The Importance of Hand Hygiene

The importance of hand hygiene cannot be over-emphasized and proper hand washing is one vital exercise that helps prevent and control the spread of many diseases.

Good hand hygiene will reduce the risk of illnesses like flu, food poisoning and healthcare associated infections being passed from person to person.

When do I need to wash my hands?

The hands normally carry lots of germs and should be washed:

•       After visiting the toilet

•       Before handling food

•       When the hands are visibly dirty

•       After coughing or sneezing into your hands

Rigorous? Maybe, but it is better than a bushel of medical pills...

How to wash your hands

It is important that you wash your hands properly. Make sure that you wash both your hands including the tips of your fingers, the palms of your hands and thumbs.

Because I hold you in a special place in my heart, I am going to outline to you the steps you need to follow to ensure that your hands are properly washed each time you do so. 
Follow me...

1. Wet your hands with soap

2. Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hand

 

3. Rub your hands palm to palm
 

4. Rub your right palm over the back of your left hand with your fingers interlaced and vice versa

 

5. Rub your Palm over the other with your fingers interlaced

6. Rub the back of your fingers with the opposing palms with fingers interlocked

 

7. Rotationally rub your left thumb clasped in the right palm and vice versa

8. Rotationally rub, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of your right hand in left palm and vice versa

9. Rinse your hands with water

10. Dry your hands thoroughly with a dry towel (Avoid public towels, especially the ones you have in bistros or restaurants).

 

11. Do you know that micro-organisms are ubiquitous, so dearie, don't go locking the faucet with that washed hands.You will end up defiling them again. Use a towel to turn off the tap.

 

12. Go ahead and eat your food, 'cause your hands are now clean

 

 

Yeah it's the month of July! Happy New Month, sweethearts...I wish you all good and speedy successes in all your endeavours, especially in your determination to keep your hands clean all the time.

Adopted from World Health Organisation