Washing your hands for 20 seconds has become a mantra in today’s world. It is not only a good habit but a necessity to protect us and our loved ones from the deadly pandemic (covid-19). Mark, hand wash, and 6 m social distance are necessary for our survival. Our hands carry most of the germs to our bodies. We touch thousands of articles in our daily routine. We then touch our eyes, nose, ears, etc. Knowingly or unknowingly with some dirty hands. This way we carry those germs to our bodies. Hand wash practices need to be embedded in our lives just as eating or breathing. Let’s focus on some key points related to global handwashing day. This day is observed on the 15th of October every year.
- HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS APPROPRIATELY? There is a set procedure of hand wash to eradicate even the last germ from our body. Wet your hands with sufficient water, scrub your hands with sufficient hand wash or soap. Then scrub both the hands from all edges. Wash them with water. Dry your hands with your personal handkerchief or one-time use towel.
- THE DURATION OF HAND WASH Spends at least 20 seconds in scrubbing your hands for the eradication of germs.
- TIME INTERVALS AT WHICH TO WASH HANDS There is no defined interval for washing hands. Following are few times where handwashing is of utmost importance and especially during this pandemic time.
- Visiting a public place or public transport
- Touching any surface outside your home.
- When you cough/ sneeze.
- Before and after having meals.
- Handling garbage or dirty stuff.
- After using washrooms.
If you are outside and washing hand provision is not readily available, do carry a hand sanitizer with you.
- TEMPERATURE OF WATER People usually is confused about washing hands with hot or cold water. The temperature of the water is not important. It is the way you scrub your hands more important. Further, warm water can give your hands relaxation.
- HAND SANITIZER VS HAND WASH Which option is better hand wash or sanitizer. We should try to wash hands if it is readily available. If outside, do carry a hand sanitizer. It works as anti-bacterial in absence of soap.
Eliminate the spread of germs by washing hands regularly.
CLEAN HANDS! SAFE HANDS! HEALTHY YOU!! HEALTHY WORLD!!
Written by Mrs. Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
