Hand Washing Awareness

Did you know only 2/3 of adults in the US wash their hands after using the bathroom (CDC, 2013)? Or, did you know that only 1 in 3 adults wash their hands after sneezing or coughing (kidshealth.org, 2011)? Poor habits of improper hand washing can lead to anything from food borne illnesses such as E. coli to bacterial infections. Due to the overwhelming numbers and perilous statistics, JBM-HH ACS would like to provide you with critical hand washing information.
Many people grow up learning distinct, hygienic values such as teeth brushing 2-3 times a day, face washing, or hair styling. Yet, individuals may forget that regular hand washing is part of good hygiene routine, also. It is imperative for you to remember to wash your hands before and after certain occurrences. Tons of microbes are carried on hands; some act in a positive manner, others can cause ailments or diarrhea. Ultimately, hand washing prevents illnesses and germ spreading to other body parts or individuals.

Read below to find out some interesting facts on the importance of hand washing.

• Washing your hands is often the first line of defense against germs. (Kidshealth.org, 2011)
• Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed his or her hands, one million deaths a year could be prevented. (CDC, 2013)
• A large percentage of food borne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. (CDC, 2013)
• Hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%. (CDC, 2013)

So, you may not know this, but some of you may have been washing your hands the wrong way ALL of your life. Although hand washing is a simple task, it takes a little more time and effort to thoroughly cleanse those paws of yours. Below are the proper steps you should use when washing your hands:

1. Wet hands with warm water (not hot) and use soap.
2. Rub your hands together, making sure to scrub all areas.
3. Rub for a minimum of 15 seconds or sing “Happy Birthday.”
4. Rinse thoroughly, then dry hands on a clean towel.
5. Turn faucet off with the towel, not hands, to keep away from re-contamination.(CDC,” Correct Way to Wash Hands”)

Are you stunned by the 5 steps of correct hand washing and want to learn more information about this sanitary task? If you answered yes, visit http://www.healthreachchc.org/news/healthTip.php?IDT=39 to view 6 additional main rules of hand washing.

Now that we know why hand washing is important and how to do the joyous chore correctly, before you go, read the list of consequential times to wash your hands.

Wash your hands:

1. Before you prepare food
2. Before you eat
3. After you sneeze or cough
4. After you put your contact lenses in your eyes
5. After you play with any animal or clean up after your pets

To learn more about hand washing, visit:

• http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/ (CDC, 2103)
• http://www.henrythehand.com/news-events/national-handwashing-awareness-week/
• http://www.healthreachchc.org/news/healthTip.php?IDT=39
• http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.htm(kidshealth.org, 2011)

Have some extra tips for hand washing? Share with us! ACS would love to hear from you!


**Links to external and non-DOD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of Defense endorsement of a commercial entity.**