Handwashing Equals Better Health

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Handwashing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness.


When should you wash your hands?

• Before, during and after preparing food

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the toilet

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

• After touching animal waste

• After touching garbage

 

What is the right way to wash your hands?

• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap and apply soap.

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

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? 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.

 

 

— Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, June 2016