Handwashing: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

 
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It's National Handwashing Week, December 1-7. Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect you and your loved ones from infections and illnesses. According to the CDC, washing your hands often is important, especially when preparing food or after eating, caring for someone ill, before/after treating a wound, after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. You also should wash hands when working with animals or touching garbage.

Follow these steps when washing your hands:

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

  • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds while you sing or hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Source: CDC.gov

Lincoln Family Medicine Center