There is a right way to wash your hands and this year with the flu running rampant this season, it is important to do it right.
Below are some of the basics from some of the leading authorities on fighting infectious disease:
Mayo Clinic:Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:
Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Lather well.
Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 seconds.
Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse well.
Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
Use a towel to turn off the faucet.
For more from mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407
From WebMD:
Wash your hands after:
Eating or snacking.
Handling money.
Touching your ears, nose, or mouth.
Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Touching your pets.
Any kind of cleaning or hand contact with dirty equipment or work surfaces.
Caring for someone who is sick or injured.
Taking out the garbage.
Using the bathroom.
Changing diapers.
More of WebMD's article:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tv7076.asp
And from KidsHealth.com a site for kids to learn some interesting statistics:
Defensive Hand Washing
Did you know that an estimated 1 out of 5 people don't wash their hands after using the restroom? In 2005 the American Society for Microbiology did a survey of hand washing. They asked people questions about their hand-washing habits and also watched people in public restrooms. The results were kind of gross. For example:
People don't always wash their hands after using the bathroom - 91% of adults say they always wash their hands after using public restrooms, but just 83% were seen doing so.
People wash their hands less at home - 83% say they wash their hands after using the bathroom at home. Germs are germs, and a bathroom is a bathroom.
Only 32% of people in the survey said they wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. So it's nice that you protect the people around you by covering your mouth with your hand when you cough. But if you then reach for your friend's pizza, you might as well not have bothered.
Just 21% wash their hands after handling money.
Only 42% of the people in the survey washed up after petting a dog or cat. You've seen your dog roll in that mystery smell in the park or your cat rub against you after using the litter pan. Fido and Fluffy are dirtier than you think.
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/handwashing.html
Educating only one takes creativity and alot of prayer... this blog is an eclectic mix of ideas and thoughts about our day and the ways we learn to lean on the Lord, to make each day significant for His glory..
