If you’re a mom, you’ve probably told your kids to wash their hands a million times. But did you remember to wash your own hands lately? Washing hands is the one single thing you can do to significantly reduce your chances of contracting illness. In fact, hand washing is so effective in preventing the spread of germs that the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) refers to it as a “do-it-yourself vaccine.”
If you’re caring for young children, it’s even more important to wash your hands regularly, to protect both yourself and your children. And if you’re a mom, your health is pivotal. Who’s going to make sure that life continues as normal if you get sick?!
Since we’re in the cold and flu season, here are some reminders about when and how to wash hands, including your own:
How to Wash
While any mom loves the convenience of hand sanitizers, washing your hands with running water and soap is still the most effective way to kill the most germs. The CDC list five steps to hand washing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. You may be surprised to learn that washing your hands with cold water is okay if warm water isn’t available.
- Lather your hands with soap
- Scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails.
- Rinse your hands well.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel.
While hand washing is important, so is taking care to protect your skin. Washing your hands frequently can cause them to become dry and cracked, and cracks in your skin are open pathways for germs to enter your body. So make sure you also treat yourself to a good moisturizer after hand washing, especially if you’re washing a lot.
As far as hand sanitizers go, save them for instances when running water and soap aren’t available. When you do use them, make sure you go for one that’s at least 60% alcohol. Sanitizers with higher alcohol concentrations kill more germs.
When to Wash
There are a lot of reasons you should head to the sink for a hand washing:
Dealing With Food
- Food preparation: Wash your hands before, during and after food preparation.
- Before Eating
- After touching garbage
Dealing with the Bathroom
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up with a child who has used the bathroom.
Dealing with Illness
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before and after caring for a sick person
Dealing with Animals
- After touching an animal, their feed or waste
- After handling pet food
If you’re a mom, you’re busy. Having to wash your hands every time you turn around may just seem like too much work sometimes. But the benefits of frequent hand washing can save you a lot of misery in the long run.
The compassionate staff at All About Women strives to provide the best preventative health care for all women in Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding communities. You can learn about more ways to protect your health by visiting our Knowledge Center.
