Why It's So Important Hand Washing: Why It's So Important

Hand Washing: Why It's So Important
Hand- Washing Importance.
Touch is one of the ways people interact with the world around them. If you tried to keep track of how many times you touched something, including your own nose, eyes, or mouth, you’d probably give up counting within a few minutes.
As natural as it may be, it’s through touch that hands become exposed to thousands of harmful germs and bacteria each day. Proper hand-washing eliminates most of these microorganisms, keeping you and others healthier. 
Medical hand hygiene refers to hygiene practices related to medical procedures. Hand washing before administering medicine or medical care can prevent or minimize the spread of disease. The main medical purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (like bacteria or viruses) and chemicals which can cause harm or disease. This is especially important for people who handle food or work in the medical field, but also important practice for the general public.
These illnesses range from respiratory infections such as pneumonia to gastric infections that cause diarrhea. Many of these conditions can be fatal to some, such as babies and children. You can pass these germs on, even if you’re not sick yourself.

Hand washing with soap consistently at critical moments during the day prevents the spread of diseases like Diarrhoea and cholera which are transmitted through fecal-oral routes. People can become infected with respiratory diseases such as influenza or the common cold, for example, if they do not wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Washing your hands properly with soap and running water can stave off illnesses that affect healthy people as well as those with weakened immune systems.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are available as wipes and in gel form. They’re a convenient on-the-go option to use when soap and running water aren’t readily available.
They shouldn’t, however, be used regularly instead of hand-washing, since soap and water is more appropriate for regularly removing dirt, debris, and harmful germs than hand sanitizers.
Using hand sanitizers too frequently can also reduce the number of helpful bacteria on your hands and skin.
Make the most of hand sanitizer by keeping these things in mind:
o    Use alcohol-based products. It’s important to check ingredients and to use a sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Ethanol alcohol and isopropanol alcohol are both acceptable types.
o    Scrub your hands. Use the amount of hand sanitizer recommended on the label and rub into both hands vigorously. Make sure to get all areas of the hands, including the wrists and under nails, just as you do when washing. Rub until they air dry.
o    Have some within reach. It’s a good idea to keep some hand sanitizer with you. It can come in handy when you walk your dog, travel, or attend class at school.