Our skin is the barrier between our insides and the outside. It is the largest organ of the human body, measuring about two square meters on average. As creepy as some may find it, our skin is a playground for viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. Our nooks and crannies are positively teeming with tiny life forms. The Belly Button Biodiversity Project swabbed the navels of 60 people and found over 2,300 species of bacteria, 1,458 of which were previously unknown to science.
Our hands are perhaps most exposed of all, since they are constantly in contact with surfaces, objects, food, and other people.
With the advent of the COVID-19 virus, hand washing became one of the simplest and most obvious ways to help reduce its spread. All medical professionals and physical therapists need to understand how critical it is to keep our hands clean.
Hand sanitizer is useful in minimizing the transfer of pathogens via the hands, but it also kills beneficial bacteria. Soap, water, and technique form a better approach to simply produce clean hands.
Handwashing Steps for Your Health
1. Start with Warm Water
2. Applying Soap
3. Rinsing is Key
5. Don't Forget to Dry
Washing your hands is the first step in preventing the spread of illnesses
Key Times to Wash Your Hands
- Before AND after treating a client or patient
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before and after eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
- After riding public transit
