Promoting Proper Handwashing
Why Handwashing Matters
Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of many diseases and conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of washing hands with soap and clean, running water as a key strategy to avoid illness and reduce the transmission of germs.
Their recommendations for effective handwashing, alongside guidelines for using hand sanitizer, are based on extensive research and data from various studies. Understanding the science behind handwashing highlights how clean hands can significantly contribute to maintaining good health.
By adopting these practices, individuals not only protect themselves but also help safeguard the health of those around them. Make handwashing a routine part of your day to enhance your overall well-being and promote a healthier community.
20 SECONDS...
Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods
Keep it Dry
wet hands are 1,000 times more likely to transfer and pick up germs than dry ones.
The Mission: Educating the food service industry on the critical importance of proper handwashing practices to ensure health and safety for all.
Washing hands prevents illnesses and spread of infections to others
Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:
People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.
Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, tabletops, or toys, and then transferred to another person's hands.
Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:
Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40%
Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%
Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%