Handwashing is a simple yet powerful preventative measure that can keep us safe from a wide array of illnesses and diseases. It's one of the most effective ways to combat germs, viruses, and bacteria. But, believe it or not, we're not just talking about a quick rinse under the tap. There's an art to handwashing, and mastering it can significantly enhance your health and wellbeing. So, let's dive in and explore the science behind handwashing, the who, what, why, where, and how of this crucial activity.
Before we delve into the details, it's important to understand why handwashing is so critical. Our hands are responsible for conveying a multitude of germs and viruses to our bodies, our food, and anything we touch. By washing our hands effectively, we can remove these contaminants, preventing them from causing illness. With this in mind, let's look at the basics and the specific instances when handwashing is a must.
When and Why Handwashing is Necessary
Handwashing is a crucial part of our daily lives, especially when we're involved in activities that can easily transfer germs. Here are some scenarios where handwashing is not just recommended but necessary.
After Using the Toilet
One of the most obvious times to wash your hands is after using the toilet. During a bowel or bladder movement, germs can easily transfer to your hands. Washing them thoroughly can eliminate these bacteria, reducing the risk of illness.
Interestingly, it's been found that only about 50% of people use soap when washing their hands after using the toilet. So, the next time you're in a public restroom, remember that every time you don't use soap, you're literally washing your germs down the drain.
Before Eating
Food can easily pick up germs from our hands, which is why it's crucial to wash them before we eat. This is especially important for young children, who may not have the same germ awareness as adults.
However, it's not just about washing our own hands. Restaurant staff, food handlers, and cooks also play a significant role in preventive handwashing. They must frequently clean their hands to reduce the risk of contaminating food and causing foodborne illnesses.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hands
Now that we've established the importance of handwashing, let's delve into the specifics. Washing your hands effectively requires more than just a quick rinse under the tap. It involves a combination of factors that, together, destroy germs and keep you healthy.
Using Soap
Soap is a critical component of handwashing because it helps to break down the coating on many germs, making them easier to wash off. Soap also helps lift dirt off your hands, which can harbor bacteria.
While any soap will do, experts suggest using alcohol-based soap or regular soap with hot water. Soap that contains-acting substances like triclosan or triclocarban may be marketed as “antibacterial,” but they're not necessarily more effective than regular soap.
Rubbing Your Hands Together
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends rubbing your hands vigorously together under running water. This helps to remove germs, particularly verses simply lathering up at the sink.
Washing for the Right Duration
The generally accepted time to wash your hands is 20 seconds or the duration of singing "Happy Birthday" twice. This might seem like an eternity, but it's the ideal length to effectively remove or kill germs.
If you're ever unsure about how long to wash, consider carrying a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer with you. According to the CDC, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can effectively kill many types of germs. However, hand sanitizers should not be used if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Rinsing and Drying
After washing, it's essential to rinse thoroughly. However, it's not just about removing soap residue; it's about removing remaining germs. The water pressure from rinsing also helps to dislodge any remaining microbes.
Finally, drying your hands is equally important. Germs can be more easily transferred to other surfaces and items when our hands are wet. While paper towels and air dryers can be used, a 2009 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology suggested that jet air dryers may spread more bacteria than conventional dryers.
Remember, handwashing is a skill that improves with practice. While hand sanitizers can be helpful in a pinch, soap and water is always the best defense against germs. So, the next time you reach for the faucet, take the extra few seconds to ensure you're doing it right. After all, a little preventative hygiene can go a long way in keeping you, and those around you, healthy.