As a child, my mum always ensured I washed my hands after every activity I engaged in.
Over time it became a part of me.
Among my peers I have observed that I hardly ever come down with common illnesses.
This kept me wondering and I thought it could be a function of my hand washing habit.

From recent research studies hand washing had been identified as a major way to prevent the spread of microbes and thus prevent or control incidences of common infectious diseases and ailments.

To this effect I am going to be sharing some tips on the benefits of handwashing.

What is Hand Washing?

Hand washing is the act of cleaning hands with soap and water preferably under running water in order to remove dirt, and microorganisms.
Hand washing is the best way to prevent the action of microbes and reduce germs.

When should you wash your hands ?

1.After house chores.
2.Before, during, and after preparation of meals.
3.After visiting the gym.
4.Before eating food.
5.Before and after caring for a sick individual
6.Before and after treating a cut or
wound.
7.Before consuming fruits .
8.After using the toilet.
9.After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
10.After cleaning your nose, coughing,
or sneezing
11.After a major assignment at the office.
12.After leaving laboratories.
13.After a visit to the orphanage and hospital.
14.After touching an animal, animal
feed, or animal waste.
15.After handling pet food or pet treats
16.After touching dusty surfaces.
17.After every contact with a sick person.
18.After daily class work
19.After visit to a recreational center.
20.After jogging and running a long distance
21.Before and after breastfeeding a child

WHY DO YOU NEED TO WASH YOUR HANDS ?

Germs are everywhere and you come in contact with them every time. You find them on shopping carts, door handles, window slides,mobile phones,remotes,on pets, on old and rusty materials. Germs are bacteria and viruses and some of these bacteria are Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus.

HOW TO THOROUGHLY WASH HANDS

1.Wet your hands with water and apply liquid handwash or soap.

2.Rub it on your hands,between your fingers and back of your hands too.

3.Scrub hands for at least 30 seconds

4.Remember to clean your finger nails as well while washing

5.Wash wrist too

6.Rinse with clean running water

7.Dry with a clean towel or paper towel

When you do not have soap and a running water you could use hand sanitizers or 70% alcohol

The proper way to use hand sanitizers or 70% alcohol

1. Apply the product or alcohol unto palm of one hand.
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

BENEFITS OF HANDWASHING

1.Helps reduce germs.
2.Reduces the rate of infectious disease.
3.Avoids eye infection
4.Ensures working surfaces are safe
5.Reduces respiratory tract infection
6.Helps prevent diarrhea
7.Reduces the spread of germs on work surfaces during experiments.
8.Ensures hand are safe for consuming fruits and meals.

Remember health is wealth