Hand Washing

Everyone hear about the whole H1N1 fiasco? I’m assuming so. What a better way to stay healthy than to wash your hands? You’ll be surprised how many people don’t wash their hands! I can’t speak for the females of our species, but I can tell you that I’ve observed about 75% of human males doing their business and waltzing right out of the bathroom. What’s up with that? Completely unsanitary, unhealthy, and just plain old YUCK. I don’t get freaked out by a lot of things, but this is certainly something to be afraid of. Just think about it. Isn’t it common sense, after you use the restroom to wash your hands with some soap and water? Apparently some people are deathly allergic to water.

So they do the dirty and then skip the hand-washing station and head directly to the door. Most of the time, the door is shut and they reach out with their soiled hands and grab the door knob, spreading their stuff all over the place. Who knows where they go next. Are they going to the food court to get some eats? What are they eating? Are they going to meet up with their kids? If not for your own health, do it for everyone else. 10 times out of 10, they’re going to be in contact with others or with things that others will be in contact with. That makes me sick to my stomach.

It’s nice to know that there are people who advocate hand washing. I just saw a PSA on TV and I’m glad they’re teaching it to kids. They have to learn how to take care of themselves because there are some very irresponsible adults out there. I’m not telling them how to teach their kids, but kids learn by example. If you take them to the bathroom and you yourself don’t wash your hands, they won’t either. That’s just how it works. Below is a PSA that I found starring Elmo, from Sesame Street. Good stuff.

Elmo hand-washing PSA

If you watched the above YouTube video, you might also see that they mention sneezing and coughing into the bend of your arm, so you don’t spread your germs all over the place. What about avoiding touching your orifices? Those are two good tips for avoiding the flu and getting sick in general.

When should you wash your hands? The suggestions below have been adapted from the Massachusetts Department of Health for the Rhode Island Department of Health. I’m bringing this to you now. Yes, it’s a plea.

1) When arriving at work.

2) After going to the bathroom.

3) After smoking.

4) After touching your hair, face, or clothing.

5) After eating and drinking.

6) After handling food.

7) After handling garbage and trash.

After handling dirty equipment, dishes, or utensils.

9) After touching raw meats, poultry, and fish.

10) Anytime you go from one thing to another.

Those are some occasions where you would want to wash your hands. Hand-washing is good news.

Now probably the meat of this blog post. HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS: STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL.

1) Wet your hands with warm running water.

2) Apply liquid or bar hand washing soap and lather well.

3) Vigorously rub your hands together, making sure to get in between your fingers and under your fingernails. Use your best judgment in this step because certain task will require longer scrubbing. However, make sure you rub and scrub for at least 30 seconds. Make sure to get the back of your hand and wrists as well.

4) Rinse, rinse, and rinse well.

5) Dry your hands with a clean towel and use it to turn off the water. You should also keep that towel and open the restroom door with it, then, using your feet to hold the door open, toss the towel in the waste basket as you walk out.

JUST DO IT!