How many times a day do you wash your hands? Maybe it's just the usual times, like before eating or after using the toilet? But did you know that proper handwashing is a very simple, yet very powerful habit that protects us and our families from many more diseases than we think. Sometimes, since we've been washing our hands since we were little, you might think, "What's new here?" But in reality, knowing exactly how to wash your hands, how long to wash them, and when to wash them is very important. So, let's talk about that today, shall we?
What is handwashing? Let's understand exactly.
Simply put, handwashing is the act of washing your hands with soap, running clean water, and then drying them thoroughly. It is important to wash your hands several times a day. This is especially important before preparing food and after using the bathroom.
But, it's not enough to just know when to wash your hands. You also need to know how to wash your hands properly. You might be thinking, "Oh, what's that, I've been doing it since I was a kid." But when we're in a hurry, or when we don't understand the importance of doing it properly, it's easy to forget what we've learned. Washing your hands properly, and doing it regularly, can go a long way in keeping you and your family healthy. Even if you do get sick, good handwashing habits can help reduce the spread of germs to others.
Why is hand washing so important?
Hand washing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of infections. Germs are everywhere. From your kitchen counter to the handrail on the bus, there can be germs. Our immune system can fight off many of these germs and protect us. But sometimes, the germs win, and we get sick. That's where proper hand washing comes in.
Research has found that keeping your hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 stomach problems like diarrhea, as well as 1 in 5 respiratory infections like colds and coughs! Just think, it seems like a small thing, but it's a big deal, right?
The reason is that our hands are a very convenient means of transport for germs. Think of it this way, germs are like passengers on a bus. They get on our hands and go where they want to go, which is to the cells inside our bodies. It all happens very simply: we touch a germ-laden surface, then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth with the same hand. That's when those germs enter our bodies through the mucus membranes, which are the pathways through which they enter our bodies, and start causing illness.
But when we wash our hands, it's like changing the route of that "bus." Instead of the germs going into our bodies, they're washed away with the water. While some germs may struggle to hold on, if we wash our hands properly and long enough, we can kill most of them before they reach their destination. If you don't get sick, you'll also stop spreading germs to others.
How long should we wash our hands?
You should wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Many people think, "I'll wash my hands for that long anyway." But in reality, when we're busy with work all day, it's no wonder we rush to wash our hands and move on to the next task. Research shows that most people don't wash their hands long enough to get the most out of handwashing.
If you look at a watch, 20 seconds is a little longer than you think. It's about the same amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. As you watch the time for a few days and wash your hands, you'll get used to the 20-second time. Then it will become a habit.
What are the correct steps for washing hands?
Think about it: What's the first thing you do when you start washing your hands? If you immediately think of applying soap, that's okay, but it's not. The first thing you should do is wet your hands with water. When you get a little water, the soap's ability to grab and remove germs and toxins increases.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Wet your hands: Use clean, running water (it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold). Then, turn off the tap to avoid wasting water.
2. Apply soap: Apply soap well and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don't forget to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, and around your wrists. This is the most important part. The friction created when you rub your hands together will help clean your hands thoroughly.
3. Wash your hands: Turn on the tap again and rinse your hands thoroughly under running water. Rinse until all the soap is gone. Only by rinsing thoroughly will all the germs, chemicals, and dirt be removed from your hands.
4. Turn off the tap: Now that your hands are clean, touching the tap again can introduce germs. So turn off the tap with your elbow or a clean paper towel.
5. Dry your hands: Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean paper towel or hand towel. Some people shake their hands and let them air dry. However, research shows that dry hands spread fewer germs than wet hands. Therefore, drying your hands thoroughly can help keep them cleaner for longer.
Remember: When washing your hands, make sure to wash every area thoroughly, especially between your fingers and under your nails. These are the places where germs can easily hide.
When should we definitely wash our hands?
We need to wash our hands at various times throughout the day, whether at home, at work, or when we go out. But with the daily routine, we can forget about these times. A simple way to remember the main times to wash our hands is to remember the English word `FACES`. But let's understand it in Sinhala in our own way.
1. In matters related to food and drink (Food)
Food goes directly into our mouths, so it's one of the easiest ways for germs to enter our bodies. To keep food preparation areas clean and prevent germs from getting on food, wash your hands at these times:
- Before eating any food, especially food eaten with your hands (e.g. rice, roti, fruit).
- Before and after preparing food.
- Immediately after handling raw meat and fish (before touching anything else, including spice packets and the fridge door).
- After touching things like garbage and compost.
- After wiping down kitchen counters and tables (at this point, you need to remove the chemicals from the cleaning liquid from your hands).
2. When hanging out with animals (Animals)
Germs can also be spread from other animals, including our beloved pets. So don't forget to wash your hands during these times:
- After touching pets, especially if you are preparing food or working in the kitchen.
- After touching things like animal food and biscuits.
- If you touch another animal that is not in your home.
- After cleaning the animals' cages and living areas.
3. When taking care of someone (Caregiving)
If you're caring for a young child, an elderly person, or someone who is sick, it can be difficult to prevent them from spreading germs. To reduce your risk, wash your hands when:
- After caring for someone who is sick.
- After changing a baby's diaper.
- After helping someone clean up after going to the bathroom.
4. Exposure to bodily fluids
Body fluids contain a lot of germs. To stop spreading disease, wash your hands at these times:
- After using the toilet.
- When you scratch your nose, get a cold, or cough.
- After wiping the nose.
- After cleaning up after vomiting or diarrhea (yours or someone else's).
- Before and after cleaning and dressing a wound (yours or someone else's).
5. Don't forget in special situations like this (Special situations)
Not everything in life can be categorized in the same way. The main times when you should wash your hands have been mentioned above. But there are other times when you should wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer if there is no sink nearby. These are:
- Before putting in contact lenses (use soap and water at this time).
- After touching commonly used items at work, such as the computer keyboard and other equipment.
- After touching places that are touched by many people, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails.
- Upon returning home from spending time outdoors in a public place.
- At times when your organization's rules require you to wash your hands.
If you have questions about when and how often you should wash your hands, it's best to ask a doctor. They can give you advice that's right for you, based on your health, family needs, and the type of work you do.
Is it necessary to use antibacterial soap?
No. All you need is any type of soap and water to get rid of germs. There is no evidence that antibacterial soap is better at preventing illness than regular soap and water for most people. However, healthcare workers may follow different guidelines in some cases.
Is it okay to use body wash to wash your hands?
Yes, you can. Any type of soap is fine, and it will help remove germs from your hands. But you need to follow the steps above exactly. Remember, some body washes have strong scents that can linger on your hands even after you wash them.
Is hand washing better or hand sanitizer?
It depends on the situation. Both methods of hand washing work slightly differently. Soap and water are very effective at removing germs and harmful substances from hands. Hand sanitizers kill some types of germs.
It's best to use soap and water whenever possible, as it's better than hand sanitizer for these things:
- Eliminate some serious disease-causing germs, such as `Norovirus` and `C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)`.
- Remove things like pesticides and heavy metals (e.g. lead).
- Remove dirt and grease from your hands from outdoor activities (such as fishing, camping).
However, hand sanitizer is also useful sometimes:
- When you visit someone in a hospital or nursing home, you should probably use hand sanitizer before and after you leave. (However, if the person you are visiting has a specific infection, such as C. diff, use soap and water.)
- When you can't find soap and running water , use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as possible at a sink.
- When it comes to cleaning your little ones' hands. Handwashing is the best thing for little ones, especially if they have dirty, sticky hands. But it takes a while for little ones to get used to washing their hands properly. Hand sanitizer is easy for them to use, especially when you're traveling. But it should be done under adult supervision, because these are very dangerous if swallowed. So keep them out of reach of children.
To effectively kill germs, the hand sanitizer you use should contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. This level is also necessary to kill the COVID-19 virus.
Can washing your hands too often cause a problem?
It's said that too much of anything is not good. While it's important to wash your hands at key times, here are some things that can happen if you wash your hands too often:
- The natural oils on your hands and the good bacteria that fight germs can be lost.
- Hands become dry, cracked, and flaky, making it easier for germs to enter the body.
- They may increase in people with skin conditions like eczema.
- A skin allergy called ``irritant contact dermatitis'' may occur.
If you have to wash your hands frequently, whether for work or other reasons, using a moisturizer that keeps your hands soft, especially one that contains emollients, can help. You can also talk to your doctor about ways to keep your skin as soft as possible and prevent allergies.
So, what is the most important thing we should take home from this story? (Take-Home Message)
Like brushing our teeth or washing the dishes, washing our hands is probably something we do out of habit, without much thought. We've probably done it a million times, and we probably don't even think about how we do it. But every now and then, it's good to see if there's room for improvement in the way we do it.
When it comes to handwashing, that might mean adding a few extra seconds to your routine. Or it might mean reminding yourself to dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel. Taking a little extra time to master the art of handwashing will go a long way in keeping you and your family healthy. It’s a simple thing, but it has a huge impact . So, let’s start doing these little things today, shall we?
` Handwashing, How to wash hands, Germs, Health, Cleanliness, Health habits, Infection prevention, Handwashing
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