables, car handles, etc. In short all the hand-touched places are filled with germs. And these are a major source of infections.

Diseases spread by improper washing of hands

• Unclean hands are responsible for respiratory infections.
• Typhoid is another infection that spreads through unhygienic hands.
• Bouts of diarrhea are also a result of hands, not cleaned well enough.

The importance of clean hands was highlighted when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared that well cleaned hands are very important in stopping the spread of Hepatitis A.

Children should be taught early, the proper methods of hand cleaning. Supervision is necessary till they learn. The importance of washing hands every time the rest room is used should also be stressed. A happy and healthy life begins with clean hands.