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Staying Healthy

© Keri

We all know the basics. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest. A challenge anytime and even more so, during this time of world stress. However, there is something equally if not more important. In this age when antibiotics and vaccines are readily available, we forget that there are some very simple things that we can do to reduce our risks.

The best defense against communicable disease costs only pennies not millions of dollars. It's very simple. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wash them before you prepare or eat food, after you use the toilet, after you change a diaper, wash your hands. Now, I can feel you looking at me funny, but it's true. The simple act of washing your hands can prevent many diseases from spreading, such as hepatitis, colds, and flu.

Now, I'm not talking about the "2 seconds under the water and go" technique that our kids use. Good handwashing requires soap, water and at least 15 seconds of your time. Handwashing is so important that the Center for Disease Control in the US has even published instructions.

How to Wash Hands

Always use warm, running water and a mild, preferably liquid, soap. Antibacterial soaps may be used, but are not required. Premoistened cleansing towelettes do not effectively clean hands and do not take the place of handwashing.

Wet the hands and apply a small amount (dime to quarter size) of liquid soap to hands.

Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for at least 15 seconds. Be sure to scrub between fingers, under fingernails, and around the tops and palms of the hands.

Rinse hands under warm running water. Leave the water running while drying hands.

Dry hands with a clean, disposable (or single use) towel, being careful to avoid touching the faucet handles or towel holder with clean hands.

Turn the faucet off using the towel as a barrier between your hands and the faucet handle.

Discard the used towel in a trash can lined with a fluid-resistant (plastic) bag. Trashcans with foot-pedal operated lids are preferable.

Consider using hand lotion to prevent chapping of hands. If using lotions, use liquids or tubes that can be squirted so that the hands do not have direct contact with container spout. Direct contact with the spout could contaminate the lotion inside the container.

When helping a child in handwashing, either hold the child (if an infant) or have the child stand on a safety step at a height at which the child's hands can hang freely under the running water. Assist the child in performing all of the above steps and then wash your own hands.

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