While you should schedule a visit with a healthcare professional if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s equally important to take preventative steps to preserve your health. Washing your hands using the appropriate methods is a simple task that can have a profound effect on you and the people around you. This guide explains why hand washing is so important. 

Why You Should Wash Your Hands Often

The number one reason to wash your hands is to stop the spread of illness. This is why healthcare professionals are so adamant about hand washing during flu season; the simple act of washing your hands frequently may prevent you from becoming ill, but it can also spare others. 

Hand washing can also prevent other types of health issues. Spreading bacteria from your hands to your eyes can cause infections, including conjunctivitis. While not a serious ailment, conjunctivitis does cause discomfort and itching. If you have allergies, washing your hands frequently will also prevent you from introducing allergens, such as pet dander and dust mites, into your system. 

The Steps for Washing Your Hands Properly

For maximum protection, wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the restroom facilities, after touching garbage or other waste, and both before and after attending to a person who is ill. When washing, use the following steps:

• Use Clean, Flowing Water: The temperature of the water is not important; both hot and cold will suffice. Wet the hands first, then use soap.
• Scrub Your Entire Hand: Get the tops and bottoms, between fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday to yourself (which should be about 20 seconds).
• Rinse & Dry: After scrubbing, let the flowing water rinse off the soap. When drying, use a clean towel or an air-drying machine. 

While hand sanitizer is effective, it’s not a replacement for the above steps. Feel free to carry hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to running water and soap, but don’t skip a thorough hand washing in favor of it. 

When you have medical questions, a healthcare professional can provide clear and concise answers. This is certainly true for patients of Delhi Internal Medicine in Cincinnati, which has offered excellent healthcare service to locals for more than five decades. While they encourage their patients to take preventative steps like those listed above, they also offer primary care services to treat conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Call (513) 347-3302 to schedule an appointment today or visit them online to see testimonials from past patients.