Handwashing - Process

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How to Properly Wash Your Hands March 7, 2012 It may be hard to believe that something as simple as regular hand washing can make a difference in a family’s health, but proper hand washing can have a big impact on a family’s risk for getting sick. Even though most people know to wash their hands, most do not know how to wash properly. Knowing when to wash, preparation, washing, and drying are essential to the proper hand washing technique. Hand washing is easy to do and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. As one touches people, surfaces, and objects throughout the day, germs accumulate on ones hands. We have always been taught to wash our hands after using the restroom and before we eat. What about during and after preparing food, treating wounds or caring for a sick person? How about blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, handling garbage, household chemicals, or anything that could be contaminated or simply shaking hands with someone else? All of these situations call for proper hand washing technique. Hands should be washed periodically during the day to prevent the risk of illness or infection. Proper hand washing technique begins with preparation. During the preparation remove jewelry, including watches. Jewelry has small crevices that can hold microorganisms. Sweat, dead skin, and dirt can combine with the warm semi-moist skin and harbor under the jewelry and cause bacterial growth. The removal of jewelry and watches will enable thorough washing of hands of wrists. While removing jewelry look around the sink area and make sure there is adequate liquid soap and paper towels within reach. One important thing to remember when preparing to properly wash your hands is try to avoid contact with the sink with your hands or clothing. The sink provides an excellent area for bacteria growth because of the
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