Clean hands are healthy.Byline: HEALTH The Register-Guard "Handwashing is the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick and to avoid spreading illness to others." - SUSAN ALLEN, M.D. Clean hands freedom from guilt, esp. from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe taking. See also: Hand are healthy Use soap and clean, running water Warm water is best. Lather up and scrub for 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song two times through. Why soap? Soap mixes with skin oil and loosens grease grease, mixture of lubricant and thickener. It is used to reduce friction between surfaces from which oils would leak away or cause damage by dripping, or where lubrication must be assured for extended periods. Many greases are mixtures of mineral oil and soap. and dirt that may hold germs. What kind of soap? Plain soap is better than antibacterial soap antibacterial soap A bactericidal agent used to clean the skin–eg, Betadine, pHisoHex . If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based gel as a substitute. Wash your hands often The average person touches eyes, nose and mouth, which are the easiest ways germs get inside the body, at least 200 times a day. When to wash The most important times to wash hands are before preparing or eating food; after going to the bathroom or diapering di·a·per n. 1. a. A folded piece of absorbent material, such as paper or cloth, that is placed between a baby's legs and fastened at the waist to contain excretions. b. a child; before and after caring for someone who is sick or bleeding; after blowing your nose; coughing or sneezing To verbally tell somebody about a new and interesting Web site. See viral marketing. and after handling an animal, animal waste or garbage garbage: see solid waste. . A 2005 national study found 91 percent of adults said they always washed their hands after using public restrooms, yet just 83 percent were observed doing so; 77 percent said they always washed their hands before handling or eating food; just 42 percent said they washed their hands after petting a dog or cat; and only 32 percent did so after coughing or sneezing (for more info, visit www.washup.org) - Adapted from an article by Susan Allen, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., administrator of the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division |
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