National Handwashing Awareness Week

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 National Hand Washing Awareness Week, observed December 6th- 12th, is sponsored by Henry the Hand Foundationand reminds us to be vigilant about hand-washing, especially this time of year because it’s cold and flu season! As we all know, practicing good hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent infections and the spread of germs.

Follow these five steps every time you wash your hands:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Endorsed by the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians, the four principles of hand awareness are: 1) Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating; 2) Do not cough into hands; 3) Do not sneeze into hands; and 4) Don’t put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.

Practicing the correct way to wash your hands and being mindful of the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness will help you remain healthy during COVID-19 or flu season!

To learn more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Categories: Blog- ICR