National Handwashing Awareness Week
National Hand Washing Awareness Week, observed December 6th- 12th, is sponsored by Henry the Hand Foundation, and 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:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- 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
