The first full week in December is recognized as National Handwashing Awareness Week when we are all reminded that handwashing is an effective way to prevent infections and illnesses. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sponsors the national campaign, “Clean Hands Saves Lives” that teaches the five effective steps(wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry) in handwashing to “reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses so you can stay healthy longer.”
With 80% of communicable diseases transferred by touch and understanding that proper handwashing several times daily can reduce diarrhea rates by 40%, it is important to educate the public that proper handwashing should become a healthy habit. Here are some healthy handwashing tips to remember:
- Wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Lather and clean your entire hand, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Dry your hands after washing with a clean dry towel after every wash.
- Learn the four principles of handwashing:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
- Do not cough into your hands.
- Do not sneeze into your hands.
- Do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://nationaltoday.com/national-handwashing-awareness-week/
https://nationalcalendar.com/national-hand-washing-awareness-week-first-full-week-in-december/
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html