HAND WASHING ESSENTIALS

Why Wash

• Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading.
• Think about all of the things that you touched today - from the telephone to the toilet. Whatever you did today, you came into contact with germs.
• It's easy for a germ on your hand to end up in your mouth. Think about how many foods you eat with your hands.
• You can't wear rubber gloves all day long, but you can wash your hands so those germs don't get a chance to make you or someone else sick.

Best hand washing Techniques

• Always use warm water
• Wet hands before applying soap
• Rub hands together and create friction for about as long as it takes to sing you ABC’s, Don’t forget to rub between your fingers.
• Rinse hands thoroughly, removing all soap
• Turn faucet off with something other than your bare hand.  Try using a paper towel
• Dry hands with an aid dryer or a clean paper towel.
• Do not open the restroom door with your bare hands.  Try using a paper towel.
• If there is no soap in the restroom, no problem, use an alcohol based sanitizer.
• Always wash your hands or use an alcohol based sanitizer.  Bacteria and viruses, although not seen, are everywhere.  And as we all know, not everyone washes their hands.

Common Germs that can live on your hands

• Streptococcus Pneumoniae which can cause pneumonia
• Staphylococcus Aureus which can give you a staph infection
• Streptococci which is responsible for most sore throats
• Haemophilus which can cause the highly contagious pink eye

Remember not to rub your hands on your eyes, nose, and in your mouth, without washing them well first.

For more information contact Health Education Healtheducation@simmons.edu  or call  617-521-1001